Planning to travel with your pet? Well, it is not as cumbersome as people make it sound. A little planning goes a long way in making the journey smooth for you and your pet. Print out this pet travel checklist and follow it. Being prepared is half the task done well.

Work backward

• Find our what the quarantine requirements are at the place of your destination.
• What are the vaccinations that he needs to have to be permitted into the country/state?
• Is a rabies blood test compulsory?
• Is a microchip implant on your pet mandatory?

Research transport options

• Will your pet travel in an airplane or car with you?
• Are there any pet-friendly airlines that are willing to support your pet’s travel and guide you with the process?
• If he’s flying, will he travel in-cabin with you, or in the cargo hold?
• Are there layovers or transit stops on your way to the destination? If yes, then how would you get connected to your pet during these times?
• If you are traveling by car, then is there enough comfortable room for your pet?

Get your pet and his crate ready

• Does your pet have a sturdy, safe crate to travel in?
• Can he stand up fully, and turn around inside the enclosure?
• Does this crate have a waterproof bottom and adequate ventilation?
• Weeks before your actual travel, get your pet familiarized to the crate.
• Train him to get into the crate willingly and stay there for long hours every day.
• You could take him for lengthy drives regularly to get him used to travel inside a crate.
• Encourage and appreciate him when he sleeps inside the enclosure and stays there calmly.
• Fill it with plenty of fun toys, and pieces of your unlaundered clothing with your smell on it, so he feels secure.

Explore pet-friendly accommodation

• Explore pet-friendly accommodation at your destination.
• Get details about whether your pet can stay with you, whether there are any species, breed, or weight restrictions. Is there a cap on the number of pets allowed in each room?
• Is there any extra charge for your pets to stay with you?
• Find out about friendly pet-sitters or dog-walkers who can look after your pet when you need to visit someplace on your own at times.
• Identify restaurants and parks where your pets are welcome. This will make sure you do not leave them cooped up in a crate in your hotel room.
• Get information about animal hospitals nearby in case of emergencies.

Pack essentials for your pet

• Keep multiples of the following: name tags, collars, leashes, harnesses, food and water, and portable bowls for both, treats, toys, old towels, waste paper bags, hairbrushes, and shampoo.
• Take all the current medication your pet is having along with the vet’s prescription, medical records, and proof of vaccinations. Keep these readily accessible in case you are asked for it by the airline or hotel staff.
• Print several copies of recent photos of your pet, your pet’s name, his medical conditions and temperament issues, and your contact information and keep them handy.
• Stick this securely on your pet’s crate too.

Make sure you go through the pet travel checklist thoroughly so that you and your pet enjoy the trip.