TRAVEL PACKING LIST

Many of us are now making plans to travel for the upcoming summer months and, if your furry four legged friend is travelling with you, best to make a list before you hit the road.

You need to have a well-fitting harness, proper fitting collar with up-to-date ID and Vaccination Tags firmly attached, and a good quality flat leash. These items are all necessary for safe travelling with your pet.

If your pet is anxious, either travelling by car or during thunderstorms or fireworks, be sure to have some Calming Chews and a Thunder Shirt on hand. And, if your pet is overly anxious away from home, be sure to speak to your vet and have him prescribe the proper medication to keep him calm.

You also need to pack collapsible water bowls and plenty of bottled water. If you are travelling to rural areas, the water may be drawn from a well or river and, in many cases, can cause your pet to get diarrhea.

Be sure that you have a proper pet carrier or crate for your pet, either to secure him during travel times or to contain him while staying in a hotel, motel or a cottage when you are not there with him.

You should also make sure that you have a good seat cover in place in your vehicle in the event your pet experiences motion sickness as well as an ample supply of poop bags and a dispenser, so you will always be prepared when out with your pet.

Also, be sure to pack an adequate supply of your pet’s food in the event you extend your stay as you may not be able to find your usual brand while away.

When vacationing with your pet, be sure that he is always restrained on a leash, or a long lunge line, and not allowed to run free. If your pet sees a wild animal and gives chase, he may become lost and, since he doesn’t know the area, will panic and keep running.

If you will be vacationing in an area close to water and are planning on boating, have your pet properly fitted with a Life Jacket and be sure he has it on anytime he is near the water or in a boat.

Most importantly, be sure to have a First Aid Kit on hand. Your kit should contain an Emergency Pocket Guide, which will guide you to help your pet in an emergency until you are able to get to a Vet Clinic. The kit should also contain gauze, non-stick bandages, adhesive tape, cotton balls, Hydrogen Peroxide, an Antibiotic Spray or ointment, Milk of Magnesia, a Digital Thermometer, a water proof pill container, scissors, tweezers or a tick tool, small magnifying glass, a plastic syringe, flashlight, towel, and a soft muzzle.

Travelling with your pet can be a wonderful experience for all the family, but be sure you pack all the necessary things to make it an enjoyable time away.

Have fun and stay safe.