This pet-friendly travel checklist was created in order to help
you pack all necessary items when you travel with your pet.
- Medications. Before you leave, consult with your vet.
Ensure your pet is in good physical health before you travel.
Pick up refills of any medications your pet will need while you
are away ... and find out whether or not there are any concerns
about the area to which you are traveling. For example, common
medications include flea and tick control, and heartworm pills.
- Kennel or carrier. Some places ask that you kennel
your pet if you are going out and leaving him in the room. The
kennel is also a safe way for your pet to travel. Please don't
let your dog ride loose in the back of a pickup truck; he could
fall out and suffer serious injuries. Be sure the crate is well-padded!
- Food and water bowls.
- Food (and even some water)! Keeping your pet on the
same diet that he's accustomed to will help to prevent the
dreaded "messy butt" or vomiting. If your pet has
a sensitive stomach, you may also want to bring water.
- Can opener - if your pet likes canned food.
- Stain remover/cleaning supplies... just in case!
Please be courteous and clean up as much pet hair, etc. as you
can. A good quality lint brush or pet hair roller is always useful!
- Plastic bags, or litter box/scoop so that you can clean
up after your pet.
- Grooming tools - including a comb and/or brush, nail
clippers, pet shampoo, and anything else your pet may need.
Do not groom your pet inside
your accommodation. Do it outdoors, away from other guests and
rooms, and clean up immediately.
- Extra towels - for wiping those muddy paws and wet or
dirty bodies!
- Collar and leash(es). Consider bringing an extra leash
just in case one of them breaks.
- Comfortable bedding. Bring along whatever your pet
is accustomed to, and what smells like "home".
- Identification. Be sure to record the license numbers,
tattoo numbers, and microchip numbers of your pets and bring this
list with you. It's important, too, that your contact information
is up-to-date.
- Recent photo. If your pet is lost while you are
traveling, the photo will come in handy when describing him
to others. Also jot down any unique identifying marks -- be
specific.
- Vaccination records and other documents. If you are
travelling from another country to Canada, be sure to check what
types of vaccinations your pet will need. Bring an up-to-date
record with you. Also check with both your home country and
Canada to see whether or not there are any special requirements
for either traveling into the country, or returning to your own.
- Research local pet laws or by-laws.
People who intend to travel with a controversial dog breed
such as a Pit Bull or Rottweiler, for instance, should check
local laws to ensure the dog will be welcome. Some
areas have specific breed bans that can affect your furry
family member. Here's one website
that tries to keep a tally of breed-specific legislation... however,
it's better to be safe than sorry, so call ahead to the local
authorities to ask if your pooch is affected.
- Phone number and address of a vet near where you're staying,
especially if you're travelling to a remote area where you won't easily find
veterinary offices.
- First aid kit. You can purchase an animal first aid
kit from the
Humane
Society of Canada.
Always call your lodging to ensure that your pet is welcome,
and verify pet rules, restrictions, and fees. Think of you and
your pet as 'ambassadors' for future visiting pets... a good
experience will help to ensure that hotels & other
accommodations continued to allow pets. Happy Travels!
This pet travel checklist and guide
was developed for all pet lovers as a service of The
Pet Friendly Canada
accommodations directory.
Please feel free to tell a friend!
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