Start with safety and identification. Pack your dog’s ID tags with current contact info, microchip number, vaccination records, and any required health certificates. Bring a sturdy collar or harness, a standard leash, and waste bags. Keep enough of your dog’s regular food for the entire trip (plus a 1–2 day buffer), along with a collapsible food and water bowl and fresh water. Don’t forget medications, supplements, and a compact first-aid kit (bandages, tick remover, antiseptic wipes).
Familiar scents calm anxious travelers. Add a washable blanket or travel bed, a few favorite toys, and long-lasting chews. Include grooming wipes, a small brush, a quick-dry towel, and paw balm. Pack weather gear as needed—lightweight raincoat, winter sweater, or booties.
Use pouches or packing cubes to separate food, health items, and walk-time accessories. Keep quick-grab items—treats, waste bags, and wipes—within easy reach. A well-designed dog carrier or travel bag with multiple compartments helps you stay organized and keeps your pup comfortable between stops.
For road trips, carry vaccination proof and know local leash rules. For flights, check airline pet policies, carrier sizing, and required health certificates. International trips may require an ISO microchip, rabies certificate, health exam within a set timeframe, and destination-specific forms or permits. Always verify requirements 3–4 weeks ahead.
Want a deeper dive into organizing your dog’s travel setup? Read the full guide here: How to pack and travel comfortably with your dog.
Bring identification and health records, food and water with collapsible bowls, medications and a first-aid kit, a secure collar or harness with leash, waste bags, a comfortable carrier or crate, a familiar blanket or bed, toys and chews, grooming wipes, and any weather-appropriate gear.
Most destinations require an ISO-compatible microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, a recent veterinary health certificate, and sometimes import permits or country-specific treatments. Check airline carrier dimensions and book vet appointments well in advance.
Pack labeled food and feeding instructions, medications, your dog’s vet info and vaccination proof, a familiar blanket or bed, a favorite toy, and emergency contacts. Ask the facility whether they provide bowls and bedding before you go.
