Departure time is almost here, and to ensure both you and your four-legged companion enjoy your trip, it’s best not to forget a thing. Here’s a checklist of what to pack for your holiday destination.
His identity documents and others
When you travel, you always take your documents with you. The same should apply to your pet. So make sure to pack their health record, and if you're crossing the border, their passport. Write down the name and number of your regular vet, as well as the name and number of a nearby pet care facility at your holiday destination. Also note the number for the poison control center, along with any ongoing treatments and allergies. Lastly, don’t forget to bring their current prescriptions.
Official documents are essential if you're crossing borders with your pet. Plan ahead and discuss this with your regular vet—they’ll check that your pet is up to date with vaccinations and, if needed, parasite treatments, which are non-negotiable requirements for entering certain countries! You’ll also likely need to book an appointment with your vet a few days before departure so they can examine your pet and issue a Health Certificate, provided everything checks out.
To learn more about your travel destination, don’t hesitate to visit www.anivetvoyage.com/
The usual accessories, so he feels right at home
To help your dog or cat adjust as smoothly as possible to this change in routine, you can bring along their usual sleeping spot (bed, cushion, and/or blanket), their bowls, their favorite toys, and their grooming products (shampoo, ear and eye cleaners, and dental hygiene products). A waterless shampoo and/or cleansing wipes are very handy when traveling.
If you're unsure whether you'll be able to find their usual food at your destination, it's best to bring it along. Changing their diet while your pet is already stressed could lead to digestive issues.
All the essentials for minor injuries or other discomforts
Accidents happen fast. That’s why it’s essential to always have a first aid kit within reach.
In case of injury, always keep these essentials close at hand:
- Hand sanitizer gel (if you can’t wash your hands)
- Saline solution to rinse the wound
- A cleansing spray
- A gel or a skin repair spray
- A honey-based repair balm
- Non-woven swabs
- Bandages and dressings (more info on how to apply a dressing )
- Tweezers
- Round-tip scissors
Stress can also disrupt your pet’s digestion. If their transit speeds up, montmorillonite and activated charcoal may help. Conversely, if your pet seems to struggle with bowel movements, psyllium is often beneficial.
Don’t forget to pack a venom pump and a tick remover in your first-aid kit. Depending on your destination, insect repellent (for mosquitoes or sandflies) may quickly become essential! Lastly, make sure to include a thermometer in your kit.
Essentials for Long Runs
Planning a hike during your trip, or looking forward to long beach days with your pet? In that case, a collapsible bowl always comes in handy. You’ll also find cooling neck wraps and protective socks to prevent paw pad burns. For white-furred pets, sunscreen is recommended—especially for their ears. Finally, whether by the sea or in the mountains, it’s best to shield their eyes from sand or wind.
