Dog Travel Checklist
1. Sherpa Forma Frame Crash-Tested Carrier
We bought this pet carrier in Canada and have used it daily since. Pedro loves it and uses it as a dog bed when we stay in hotels or Airbnbs. We have driven from Austria to Italy (a 9-hour drive) multiple times since we arrived in Europe and Pedro sleeps comfortably in the car for hours in his pet carrier. It is not approved for airline travel as it is much too large, but it works great for cars and trains. You can fold it and use bungee cables to attach it to your suitcase, as shown in the photo.
2. Dog Food & Treats
Dog food is quite heavy, so we only brought a week’s worth of dog food and treats with us when we went to the UK for the summer. We researched where we could purchase the exact brand that Pedro eats (Royal Canin Mini Adult), located a pet store close to where we were staying, and emailed them to make sure that they stocked it. We also ordered dog food and treats from Amazon when we stayed in smaller towns in Cornwall.
Hotels will also accept deliveries on your behalf, just email the hotel directly before you arrive to confirm it with them. That way, you can time your delivery to arrive on the day that you do or shortly thereafter.
3. Don't Forget My Stuffed Animals
Although the stuffed animals don’t last very long (Pedro rips out the squeaker within the first week) and then works on destroying the rest of the stuffed animal, he reminds us never to forget his stuffed animals. We have switched to buying Kong brand stuffed animals as they are more durable and tend to last longer.
4. Balls, Balls and More Balls
5. Grooming Supplies
Westies have a lot of energy and can play for hours. Pedro is an outdoorsy type who loves racing through the grass and mud. During our trip to the UK, we stayed in Cornwall by the river for four weeks – which meant plenty of mud. We kept a wide-tooth comb handy for those pesky burrs and ordered a brush and dog shampoo from Amazon. Nonetheless, Natascha had learned to go with the flow and not worry about keeping Pedro looking pristine.
6. Dog Bowls and Water Bottle
Many hotels will provide you with dog bowls, but for traveling, We always bring along collapsible bowls and a water bottle with fresh water. It is important to keep your dog hydrated, especially when travelling in the summer months.
7. EU Pet Passport or Animal Healthy Certificate
If you are travelling from Canada or the USA to Europe or the UK you will need to make sure that your dog has had all the required vaccinations and an Animal Health Certificate. If you are staying in the EU you will want to register your dog and get them an EU Pet Passport.
8. Dog Blanket
We always bring along Pedro’s dog blanket in our backpack so it’s easy to grab. On some trains in Europe and the UK, your dog can even chill on a seat if there’s room, but you’ll need a blanket for them. Oh, and if you’re taking an Uber, most drivers will want you to have a blanket handy for your dog, even if you’re using Uber Pet.
