Traveling with Dogs: What the H*ck Do I Bring?!

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It can be hard for me to remember what to bring on a trip with my dogs.  And to be honest, that’s because my dogs have more luggage than me!  What you bring varies from dog to dog and with the type of trip you’re making, but here’s a basic checklist of what I bring when I travel with my pups: 

1. Harness

I find walking my dogs on harnesses far more pleasant.  They are also crucial for safety while hiking.  My favorite is this one from Ruffwear.  

2. E-collar, remote, and charger

Starsky is e-collar trained so that we have the option of hiking off leash.  As for all electronic devices:  always bring the charger when traveling.  I’ve gone traveling without the charger before, only to realize that it had a low battery even before we left town!

3. Dog food  

A dog’s gotta eat!  I like to bring one or two days’ worth of extra food in case of an emergency or trip extension.

4. Dog treats and treat pouch

I always bring extra treats to make sure I don’t run out.  My dogs’ love languages are treats, treats, and more treats, so I like to have plenty for hikes or while out walking to reinforce good behavior.  My favorite treat pouch makes them easy to access!

5. Interactive toys

Snuffle mats, Kongs, Benebones.  If there’s a chance you’ll need to help your dog calm down or keep busy, bring at least one enrichment toy. 

6. Food and water bowl

Sounds simple.  It’s not – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten and had to go buy a new bowl.  Now I have no less than fifty seven random dog bowls in my closet.

7. Coat

Starsky has short fur and gets cold easily.  When traveling in the late fall, early spring, or winter, I always always ALWAYS bring a coat for him.  I also bring a coat during the summer if we are camping – nighttime in the desert gets chilly, so he sleeps in it!  It’s pretty h*ckin adorable, if I do say so myself.

8. Blankets  

Gotta stay cozy in the car (or the tent).  Blankets are especially important if it’s winter or you’re traveling to high elevation.  If there’s a chance that your dog might be cold or your car might break down, it’s nice to have blankets available to keep warm.

9. Extra collars and leashes  

You might not need them, but if you misplace your dog’s leash, you’ll be glad to have an extra. I like this one with a traffic handle for extra safety and control.

10. Shot records  

This is the number one, most important, crucial, lifesaving (have I hyperbolized enough yet?) thing to remember!  It’s usually required when traveling internationally with your dog, but even if you’re traveling domestically, it’s a good idea to bring them.  You may need the records for hotels, daycares, or if you need to see a vet in an emergency.

11. First aid kit  

Ok, I’m going to be a mom for a second:  why don’t you already have this in your car?!  It’s basic safety, kids.  Did you know there are dog-specific first aid kits?  Get one of those too.

12. Accessories  

If you’re a photographer like me, you want your dog looking his best in all his vacay photos!  My favorite accessories are collars, so I usually bring two or three.

13. Camera  

Did you really go on vacation if you didn’t take pictures for the ‘gram?

Happy travels!