What to Pack for Your Dog When Going on Vacation

Spring is in the air and Summer is on the way, so let all of the vacationing begin!  Don’t you just love going on vacation?  It’s so refreshing!  We’ve discussed 3 places to leave your dog when you go on vacation, but what if you want to take your dog with you?  Well, first things first…when traveling with your dog what should you pack your dog?  You have your things and all of the rest of the family’s things packed and ready to go, but what about the dog?  Hmm…well, let’s see.

12 Items to Pack When Traveling With a Dog

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Dog Collar and Dog Tag

Sometimes your dog likes to let it all hang out and be naked, but your dog doesn’t need to be naked when on vacation!  Your dog will need to wear his collar and dog ID tag at all times!  You don’t want your dog to be wandering around somewhere and nobody knows where to return him if he happens to get lost  (God forbid!). Don’t forget to pack it in his doggy bag and put it on him before he gets out of your car or better yet just put it on him before you head out the door!  Better safe than sorry.

Dog Leashes

You’re definitely going to need your handy dandy dog leash!  I’m sure your dog will be walking around some new places and will have to go out for some much needed potty breaks.  Pack an extra one just in case.

Dog First Aid Kit

Oops, your dog got a boo boo!  He will be just fine though because you remembered to pack a pet first aid kit!  You don’t have one?  Don’t worry, click HERE to find out what you should have in your dog’s first aid kit.  No better time to get prepared than now!

Dog Medicine/Vitamins

If your dog takes dog medicine or dog vitamins, pack that too!  He’s gonna need that.  You have to make sure you keep your best friend healthy while you are away.

Dog Food and Water

Your dog has to eat!  Pack him some dog food that he REALLY enjoys eating.  Maybe mix some yummy soft dog food in with his kibble or even prepare him a couple of meals using some dog recipes you found online.  I mean, it IS a VACATION!  You’re going to be eating good so let him eat good too! We love NomNomNow fresh dog food for our dog and I’m sure your dog will too. Get 20% off your first order. As always, consult with your vet about dog food if you’re not sure.

Your dog is going to need fresh water and might even need some while you’re in a car if you’re going on a long drive.  You don’t want water to spill all over your car?  Ever heard of a water travel dispenser for dogs?  They have several different kinds like ones you hold in your hand like this one.  There are also plenty of collapsible dog water bowls as well as dog food bowls available in stores made for traveling with your dog.  I still use this one that I reviewed a few years ago!  It definitely comes in handy. Make sure you pick up one to pack if you don’t already have one.

Dog Sunscreen

Is your dog going to be out in the sun a lot with you?  Pack some dog sunscreen.  Yes, dog sunscreen.  Your dog needs protection from all the sun you will be soaking up!

Pet Carrier

A pet carrier makes traveling with your dog easier!  It also makes traveling with your pet SAFE!  If you don’t have a dog booster seat, putting your dog in the crate for the ride is your best bet in case of an accident. If you’re traveling in a plane I’m pretty sure you’re going to need a pet carrier.  You can carry along the crate that he has at home or you can even carry around a more fashionable pet carrier if you prefer.  Whatever you take, make sure it’s a reliable one.

Dog Toys

Whatever you do, don’t forget the dog toys!  Pack some of your dog’s favorite dog toys along for the vacay.  He wants to have some fun when you’re just lounging around in the room.  Or maybe he just wants to cuddle or just have the dog toy near while he naps.

Dog Bed

Does your dog love sleeping in their OWN dog bed or portable dog house? Well, you better not forget it or your dog is going to give you the evil eye for the entire trip and will definitely use it as an excuse to get in your bed. Simba loves his portable dog house and his dog bed, however, he does eventually end up in our bed!

Dog Treats

Your dog deserves his treats so don’t you forget those!  Pack some of his favorite treats along with some dental treats too!  Gotta keep those teeth pearly white and that breath fresh!  There’s no telling who he’s going to meet 🙂

Dog Grooming Items

If your dog goes to the beach with you he’s going to need a beach towel too!  What if he gets extremely dirty on one of his adventures?  You’re going to need some dog shampoo for that.  What about his beautiful dog coat?  You’ll need to brush that daily as usual.  Let’s not forget about those teeth!  You need to brush them daily just like you brush your own. Yuck, dog eye boogers.  Get rid of those ASAP especially if you have a light-colored dog.  If you don’t he will have dreaded tear stains.  Pack some dog wipes to handle that on a regular basis!

Dog Waste Bags

Oh yeah, and don’t forget dog poop bags!  You don’t want anyone to look at you all weird because you let your dog poop anywhere he pleases and you don’t even pick it up.  Yeeeeah, that’s rude.  Please scoop that poop!

Whew!  I think that covers everything. Don’t forget to double-check and triple-check your list! I hope you have a dog bag or a dog suitcase to take along with you.  You have a lot to pack for your dog!  Have fun on your dog friendly vacation and don’t forget to download our FREE dog travel bag checklist below.

Dog Travel Bag Packlist

Want to know exactly what you should pack your dog when you drop him off with the dog sitter?  Just sign up below or click HERE to get access to our dog packing list and ALL of our other free printables.

Simply print the dog packing list out on regular paper or cardstock paper and check the item off the list once you have it packed.  I also included a bonus page where you can add extra items you would like to pack that I did not mention.

Did I forget anything?  What do you pack your dog when you go on vacation?  Where are you taking your dog on vacation? Share in the comments below!  We’d love to hear from you!