Preparation Phase
Dog Packing Items
Time to read: Approximately 2 minutes
Having that all important packing check-list means nothing gets left behind.
Remember to consider the conditions in your destination and the activities you are planning to do when packing for your Assistance Dog.
- Dog food, measuring cup, collapsible bowl, water bowl and bottle
- Mat for under food/water bowls and dish soap/sponge for cleaning bowls
- Two copies of all documentation (so you always have a version with you)
- Local harness, lead, water lead if swimming, local Dog ID tag, local Assistance Dog ID card
- Emergency Dog Kit - we recommend you keep this on you at all times (photo and name of your dog, contact information, list of food requirements, medication needs and treatments, veterinarian history including all relevant treatments, any actual medication needed and, instructions for an emergency dog carer and an emergency veterinarian)
- Canine first aid kit
- Extra supplies of food and medication in case of delays (TravelPaws recommends 2 weeks)
- Grooming kit (small shampoo and conditioner, brush, wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc)
- Short leads and seatbelt harness (minus buckle for plane) to secure your dog on the plane
- A treat to balance your dog's ears on take-off and landing
- Hand sanitiser and wipes
- Buckle of seatbelt harness if you are getting picked up when you land
- Traveller bed and familiar toy
- Kibble or whatever you choose for balancing your dog’s ears
- Dinner and a bowl if you will feed your dog when you land
- Scented garbage bag and absorbent mat in case of a toileting accident
- Quick dry towels for drying off, wiping paws and for lying on if concrete floors in dining areas
- Coat, cooling vest or shoes for dog depending on weather conditions when you land
- Toilet harness and poo bags
- Toileting surface if going on a cruise
- Earmuffs and/or goggles if required
- Booties and socks if required
- 'Service/Assistance Dog in Room' sign. Some Handlers like to use a sign like this on their door; it's a matter of preference.
Further Tips
- Consider taking extra food and medication in your carry-on in case your bags are misplaced or lost
- A copy of the local Accessibility Laws never goes astray in times of need or confrontation
- Consider braille labels for documentation to make things organised
- A cane for you?
These are the steps of the Preparation Phase: