My old way of traveling was to wait until the night before a trip and grab whatever I can, hoping to remember what to bring. The next time, I will have a plan to stick to prior to leaving. I am starting my planning about a month before the trip.

Get an ID tag for your dog. Make sure it includes your dog’s name, your name, address, and phone number. You also can include a secondary phone number just in case. I like to put the number of a friend who is NOT traveling at the same time I am.

Get a first aid kit for your pet. You don’t know what you may encounter when traveling. Especially when you stop frequently and let your pet relieve himself in high grass. He could pick up a tick or get scratched. Be sure to have something to handle minor injuries.

You may want to visit a vet prior to leaving. Ask about special vaccines. I focus on Lyme’s disease vaccinations because we spend a lot of time outside in the wild. Heartworm prevention medication is a necessity too because where there is still water, there are mosqitos. If you’re going to stay in a hotel, consider getting some flea protection also, as a courtesy to the establishment.

Bring your pet’s food in an air-tight container. Pack easiy-cleanable bowls and paper towels. I like to be safe and bring a few gallons of water whenever I go on a road trip. Just in case I need a quick drink for Janey. Put together your dog’s necessities such as the collar, leash, brus, toys, towels, plastic bags for clean up and medicines. An old blanket can serve as a resting spot for your dog if you go camping.

Decide what you’re going to do about meals while on the road. You could do fast-food, or you could just bring a big cooler and plenty of ice. I like the later. That way I can find a picnic table and everyone can eat together outside, weather permitting. With a dog, depending on the age, plan on stopping every 4ish hours to let the dog stretch, get some water, and relieve himself.

** According to the ASPCA, on a warm day the inside of your vehicle can heat up to 160 in minutes? NEVER leave a pet in a car, even with the windows open, in warm weather! **

There are great places in the US to explore during summer with your dog. State parks and camp grounds are a favorite of mine. With a little planning, you should be able to have a great vacation and bring your dog with!

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