You’re ready to hit the road with your dog or cat, and you’ve packed your suitcase and checked it twice. But don’t forget to pack the following essentials for your pet.
- Carrier or crate.
- Nylon or leather collar or harness, license tag, ID tag(s) and leash. All should be sturdy and should fit your pet properly.
- Food and water dishes.
- Can opener and spoon (for canned food).
- An ample supply of food, plus a few days’ extra.
- Bottled water from home. (Many animals are finicky about their drinking water.)
- Cooler with ice.
- Healthy treats.
- Medications, if necessary.
- Health certificate and other required documents.
- A blanket or other bedding. (If your pet is used to sleeping on the furniture, bring an old blanket or sheet to place on top of the hotel’s bedding.)
- Litter supplies (for cats or other small animals), a scooper and plastic bags (for dogs).
- Favorite toys.
- Carpet deodorizer.
- Chewing preventative.
- A recent photograph and a written description including name, breed, gender, height, weight, coloring and distinctive markings.
- Grooming supplies:
- comb/brush
- nail clippers
- shampoo
- cloth and paper towels
- cotton balls/tissues
- first-aid kit
- gauze, bandages and adhesive tape
- hydrogen peroxide
- rubbing alcohol
- ointment
- muzzle
- scissors
- tweezers (for removing ticks, burrs, splinters, etc.)
- local emergency phone numbers
- first-aid guide (such as Pet First Aid: Cats & Dogs, published by The Humane Society of the United States and the American Red Cross)
