What to Pack?

If you have decided to take your pet with you on your trip, you must pack for him as well as yourself. Here is a list of some of the items that you might want to take with you:

Food dish and water dish

Food and a cup to measure it in

Water from home or bottled water if your pet has a sensitive tummy

Special treats or rawhide chews to reward pet

Medications-if the prescription is getting low, be sure to have it refilled before your trip, or take it with you to have filled. (My advice is to not risk the possibility of not being able to have the prescription refilled while traveling.)

Tranquilizers-if you find that your pet travels better when tranquilized and this does not affect adversely. (I will discuss the decision to tranquilize or not while traveling in a future article.)

Medical information, especially vaccination records. Even when traveling domestically, you may find that you need this information, especially if your pet gets into a fight with another animal or bites a human.

Favorite toy(s) to keep your pet entertained

Blanky to sleep on. This will not only help keep your vehicle clean, but the familiar scent will help your pet to relax.

Carrier. Even if you are driving, you need a way to contain your pet in your hotel room.

Leash and collar

Grooming supplies. Okay, I know you're not planning to groom your pet while traveling, but you never know when your pet will step in someone's discarded chewing gum and need a quick spot groom.

Plastic bags and/or a pooper scooper. Please be considerate!

If you are traveling with a cat or ferret, you will need a litter box and litter

Your feline companion might also like a portable scratching mat (our cats like a woven seagrass doormat) or scratching box made of cardboard (available at many stores).

Cat nip can help your cat to relax while traveling, but it could also make him more restless, so use with discretion.

Small pets, such as a hamster, will be safer in an exercise ball or carrier than if allowed to crawl about unsupervised.

Horses have plenty of special gear to travel with

This list is by no means all-inclusive. I have tried to list some of the most common items that you and your pet might need while traveling, but you may find that you and your pet need or prefer to pack certain other items. Whatever you pack for your pet, keep in mind that his health and comfort are the most important considerations when choosing what items to pack.

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