Vacation Packing List for Your Dog + Free Printable!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Summer means vacation season and if you’re planning on taking your dog on any upcoming trips this year, you’ll need to be prepared with everything they need. Making a packing list is my favorite way to ensure that I don’t forget any essentials I’ll need on a trip, and that includes for my dogs too! If you’re worried about forgetting the important items on your upcoming vacation with your pet, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing my vacation packing list for your dog + a free printable!

Vacation Packing List for Your Dog

Whether you’re going camping for a weekend or on a week long beach trip, it’s important your dog has everything they’ll need for a successful vacation. While it’s important to note that the items you need may vary based on where you’re going, there are some basic essentials you’ll need no matter what. Here are 10 items you must pack for a vacation with your dog:

1. Food and Water Dishes

Depending on where you’re going, you may choose to bring travel collapsible bowls or your dogs regular everyday dishes. 

2. Food

This one should be obvious, but you can’t forget to bring your dogs food on a trip with you! This is especially important if they’re on a special diet that won’t be easy to find at your average grocery or even pet store. 

When packing food for your dog for vacation, consider separating each meal out into it’s own baggie or container. This way you’ll ensure you bring the appropriate amount of food for the length of the trip. 

3. Treats and Chews

Vacation is all about yummy food and snacks for me, so I always make sure to bring some extra tasty treats for my pups as well. I also like to bring some longer lasting chews such as beef cheek rolls to keep them entertained during travel or down time. 

4. Toys

Bringing your dogs favorite toys from home is a good way to keep them occupied and feeling like they have some sense of normalcy. You can also bring special toys depending on where you’re going such as water toys for the beach or a frisbee for fetch!

5. Extra Collars, Leashes, and ID Tags

It’s always a good idea to have an extra collar or harness, leash, and ID tags when traveling with your dogs. You never know what could happen and being stranded with your dog on vacation and no leash to control them with would be awful. 

You can also pack different types of collars and leashes for different adventures. You may want a long lead for swimming in the lake but a normal leash for neighborhood strolls.

6. Grooming Supplies

Bringing a whole grooming kit probably won’t be necessary, but it’s always a good idea to have a brush or comb and maybe some nail clippers on hand. 

7. First Aid Kit

Having a first aid kit for your dog on vacation is so important! You never know what emergencies could arise or how close the closest vet will be. I keep an ARCA pet first aid kit in my car with me at all times. You can also make your own DIY pet first aid kit. This is also where you can put any medications your dog may be on.

8. Dog Waste Bags

Don’t leave your dogs poo on the beach, in neighborhoods, or even in the woods! It’s rude and not good for the environment. Make sure to bring plenty of waste bags with you on vacation.

9. Bedding

If your dog is used to sleeping with a certain bed or blanket, bring it on vacation with you for a little taste of home. 

10. A Crate

If your dog is crate trained, bringing their crate with you on vacation will make it easy for you to be able to go out on adventures without them when necessary. 

Free Printable Vacation Packing List for Your Dog

If you’re getting ready to go out on vacation, download and print this free vacation packing list for your dog to make sure you don’t forget anything!

Happy travels!