My travel Packing Tips



While this list does approach it as a vacation in San Francisco, the packing list is still a good one to use wherever you’re traveling.



I sometimes do weekend getaways with Zoey, and now I have a whole section in my packing list dedicated to just her stuff. If I’m the only human, I can’t leave her in the Airbnb and make a quick shopping trip—especially if we’re on a farm or in a forest—so this list has saved me many times, and I hope it does for you, too.


I have one major tip I don’t often see written down: bring your own set of King-size sheets. You can always tuck excess fabric under the mattress. Zoey has short, dark hair and most Airbnbs have white sheets. This way, you don’t have to deal with: “Why is there so much dog hair on these white sheets?”, “No dogs on the bed,” or “I’m so sorry, my dog dug into the sheets while making her bed and accidentally made a hole.” The last one is why I bring my own sheets now.

Teal pet travel bag set with food containers, collapsible bowl, and organized compartments for dog supplies.

My next big tip is to have a dedicated bag. I picked up this one (Amazon affiliate link) for dogs. It comes with two packs for food and treats, is water-resistant, and even fits over the handles of luggage. I imagine the usefulness is a lot like having a baby diaper bag—all the stuff for her is there—easy to find and not mixed in with my things.

Additional tips, even if you’re the kind of traveler who doesn’t want a schedule:


  • Do a little research on restaurants to know which are dog-friendly. You don’t want to be doing this when you’re hangry.
  • One of those things you should prepare for and hope to never use: mark down emergency vet locations.  
  • Seriously, look up the weather. Locals know that SF summer nights can dip to below 50. August and September daytime temps can go above 85. A 60ºF temp on the coast vs inland can also differ wildly.


For those of you who prefer downloadable PDFs, enter your email below, and I’ll send you the packing list! Or skip ahead for the text version.

 

Complete travel packing list for Dogs in the SF Bay Area

 

Toiletries


  • Body wipes
  • Paw wipes
  • Paw balm
  • Brushes
  • Extra poop bags
  • Drying towel
  • Doggie first-aid kit
  • If you’re hiking or getting messy: shampoo, conditioner, glove, a spare collar or harness


Food & treats


  • Meals packed or portioned out
  • Probiotics, medications, supplements
  • Treats, bones, and toys that won’t make a mess or stain
  • Water bottle

Clothing


  • Raincoat
  • Hoodie, sweater, pajamas, etc.
  • Thundervest or related anxiety vest
  • Shoes
  • Muzzle, guard, mesh mask (foxtails thrive in the summer)
  • Light (a lit harness or collar, or clip-on light) comes in useful if you’re in the wilderness


Other


  • Lint roller
  • Beds, blankets
  • Sheets