Road Travel Dog Kit

Having a pet is a joyful experience, yet full of responsibility. This responsibility goes beyond the home, and unto road travel. As a traveler you want to be safe and comfortable but also have a pleasant experience, so does your dog. The best way to make this possible is by being prepared with a Road Travel Dog Kit but also the wisdom in how to use it.

Last year, I decided to go on a road trip for the holidays with my family and dog.  It had been years since I had last driven on the road with a dog, so I decided to do some quick research through products, websites, and online videos.  The amount of information was overwhelming, so I made my lists, and looked for the most common elements among them.  Then I added things as needed for my dog. It was from that point that I developed my first Road Travel Dog Kit (RTDK).  It is currently based on four areas: Information, Domestic Nature, Dog First Aid Kit, and Transporter. 
 
Information list:
- documentation of vaccination as well as medical records and prescriptions for medications (if applicable)
- a leash and a collar with both a dog tag and rabies tag; dog tag has a dog's name, city, and state of residence, and your phone number(s)
- a full-size picture of dog and picture of you with the dog to confirm ownership
- primary veterinarian's phone number, list of pet emergency phone numbers
- list of dog-friendly motels/hotels for destination and/or along the travel route
 
Domestic Nature list:
- water, dry food, and dry treats
- collapsible water and food bowls
- refillable bottle of water and food container
- grooming essentials (combs, brushes, nail clippers, etc ... as needed)
- pouch or case with waste bags and waste pick-up scoop (helpful in grassy areas)
- high visibility and/or reflective dog accessory
- flashlight (for early mornings, or moonlight evenings)
- climate-appropriate clothing, depending on dog type (sweater, raincoat, booties, floating vest, etc.)
 
Dog First Aid Kit list:
- extra leash and collar or dog harness with a dog tag
- muzzle (a roll of gauze or large bandana may be also used)
- large bandanna for large wounds, sling, or muzzle
- roll of waste bags (may double as gloves or large bandage)
- roll of non-adhesive bandage wrap
- roll of gauze
- square gauze bandages (different sizes)
- nitrile gloves (preferred)
- tools (flea comb, clippers, tweezers, blunt end scissors, small pliers, penlight, irrigation syringe, thermometer (if possible))
- cotton swabs and cotton balls
- antibacterial wipes
- hand sanitizer
- first aid medication (hot spot and itch relief spray, liquid bandage spray, triple antibiotic, saline eye solution, styptic or blot clot for excessive bleeding)
- splint
 
Transporter list:
- pet carrier appropriate for travel that is both properly located and anchored to the automobile
- rope or chord (to tie down the pet carrier)
- alternative use of a safety travel harness that anchors to the auto or safety belt system (check safety reviews first)
- familiar toy
- familiar bedding and/or blanket
- tarp or moving blanket to be placed underneath the carrier or dog
- cleaning towel or rag
- stain remover
- dog scent spray remover

In closing, as people have their needs of comfort and joy when they travel, so does their dog. Being prepared with a Road Travel Dog Kit helps in accomplishing this goal. Let us continue to plan our road trips and rest assure that are dog is going to enjoy the trips too.