BIJOU – Packing for Your Dog, Part 1 of 2: Essentials and a Travel Bag

The suitcases are packed – and then you realise the dog bowl is buried at the bottom of the boot. Good travel preparation means bringing the right things and packing them so you can reach them when you need them.

In this series, inspired by Bijou’s travel experience, we divide the packing list into two articles. Part 1 covers the essentials and what to keep within reach during the journey. Part 2 focuses on documents, a travel medical kit and extras for your destination.

1. Before You Pack: What Do You Actually Need?

Think through your itinerary: the drive or flight, stops along the way, accommodation and planned outings. Ask your accommodation what is provided. “Dog-friendly” does not automatically mean that bowls, a dog bed or a securely fenced garden will be available.

Divide your luggage into three categories:

• Transport equipment: everything needed to keep your dog secure during the drive or flight.
• Travel bag: everything you need during the journey and immediately after arrival.
• Luggage for your stay: supplies, grooming essentials and accessories for your accommodation and outings.

This also helps you spot which items you need in duplicate. For example, a small travel bowl can stay in your day bag while your dog’s usual bowl remains at your accommodation.

2. The Essentials: What to Bring

What?	What should you consider?
Your dog’s usual food	Enough for the entire stay, plus a suitable reserve for delays; check in advance whether you can buy more at your destination.
Water and bowls	Drinking water for the journey and two easy-to-clean bowls; a collapsible bowl is handy for outings.
Harness, collar and lead	Check the fit, fastenings and condition of the material; pack a spare lead.
ID tag	Include a phone number you can be reached on during the trip, with the international dialling code.
Familiar bed or blanket	Bring something your dog already enjoys using that smells like home.
Familiar treats and a toy	Choose familiar items your dog tolerates well; travelling is not the ideal time to introduce lots of new treats.
Poo bags and waste bags	Bring enough supplies and a sealable bag for used poo bags or dirty items.
Towels and grooming essentials	At least one towel for paws; depending on your dog’s coat, the weather and your activities, add a brush or comb.
Medication and a first-aid kit	Suitable for your dog’s needs, available in sufficient quantities and stored correctly.
Documents and contacts	Required original documents, important health information and veterinary emergency contacts.

A familiar sleeping spot and your dog’s usual feeding routine help maintain a sense of everyday life in a new environment. This is particularly helpful for dogs who feel anxious or unsure.

3. Food and Water: Plan Quantities and Storage

Calculate how much food you need based on your dog’s usual daily portion.

Example: If your dog eats 250 grams a day and you are away for seven days, you need 1,750 grams. If you choose to bring enough for two extra days, the total is 2,250 grams. This reserve is a planning example; a larger amount may be useful for longer trips or if your dog’s specialist food is difficult to find.

Pre-portioned daily meals make it easier to keep track. If your dog needs specialist food, note the exact product name and keep the packaging information. If a change is necessary, plan it before travelling: a sudden change of food can upset your dog’s stomach and digestive system.

Store dry food somewhere cool and dry, out of your dog’s reach. You can place the original packaging inside a sealed container. Opened wet food and food that requires refrigeration must be kept chilled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Also plan how you will clean bowls and feeding utensils while travelling.

Bring water for the journey and any foreseeable waiting times. On outings, the amount needed depends on factors such as your dog, the weather, activity levels and opportunities to refill. Do not assume you will find a suitable water source along the way.

For international trips, also check which foods you are allowed to bring into the country – particularly products containing ingredients of animal origin.

4. The Travel Bag: Everything You Need Within Reach

Keep this bag with you or securely stowed somewhere easy to access. It should cover a stop, a delay and your dog’s immediate needs upon arrival.

Useful items include:

• Water bottle and small bowl.
• Lead and an easily accessible harness.
• Poo bags.
• Small towel and, if needed, a spare absorbent pad.
• Sealable bag for wet or dirty items.
• Small portion of your dog’s usual food and familiar treats.
• Medication needed during the journey or immediately afterwards.
• Required original documents and confirmed pet travel bookings.
• Emergency phone numbers and a medication schedule.
• If needed, a muzzle your dog is already comfortable wearing.

Test the bag at home: Can you offer water, secure your dog for a stop and take out their documents without opening a suitcase? If so, your packing system works.

When flying, essential medication and documents belong in your permitted hand luggage. Also check security rules for liquids, cooling packs and any equipment you need to carry. If your dog travels in the aircraft hold, their care must also be arranged according to the airline’s requirements.

5. Your Mode of Transport Changes What You Need

Car and campervan: Your dog needs a suitable, correctly secured travel crate or an appropriate car harness with a restraint system. A protective seat cover does not replace a restraint. Never attach a seat belt restraint to a collar. In a campervan, a sleeping spot used while parked is not automatically a safe place during the drive. Secure your luggage as well.

Plane: The carrier or crate must meet the current requirements of the airline operating your flight. Check dimensions, weight, ventilation, fastenings and permitted bedding or liners before buying anything. Get your dog used to the carrier well in advance. For a crate used in the aircraft hold, also clarify requirements for water containers and labelling. Pack with a possible luggage delay in mind.

Train or ferry: Check reservations, lead and muzzle requirements, and where your dog is allowed to stay. Any required muzzle should fit properly, and your dog should be introduced to it through positive training. A suitable basket muzzle allows panting and drinking.

6. A Quick Check Before Departure

Check that your dog’s transport equipment fits correctly and is securely fastened. Keep water, a lead, documents and any medication needed during the journey within reach. Test new equipment before travelling, and pack the appropriate charger if you are bringing a device such as a GPS tracker.