PET PACKING TIPS
When it comes to your pets – not just packing for yourself and your partner, you’ll need to consider all extra arrangements before you even set off for your adventure. From camping, hiking or day trips to nearby woods to a week long city hopping or even packing your life for overseas moves. Things get complicated and planning ahead is a must.
- Make dog-friendly travel arrangements: Research pet friendly hotels, Airbnb, camping grounds well before your trip. Ensure that the places you plan to visit, such as parks, restaurants, and activities, are also pet-friendly.
- Plan rest stops and exercise breaks: For the best comfort of your dog, plan regular rest stops during road trips and to allow your dog to stretch their legs, relieve themselves. Research pet-friendly rest areas or parks along your route where your dog can safely run and play. Create a cozy space for them in the car or at your accommodations where they can relax and feel at ease.
- Acclimate your dog for travel journeys: Gradually acclimate your dog to traveling by taking them on short car rides or practice trips to familiarise them with the experience. Consider using a travel bed and seat belt harness to keep your dog safe and secure in the car or use a foldable travel crate, if your dog uses one.
- Pack essential supplies: Bring along your dog’s travel essentials, including food, water, bowls, medication, leash, collar with ID tags, bedding, toys, and waste disposal bags. It’s also a good idea to pack a first aid kit for your dog in case of emergencies.
- Get them vaccinated: If you’re traveling to areas where certain diseases are prevalent, make sure you have up to date vaccination, esp. rabies for any UK based animals. But please consult your vet to determine if and what are the additional vaccinations or health precautions that are needed based on your destinations. Make sure their current microchip is readable with the scanner and you are aware of their location on your pet.
Whether you are planning an overnight trip out of town or exploring a national park over a week, some items are essential regardless of your final destination. Make sure you pack with a plan ahead – you’ll need things like food, bowls, and an extra leash on your dog packing list.
Here is a dog packing list you can follow to ensure you’re well-prepared for wherever your adventure takes you:
- Essentials documents: Pet Passport/ Animal Health Certificate if travelling outside of the UK
- Food bowl and water bowl – one extra collapsible small bowl to take on hikes or restaurants
- Kibble bag with extra food – now that the UK has left the EU, be aware – officially, you are not allowed to bring meat or dairy-based dog food (including treats) with you unless your vet has given you written confirmation that your dog requires a certain dog food for medical reasons (and even then the limit is only 2 kg).
- Harness
- Any medications your dog takes – if travelling out of the UK, worming tablets for your return – read more on rules on
- Treats plus smaller container to take them with you for
- Blankets, packable towels or and mat for your dog to lie on
- Travel bed
- Rain jackets
- Seat belt harness
- Dog collar lights
- Brush/ comb, nail clippers
- First aid kit
- Doggy poo bags
- Toys to keep your dog occupied
- Extra leash (flexible one for hikes, camping, runs or activities)
Having all your pet supplies in one convenient bag simplifies the process of navigating new places while travelling, from one hub to other travel destinations, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey with your furry animal.
PACKING TIPS FOR CAMPING AND OUTDOORS
Explore nature together and sleeping under the stars can be even more fun with your four-legged best friend. But camping with your dog takes some care and consideration. To make sure, the camping trip is fun and safe for your dog, consider these ideas on planning, packing, and protecting your dog from common hazards. Camping with dogs requires a bit of thought when it comes to packing their doggy bag.
- Food: Always bring little extra in case of delays and unexpected emergencies.
- Water: If you’re out for the day, water might not be readily available. Having bottled water ready to fill up your dog’s bowl is essential in order to keep them hydrated. It’s handy to have in the car on the journey to the campsite too.
- Dog travel bed, older sleeping bag, blanket or mat to keep them comfortable and warm if you’re camping where temperatures drop at night.
- Waste Poo bags: Be prepared with plenty of poo bags. Dog fouling is both frowned upon and could land you with a fine. Pack plenty of poo bags to dispose dog mess responsibly.
- Extendable lead: If you’re not a fan of your dog heading into unexplored territory alone but you don’t want to stop them exploring, packing the extendable lead is worth it.
- Treats: A long lasting chew is a great distraction for your dog when you’re otherwise occupied.
However, since you’ll be outdoors, you’ll want to bring along a few extra items:
- Rain jacket/ weather proof coat
- High absorbency towel
- Tick collar/ and tick tweezers (regularly check for them after a camping trip for up to a week). Use your flea and tick preventative prior to leaving for your camping trip.
- Light for your dog’s collar for better visibility at night
- Bee wax for their paws
- Dog life jacket
- Collapsible dog dishes for food or water
- First aid kit
- Foldable backpack
Remember that planning and consideration can make all the difference in ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable journey for both you and your pet. By following these packing tips and prioritizing your pet’s comfort and safety, you can create unforgettable memories together while exploring the world. So pack smart, stay organized, and most importantly, cherish every moment of companionship on your travels. Happy adventures!