Travelling with Oz since he was 5 months old has made us learn so many things about him as a travel companion and about the things we should take care of to make his and our vacation is a memorable one. Oz is a big fully grown labrador and so this travel checklist that I am sharing below is mainly focused around travelling with a big dog. After a lot of travel fiascos, this checklist is something that we now swear by and make sure that we carry each item in this list every time we are travelling with our four-legged kid. Although this list is made, keeping travelling with big dogs in mind, there is something in here for everyone who has a pet and I am sure you would find it useful irrespective.
So without much ado, let's dive right into what this checklist consists of.
Fitness and health
Vaccination records: It's always a good idea to carry the photocopy of the vaccination records of your dog/pet to ensure that you can have it handy if ever needed. If you are travelling via train, this becomes a necessity rather than just a good to have.
Fit to travel certificate (If travelling via train): This is a must-have while travelling via a train in India. I have written a detailed article about 'travelling with your pet in Indian railways' to help with the detailed information on this topic. Do check it out!
Important medicines: We carry ointments like for skin allergies and wounds in general. Do remember to carry any existing medications that your pet is already on.
Calming drops if your dog has a tendency of getting anxious in a new place. I haven't used it yet with Oz since he tends to be comfortable with staying in new places and travelling in a car but can really help to keep it as a backup.
Food supplements (if you give any): We give salmon oil to Oz and hence that's the only supplement we carry if travelling for a long Duration. This is good to have and can be skipped if you are travelling for just a few days since your kiddo can go without having supplements for that time period.
Food supplies
Electric cooker for home-cooked meals (Optional): We have recently shifted Oz from an alternate home meal and store-bought dry food to a complete home meal diet. Since home meals are tougher to manage while travelling, we carry our own electric cooker which can be easily plugged in inside a hotel room. We also carry basic dal and rice along with us sometimes to make sure that we can cook khichri for him at least even if no protein is available for him.
Kebbell/ dry pet food: Travels can be unpredictable and hence we also carry dry food as a back-up in case we don't have time or access to cooking a meal for him.
Favourite treats, Chicken jerky or any high protein dry snack: This is important to carry to ensure that you are constantly rewarding your dog/pet with nice treats on the way so that the journey becomes more enjoyable for him and you are able to better control him in certain situations.
Grilled Chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces (Optional) (Can last only for one-time feeding): We carry this as a homecooked snack for Oz for one time feeding. You can totally skip it if you have other options which your kiddo likes more.
Cleaning supplies
Pet Wipes: Pet wipes have become such a big addition to our travel checklist whether we are travelling via a car or train. We use it to clean Oz's paws whenever he gets out for a walk and generally to clean him whenever required.
Paw disinfectant: This is good to have and we carry it only when we are travelling for a longer duration. This ensures that your pet's paws are clean and doesn't catch any infections from walking and running around in new places. It's good pet hygiene in addition to your checklist.
Dry shampoo: While vacationing with your furry kid, you will take him along to different places like restaurants, beaches, trekking, etc. While engaging in all these activities, there are chances that your pet might get dirty and having a dry shampoo handy with you will spare you to give him/her a bath every time that happens.
Regular shampoo, conditioner and a microfiber towel (if you are travelling for longer duration): In our recent trip to Goa we actually gave Oz a proper bath at least 3-4 times. Basically whenever he stepped inside the sea.
Pee pads/ newspaper/ poop bags: This is a must-have if your pet is not potty trained properly or it won't be possible for him/her to get proper pee stops on the way. This is absolutely important if travelling via train to ensure that you can clean after your pet goes peeing on the station platform or inside the train.
Other Pet supplies
Extra leash, collar or harness: This is good to have as a back-up in case anything happens to your main walking leash and harness.
Travel bowls: Retractable travel bowls are one of the best buys we made recently. We have it in both small and big sizes to give snacks, water and food while travelling and these bowls need minimal space in your luggage!
Favourite toys: No brainer in carrying the most lovable toys and balls for your kiddo so that he is happy and playful throughout his vacation :)
Foldable bedding along with a pillow/cushion: We have found having this while travelling via car or train extremely helpful. Makes sure that your pet is comfortable while sleeping in the car and in the property room you would be staying it. Many pet-friendly properties don't provide extra bedding for your pet and having this handy with you can be a boon. Our dog keeps alternating from his bed to ours throughout the night :).
Winter clothing if you are travelling to someplace cold: We carry a good thick jacket for Oz while travelling during winter months to colder destinations. You don't want to be struggling with the impact of changing weather on your pet.
Pet car seat cover (If you plan to drive around): A must-have during a road trip or if you plan to rent a car in your destination. Makes sure that your car's back seat remains tidy, irrespective of the muddy areas your boy/girl has been playing in.
A bamboo/ normal walking stick: Some male dogs have a tendency to pick on fights while interacting with other strange street dogs. Oz is one of them and this for us is a must-have in our luggage to ensure that we can shoe the street dogs who have a tendency to get very territorial.
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