Are you thinking of spending the holidays with your furry friend somewhere? Maybe a short getaway, a long trip, a weekend... it doesn’t matter! In any case, it’s essential to have everything under control to ensure your best friend has everything they need. At Ownat, we talk about all of this and list the most important things you’ll need.
One of the most important things to bring is the chip with all updated information. Beyond that, it’s always a good idea for your pet to have a tag with their name and your phone number, just in case.
Additionally, remember that if you’re traveling abroad, you’ll need to bring essential paperwork such as the pet passport, veterinary health certificate, vaccination records, and insurance certificate and policy document (if you have them).
Once all the medical and veterinary aspects are under control, grab a couple of bowls (one for food and one for water) to make mealtime as easy as possible. If your furry friend is very particular and territorial with their things, we encourage you to bring their own bowls from home; otherwise, opt for collapsible bowls—they are super practical and take up very little space!
Another essential pack? The leash, muzzle, and collar. In some countries, dogs must wear a muzzle, and if you take public transportation, it’s likely required too. Ideally, use a short leash when visiting crowded places like shops, pedestrian streets, restaurants, some pet-friendly museums, etc. And a long leash for mountain or beach walks, where they can stroll more freely.
If you plan to travel by car, remember that safety is vital and 100% your responsibility! For these moments, a dog seat belt, a special harness, or a car hammock can be your best allies. For a short trip, a seat belt is very easy to put on and take off and will be super practical. For a long trip? A full harness or a hammock is better.
Nothing has to happen, but a mini first aid kit can be very helpful for any bumps or scratches (though it’s always best to have a vet check it out). If you’re planning to spend a few days outdoors with your furry friend, remember to bring tweezers (to remove ticks or splinters), some saline solution for eye washing, gauze, antiseptic wipes, mosquito repellent... And of course, if your best friend needs any medication, remember to bring the full amount needed while on vacation.
What about grooming products? Several of them are quite important: a brush, shampoo (especially if you’ll be away for many days), a towel to dry them off, and poop bags to avoid leaving any surprises along the way.
And something else that’s essential! Their bed or blankets, so they have a comfortable place to rest and recharge. Also, since these items have their scent, they’ll help your pet quickly get used to their new vacation home. Along with this, some of their favorite toys to keep them entertained and happy wherever they are.
And the last and most important: lots of calm and patience! It’s sure to be a great adventure, but your furry friend might feel disoriented at times, so they might bark more than usual or be confused for a while. Try to relax, understand them, and give them lots of love—this adventure is a journey for both of you!
