Pet Checklist for Road Travel – Are we there yet? Are we there yet?

It’s not only kids that get overexcited about road trips and the prospect of going places; our dogs do too!

Whether you are planning a day outing or a vacation, it important to be properly prepared in order to ensure the road trip is both hassle and stress-free.

Here is a Pet Checklist for Road Travel.

Water – It’s important for pets to stay properly hydrated at all times. Always make sure that you have plenty of water, taking into account unplanned delays on the road. One good idea is to freeze a bowl of water overnight, so that pets can lick it as it melts. This also helps prevent spillage.

There are a variety of excellent drinking bottles, which conveniently clip onto a belt or bag so that you can easily take it with you when you exit the vehicle.

Remember, tap water varies in different parts of the country. So if you are traveling away from home, consider taking bottled water to prevent the possibility of any tummy upsets.

Also if your pets suffer from anxiety in a vehicle, you can always add a few drops of rescue remedy to the water to keep them calm and more comfortable.

Food – Pets don’t necessarily like a change of diet so be sure to take your pet’s favorite chow along too. Paper plates and bowls can be convenient on a road trip so you don’t have to stop and wash dishes.  If you serve your pet canned food that doesn’t have an easy-open top, be sure to pack a can opener! Remember to pack some treats too.

Toys – Once the euphoria of going along on a family outing wears off, some pets may get increasingly bored. Take along a favorite comfort toy for them to sleep or play with while on the road.  If you are heading to the beach or an outdoor camping destination, other action toys will provide plenty of fun when you get there.

Medication – It’s important to take along any medication your pet may require. It’s a good idea to place it in a cooler bag.  Be sure you have all veterinary information with you in case you need to call your vet or replace any medication. It’s also a really good idea to keep a pet first aid kit permanently in your vehicle to deal with minor cuts and abrasions.

Motion Sickness – Like people, some pets  suffer from motion sickness. It’s idea good to discuss the issue with your veterinarian, as there are specific prescription medications to  relieve these symptoms and make travel more comfortable.

Identification – Up-to-date information on your pet’s identity tag is essential; proper ID is a lost pet’s ticket home. Accidents happen, and you also have to take into account that some pets are serial escape artists.  Consider adding temporary tags in addition to your pet’s permanent ID that lists your destination while traveling away from home. These tags are available at pet stores and easy to create yourself.

Also consider adding an ordinary paper label tag with your en route information. Pets can never have too much identification! It’s a really good idea for all pets to be microchipped too, in case they lose their tags or slip out of their collars.

Leashes – Make sure your dog’s leash is easily accessible at all times during a road trip in case you suddenly stop and have to exit the vehicle. Not to mention having to stop for potty breaks along the way.

Packing for your cats too.

More cats are traveling with their families. In fact, according to the 2013-2014 National Pet Owners’ Survey published by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), cat travel has increased 100 percent from 3% to 6% of all felines in the last two years.

The above travel checklist applies to cats too. However, because most cats are not comfortable on a leash, it’s better to have them restrained in a crash-tested carrier for the duration of the trip.

Line the carrier with a puppy pee pad to absorb any accidents en route to ensure your feline remains comfortable and dry.

Throwaway litter boxes are an excellent idea to use both in the vehicle and at your final destination as well.