Vacation Checklist for You & Your Dog

Whether you have decided to take your pet with you on vacation or leave him in a kennel, there are several things you need to do. Here is a checklist to help you remember all the necessities.

If Your Pet is Traveling With You

• Have your veterinarian examine your pet within 2 weeks of travel.
• Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines.
• Bring vaccine and health records with you.
• Bring your pet's health certificate if you cross state lines.
• Make sure your pet has a securely fastened collar and identification tag.
• Bring a sufficient amount of your pet's food.
• Bring bowls for food and water.
• Bring bottles of water for times when your pet is thirsty and water is not available.
• Bring leashes, toys and bedding.
• Make sure your pet has been treated for fleas and ticks.
• If your pet is on medication, make sure to bring enough to last throughout the trip.
• Bring a carrier or crate for your pet to travel in safely.

If Your Pet is Staying in a Kennel

• Visit various kennels and decide which one you prefer.
• Make kennel reservations well in advance, especially around holidays.
• Have your pet examined within 2 weeks of kenneling.
• Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines and is given any vaccines required by the kennel.
• Have copies of your pet's health record and vaccine record to take to the kennel.
• Leave an emergency contact number and make sure that person is aware of his or her responsibilities.
• Consider leaving a credit card number with the emergency contact person.
• Leave a copy of your vacation itinerary with the kennel personnel, including telephone numbers, in case they need to reach you.
• Make sure your pet has been treated for fleas and ticks.
• Bring your pet's own food.
• Bring toys, special blankets or bedding.
• If your pet is on medication, make sure to bring enough to last through his stay at the kennel.
• If there are any special considerations, make sure to write them out and give a copy to the kennel. For example, if your dog doesn't do well with cats, make sure the kennel is aware of this so they can take any necessary precautions.
• Leave the name and phone number of your veterinarian and any emergency numbers your vet may have.
• Make sure to contact your veterinary hospital to inform them you are out of town and who is caring for your pet.
• You may want to write a letter releasing the emergency contact person from any responsibility or liability regarding medical care of your pet.