The Complete Pet Travel Checklist

Your dog is most likely your best friend in the whole world. As such, he will make for a great travel companion! But you do have to make sure to care for his travel needs well in advance. Plan the complete pet travel before you go.

This complete pet travel checklist can help make sure that you take care of everything well in advance!

Car

When traveling by car, make sure that your pup is up for the journey. Remember, his comfort is of the utmost importance.

If you know from past experience that your pup gets anxious or restless during long car journeys, you might just want to consider leaving him at home.

If, however, you do decide to take him along with you, make sure to be prepared for the few hours you will have to keep him in the car with you.

Here are all the things you will absolutely need throughout the journey:

A Harness or Crate

It’s important for your pup to stay in a confined space throughout the journey, especially if it’s a long one. Do make sure, however, that you are able to stop the car every now and then so your pup can stretch his legs, pee, and get something to drink. Just as humans can’t sit in one place for a very long time, neither can your dog.

Enough Food And Water For The Whole Trip

This one’s a given. While making sure you have enough food and drink packed for yourself, you also need to make sure you have all the food and drink your pup could want. The longer the trip, the more food and drinks you’ll require.

Remember also that doggy treats are very important. Your pup will deserve appreciation for being a good pup throughout the trip!

A Leash

This is particularly important if you plan on traveling somewhere where you need to walk a lot, such as a mountain trekking trip or a camping trip.

You don’t want to lose your pup, and neither do you want him to chase after random people. So a leash is essential at all times.

While your pet might be intelligent and knows not to run away, there is no harm in being just a little bit careful to avoid any possible accidents or misadventures.

Dog Poop Bags

This is particularly important when on the road for long periods at a stretch. You don’t want any messes, neither do you want your dog to hold it in for too long because that will only make for an uncomfortable experience. When nature calls, your dog must go! So poop bags are an absolute must. You can easily purchase them from any pet store before you leave. Just remember to take them with you because if, for example, you are unable to stop the car too often on the way, at least you can give your pup the option of relieving himself!

Dog Toys

If the trip is long, even the most patient dog will most likely begin to get bored. What you need to do is bring along many dog bones and toys so that he can stay busy and entertained throughout. Your dog will most certainly love you for it because you won’t be able to give him the attention he wants – because you need to focus on the road! In fact, if your pup has a favorite toy that he always plays with at home, then even better because it might even help him relax along the way, in case he gets anxious.

Travel Tag

This one is more important for logistical purposes than anything else. The travel tag you make should have all of your travel details, including all the travel-related information, along with your contact number in case your pup gets lost, and someone needs to bring him to you. Remember always that your pup is your baby. When traveling, especially, you need to care for your pup as you would a human child.

Your Dog’s Picture

In case you lose your pup, you will need to be able to ask around for him. As such, it can be really helpful to have a picture of him on hand.

So do make sure to pack one in your travel bag before heading off for your big adventure!

Sunscreen

Sunscreen isn’t just important for you, but also for your pup!  Yup, dogs get sunburnt too! Sunscreen is especially important if you are traveling to a tropical destination such as a beach resort.

A Towel or Blanket

If you are traveling with your pup anywhere, you want to make sure that you take either a blanket or a towel along with you. That way, your furry friend always feels comfortable and at ease!

Imagine when you go to the beach, your pup can lie down on the blanket beside you, and you both can have a great time!

Necessary Documentation and Vaccinations

This is relevant only for when you are flying with your pet. Naturally, before flying, you will have to make sure you take care of all the requisite documentation.

Since there will be international travel restrictions and requirements relating to pet travel, make sure you heed to them before setting off on your journey.

This complete pet checklist can be very helpful regardless of where you plan on traveling. Have fun and good luck with your pet travel.


by Maria A Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™

Facts About Animal Homelessness:

  1. Only 1 out of every 10 dogs born will find a permanent home.
  2. The main reasons animals are in shelters: owners give them up, or animal control finds them on the street.
  3. Each year, approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed every year because shelters are too full and there aren’t enough adoptive homes. Act as a publicist for your local shelter so pets can find homes. Sign up for Shelter Pet PR.
  4. Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats.
  5. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2% of cats and only 15 to 20% of dogs are returned to their owners.
  6. 25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.
  7. About twice as many animals enter shelters as strays compared to the number that are relinquished by their owners.
  8. It’s impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States. Estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.
  9. Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. Overpopulation, due to owners letting their pets accidentally or intentionally reproduce, sees millions of these “excess” animals killed annually.
  10. Many strays are lost pets that were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification.
  11. According to The Humane Society, there are about 3,500 brick-and-mortar animal shelters in the US and 10,000 rescue groups and animal sanctuaries in North America.

Here are a some adoptions for consideration:  puccicafe.com/adoptions