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Packing Checklists for Dog-Friendly Vacations

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If you're planning a vacation with your dog, you know to bring food and treats. But what about a first-aid kit and dog life jacket? Take a look at these checklists before you leave so you have everything you need to ensure your dog's health and safety.

And don't forget to read these seven tips for planning a safe and stress-free vacation with your dog.

What to Pack When Traveling with Dogs

Whether you're traveling by car or plane, these are dog travel essentials.

Food and water bowls
Food, measured out in advance
Bottled water to prevent stomach upset
Treats
Chew toys or puzzle toys to distract your dog
An extra collar and leash
Vet-approved medications for motion sickness, allergies and diarrhea, as well as any other meds and the veterinarian's original prescriptions
A health certificate signed by your veterinarian and dated within 10 days of departure that says your pup is healthy and has been immunized against rabies (only required if you're crossing state lines)
Your dog's microchip number and the phone number of the monitoring company
A recent photo of your dog, in case she gets lost
A basic pet first aid kit. You can start with a human first aid kit and add dog-specific items, such as styptic powder (to stop bleeding) and pet bandages.¹
Blankets, sheets or old towels to protect car upholstery and furniture
Wipes for muddy paws and fur
Cleaning supplies and paper towels for pet messes
Dog waste pickup bags
Travel bed
Travel crate, if your dog uses one
Seatbelt harness

What To Pack If You're Camping With Your Dog

The rigors of a camping or hiking trip demand a little extra thought when you're traveling with dogs.² In addition to the items above, consider bringing:

A child-sized, lightweight sleeping bag or a two-person bag to keep your dog warm if temperatures drop
A rain jacket, coat or vest for short-haired breeds when the weather's severe
Dog boots for rocky or treacherous terrain
A dog backpack so your dog can carry her own food and water. A good rule of thumb is that a young and healthy dog can carry up to 25 percent of her weight, but it takes time to get a dog accustomed to bearing the load.²
Folding or collapsible dog dishes
A dog life jacket (PFD) if boating, canoeing or swimming
An LED light for your dog's collar for better visibility at night

What To Pack If You're Flying With A Dog

An approved travel crate. If your dog will be traveling with you in the cabin, the carrier must be soft-sided so it will fit under the seat. Check DogJaunt's list of airplane under-seat measurements first. If he'll be traveling in the cargo hold, the crate should be hard-sided plastic with ventilation holes. Wire crates aren't allowed, because parts of your dog's body can protrude.³
A label affixed to the crate with your name, contact information and address
A towel or other absorbent bedding
Potty pads for small or young dogs on long flights
Comfort items such as a favorite toy or bone (Note that if you're flying with your dog, the airline may prohibit placing these items in the travel crate.)
Calming sprays, such as Rescue Remedy
Empty food and water dishes. The airline will probably request you leave these in the crate, along with feeding instructions and a signed note saying you offered your dog food and water within four hours of departure.

Print Checklist

Be sure to print our checklist and take it with you. Simply click the print link below and make sure to have your browser set to print background images so that you can see the checkboxes.
Print Checklist

Citations

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or customerservice@allianzassistance.com.