Packing Tips for Travelling with a Dog Guide

You may recall our recent post on packing tips for travellers who are blind or have low vision, based on the personal experiences of our Head of Content, Lisa McEwan. As promised, here is the follow-up to that article. In this post, our wonderful guest contributor and dog gudie handler Nicole Forbes-Hood shares her own tips specifically addressing advice on what to pack when travelling with a dog guide.

Nicole’s Top Tips

Being organised with your packing for not only yourself but your dog guide is well worth the effort spent prior to travelling. This ensures that your dog has everything they will need whilst they are away from home. Here are a few essentials that I always ensure I pack as a dog guide handler.

ID: 15 bone shape biscuits on a pink background.

Vet Record Book

Even if you are only going away for a few days, it is worth taking your dog guide’s veterinary book in case of any illnesses or accidents that may require medical attention while you are away. This will ensure that the vet that your dog sees will have a good snapshot of their health and any past medical conditions. This can be very helpful for consistency in care and treatment whilst away from your normal veterinary clinic.

Flea, Tick & Worming Treatment

If you are going to be away from home for a longer period, it is advisable to ensure that you pack your dog's normal flea, tick and worming preventative treatment. Be sure their normal treatment schedule is up to date before you leave home too. Ensure you have also packed any regular medication that your dog takes.

Dog Guide & Handler Identification Cards

Advocacy is just as important whilst you are travelling as when you are home. Make sure you pack your dog guide and handler identification cards where they are readily available should you need them. These cards are important - not only to identify your dog as a registered assistance animal, but they also provide helpful legislative information if your dog is refused entry somewhere.

Pre-measured Meals

To save space and hassle, I find it really helpful to pre-measure my dog guide’s meals and pack them in individual zip lock bags. They are much easier to pack than a large bag of dog food and certainly save time without the need to measure food when on holiday.

ID: A bowl full of dog food and two paws right next to the bowl on a wood floor background.

Whistle

Most dog guides are trained to eat on command with auditory commands and a whistle. They take up very little room, so it is good to slip in a whistle with your dog’s gear to keep their routines and training in check.

Food & Water Bowls

I personally like to pack the collapsible travel bowls that you can buy from most pet stores. They can slip into your dog guide packing list easily without taking up too much room and are lightweight. You may choose to pack one for water and one for food or you may prefer to choose just a large one that is fit for both purposes. If I know I am going to be away for many hours or the weather is particularly hot, I find the travel bowls also great to put into a backpack to be able to give my dog water whilst we are out and about. Hydrating your dog is very important so I fill and take a large reusable water bottle when heading out for the day.

Treats

I always pack a small packet of treats that I can use for positive reinforcement when travelling with a dog guide. Again, this can be added to your dog guide packing list easily without adding much weight and is great for consistency with your dog’s behaviour.

Blanket or Travel Mat / Bed

Most dogs will experience some level of anxiety being in new or unfamiliar surroundings. It is nice for your dog to have a place they are comfortable whilst off duty. A blanket from home that has their scent on it is easily packed and can be portable if you are visiting family and friends in different homes. Travel mats and beds are also very useful if you prefer this option over a blanket. They generally fold up small and have a bit more of a ‘comfort factor’ than a blanket. I would suggest the travel mats that fold up and have carry handles for ease of portability. 

Toys

Again, familiarity is so important to help lessen any anxiety that your dog guide may be feeling whilst you are away. I always take a couple of favourite toys. The ’Nyla bones’ are great as most dogs love chewing on these and they do not make a mess. Chewing will help ease any anxiety your dog may be feeling and is of course important for their oral health. The ‘Kong’ toys are also great and are a favourite with many dogs. Again, they’re not too big so are a good option to pack for your dog guide when they are not working.

ID: A orange dog toy ball on a blue background.

Toileting Bags

Ensure you pack enough ‘poo bags’ and if your dog uses one, be sure to also remember their toileting harness. If I am staying in a hotel, I also like to find out in advance where I can toilet my dog. Some hotels have strict rules on this so it is also good to be aware of any grassed areas that you can use to toilet your dog offsite if need be. 

Grooming Items

Keeping your dog guide’s grooming up when away from home is important. Make sure you pack your dog’s brush, a washcloth for eyes and ears and for longer trips away from home, you may also wish to pack a travel size dog shampoo and conditioner. 

Tether

If your dog is used to being tethered when they are off duty or if you are concerned about your dog roaming around the hotel room or someone else’s home, their tether is well worth putting on your dog guide packing list. 

Shoes

Many dog guides have doggy shoes that they wear in certain terrains. Depending on your itinerary and the weather when you are travelling, your dog guide’s shoes are worth having to protect their precious paws.

Conclusion

We hope you and your dog guide find these dog guide packing tips helpful as you embark on some paw-some adventures together. Thank you so much for your expert tips, Nicole!