Enjoying the holidays with your pet is one of the best ways to celebrate the day. Apart from going out and exploring a different environment, bringing your furry companion with you makes the experience all the more memorable.
As you discover more exciting destinations that allow you to bring your pet along with you during your holiday trip, you must ensure that you have everything you need. The last thing you’d want to happen is to be at your destination, only to cut your trip short, just because you left something essential for your dog.
If you are travelling soon, here is a packing checklist for a pawsome holiday:
1. Vaccination Records
Before you pack all of your pet’s cute stuff, you shouldn’t forget to carry their vaccination records with you. In most cases, destinations will only allow the dog inside their vicinity if they’re fully vaccinated. This would help guarantee the safety of everyone and prevent any possible complications in case a problem arises.
Ensure that you have multiple copies of the page where you can clearly see the names of the vaccines your pet has received. Ideally, you should have at least two copies. You can also take a photo, so you have it conveniently stored digitally.
If you still have time, make a quick visit to the vet and see if they’re clear and capable of going to a distant place without encountering any health-related problems.
2. Dog Bed
While more of a luxury, bringing a dog bed with you will help to ensure their safety during the holiday trip. This will give your dog a special place to sit and rest, in case there’s no other comfortable place they could lay their bodies in. You can take a dog bed to the beach, pool, or even the hotel to keep them warm and cosy during the trip.
Try to look for travel-friendly ones in pet stores or online. Dog beds designed for mobility will avoid the inconvenience of carrying a bulky item and paying extra for excess baggage if you are taking the plane.
Also, you may want to check with your accommodation provider if they can set up one in your room. Dog-friendly cottages usually have a dog bed available, so you won’t have to bother bringing your own.
3. Doggie Toys & Plushies
When you travel away from home, your dog might find the new environment uncomfortable because they don’t feel safe and secure. They’ll be seeing plenty of strangers and other dogs, which might make them fearful during the day. If your dog is usually anxious every time you bring them to a new place, carrying a dog toy or plush will help ease their fears and anxiety.
Ideally, you should bring your dog’s favourite toy along with new ones. Their old toy will make them feel safe as they have a familiar scent, while a new toy will help keep them entertained on days when they have nothing to do. Toys and plushies will pass boredom without making them feel uneasy during the entire trip.
4. Dog Food & Snacks
One of the most important things that you shouldn’t forget when going on a holiday trip with your dog is to pack enough food and snacks. It’s a must to keep them full so that your pet won’t feed on items that might upset their stomach or ruin their diet. Usually, when pets are well-fed, they are less restless and seek attention.
When packing dog food and snacks, you should bring at least enough for the entire trip while adding for two days more. This will help cover any possible problems if you’re not able to go home on your scheduled date. You won’t need to rush to a pet store just to find the food and snacks they prefer. Additionally, a pet water bottle should be on top of your list so they can also stay hydrated without putting out a food bowl.
5. Dog Clothing
If you’re planning to take a holiday trip somewhere cold or during the winter, you should pack appropriate dog clothing for your furry friend. Pet clothes will keep them warm and prevent them from getting sick during the coldest temperatures. Even if your dog has a thick coat, bringing dog clothing will guarantee their comfort during the trip.
You should pack at least an extra two pairs just in case something goes wrong. Also, prepare thicker coats and vests along with hats and shoes, if they are used to wearing them.
Before going out, check the temperature and ensure that the levels are still safe for your pet to play outdoors. Dogs can also get winter-related illnesses such as frostbite, hypothermia and flu, so it is advisable to take precautionary measures. Hence, you can keep your pet healthy for the entire duration of your vacation.
Final Words
When you decide to bring your dog with you for a holiday, preparation is vital for a pawsome trip. Having a proper checklist list will help you remember all the must-haves so you and your pet can have the best experience.
Lastly, don’t forget to check with your destination’s requirements so you won’t fall short of their terms and conditions.