Packing for your Pet

May 6, 2011 by Country House Resort in The Virtual Dog Park - Pet Friendly Travel with 0 Comments

When you pack for a trip, whether it be a week end get-a-way or a weeklong vacation, you pack for your comfort, convenience and the activities you plan to do. The same principals apply to packing for your dog. In addition, I believe it is important for all of us to be courteous pet parents so that our dogs are welcome back and we have more great places to vacation with our dogs.

To simplify things lets divide your dog’s needs into three categories.

1) Basic needs – things your dogs needs whether they are at home or on the road.

Food
Water
Dishes
Any supplements or medications,
Collar with ID (when traveling away from home be sure your mobile phone number is included)
Favorite toy &/or chewie

2) Activity related items – What are you going to be doing with your dog and what will you need

Leash
“poop” pickup bags
Towels for rain, mud, water or a bath
Shampoo if you plan to play in the lake, mud…
First aid kit
Appropriate insect/pest repellant for the area (ticks, mosquitoes…)

3) Items to make your dog comfortable and welcome

Copy of license, vaccinations and health papers if needed
Crate & or dog bed (check your accommodations rules regarding leaving your dog in the room/cabin)
Old sheets to cover beds and furniture
Remember those old towels (don’t use the white hotel towels on muddy feet)
Towel or placemat for under dishes

As more lodging properties not only allow, but welcome dogs many provide dog specific amenities. Check with the property you will be staying at to find out what they provide and then decide if your dog will be more comfortable with what they provide or what you would bring from home.

At the Country House we provide all of our dog guest with a welcome basket at check-in that includes bowls, a placemat, dog towels, old sheets to cover furniture, poop bags with a leash dispenser, treats and coupons to local dog friendly businesses. It is our goal to not just accept dogs as guests but welcome them.

Next month I will share some of our favorite Door County, dog friendly spots and businesses.