Taking a memorable vacation with your beloved furry companion can be a wonderful, enriching experience. However, the thought of planning and packing may appear daunting at first. Don’t worry — we have you covered! To ensure that you and your pet have a relatively stress-free trip, we’ve created a downloadable pet travel checklist (PDF).
Pet Travel Checklist
Before travelling:
- Travel restrictions: Find out what is required for pet travel from the airline/train/boat/bus/hotel and for entry to the country of destination.
- Destination health risks: Determine local health risks such as heartworm to determine what preventatives are needed.
- Vet appointment: Make sure your pet is up to date with all their vaccinations and shots
- Medications: Refill any current prescriptions and ask your vet about medication for anxiety or motion sickness if your pet suffers from either during travel.
- Treatments: Your pet should be treated for flea and tick prevention prior to leaving for your trip.
- Destination vet: Have your vet recommend emergency contacts for a veterinarian at your destination.
- Pet carrier acclimation: If your pet is new to travelling, get them used to the carrier by taking some fun, short trips and using positive reinforcement with treats, pets and verbal support.
- Pet ID: Ensure your pet has at least two forms of ID: a microchip, collar with tags and ear tattoo.
- Register your pet with the BC Pet Registry, in case your pet goes missing.
- Contact information: include a temporary travel tag with your cell number and destination phone number
What to pack:
- Vaccination record: to show immigration officers for cross-border trips
- Medical records: for ongoing medical conditions
- Pet first aid kit: include any current medications
- Safety devices: dog seatbelt, secure travel crate, life vest etc.
- Portable food dish and water bowl
- Water, food and treats
- Waste scoop
- Litter box, puppy pads or doggy poop bags
- Grooming supplies: brush, pet wipes, towel
- Toys
- Blanket or pillow: to help your pet feel at home in a new environment
- Leashes and harnesses: for walking and tethering
- Safety restraints: dog seat belt or secure crate
- Climate appropriate needs: rain jacket, sweater, shade cover, cooling vest etc.
- Picture of your pet: to show to people if your pet goes missing
- Microchip number
- A list of pet-friendly restaurants and attractions at your destination
Tips and tricks:
- Avoid excessively feeding your pet immediately before your trip
- Play with your pet and make sure they get a lot of exercise before the journey. There will be a higher chance that they will sleep on the way to your destination.
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