Location
The first thing you need to plan, obviously, is the location of your trip. But before you get too ahead in your planning, ask yourself the following questions:

Can my dog really come along?

Is it a road trip or are we going to stay for a while?,
-If it's a road trip, it's probably best for pets to stay home.

-If you're staying, are you staying and you'll be staying with friends of family, make sure they know about the dog staying and agree to it before you head out

-If you're staying and you'll be in a hotel or motel, make sure that they ALLOW pets, there are alot of hotels that do but always make sure BEFORE booking your stay.

How are we gonna get there?
-If you are traveling by car, remember, you will need to plan frequent pit stops to allow your pet (and yourself) to stretch out and refuel. Be sure your pet travels in a pet carrier that they can comfortably turn around in, and that they do not overheat, they will need plenty of cool water breaks. Be sure to feed them before heading out, about 2 hours before, but no later in case they get car sickness.

-If you are traveling by plane, be sure that you talk to the airline FIRST and that they allow pets to fly, discuss where the pet will be on the flight and be sure to feed them before heading out, about 2 hours before, but no later in case they get motion sickness.

Luggage

What do I pack in the dog's suitcase?

What! My dog gets a suitcase???!!! It would be best, but if not, a backpack is a great alternative.

On Your Dog: A collar or harness with the proper ID firmly attached

- A Crate (that pupi can stand, turn, and sleep in comfortably in)

- A Pet First Aid Kit (See our page on how to build your own in the menu)

- Familiar Toys (pupi's favorites for comfort)

- A supply of pupi's regular food and treats (that will last the WHOLE trip)

- At least 2 six foot leashes (retractable leashes are not recommended for travel)

- At least 1 spare collar or harness (in addition to the one they're wearing)

- Proof of vaccinations and pupi's rabies certificate/tag

- Pupi's grooming kit (brushes, shampoo, towels, dental supplies, nail clippers, etc.)

- Proper ID (their regular tags as well as a temporary tag with info on where you're staying)

- Plastic Bags (for "potty" duties)

- Pet Stain & Odor Remover (in case of an accident)

- Air Freshening Spray (to rid of that doggie odor)

- Pupi's usual bedding (as well as spare blankets. towels, etc.)

- A doggie shirt/sweater and boots (that fit comfortably)

- Your vet's # as well as pupi's regular medication (if they are perscribed any)

- Can Opener for canned foods

- At least one gallon of your regular water (your destination's water supply may have different bacteria or mineral levels which can give pupi an upset tummy)

Pit Stops
Ah, the infamous pit stops, if you're going to a destination you've traveled to before, you probably already have planned pit stops but if you haven't, you just make them as you go along, but when taking your pooch along with you have to remember that they need to get out and do their business, have time to walk around, drink water and all the rest of their regular ways. Summer is the most popular time to travel so be sure you make plenty of pauses (if you can't stop everytime you need to offer water) and offer your thristy pup some cool, fresh water. Be sure not to let your dog out of the car AT ALL unless they are wearing a collar or harness (whichever they wear) with ID firmly attached and a six foot leash, not a retractable one, you want to keep your dog near by so they don't get ran over, lost, etc. If your ride is going to be several hours long, offer your dog food at their regular meal time, you don't want to upset their stomach. And remember, at every stop give your pooch a chance to "potty" let them walk around for a little while, they may need time to adjust to feel comfortable.

In Case of...Emergency
So you're miles from home and...an emergency comes up! There's nothing to worry about as long as you PREPARE, that point cannot be stressed enough, you need to find the number to a 24 hr. emergency veterinary clinic at your destination BEFORE you head out anywhere with your pooch. Look up the number on the internet, there's plenty of phone directories online. Make sure you have the pet first aid kit, again, if you can't find one retail, it's too expensive, or you just trust your building skills a little more, check out our Pet First Aid page.