Traveling with a Small Dog: Dr. Georgie’s Official Packing List
Georgie has been on 11 road trips and 4 flights. He is an excellent traveler, which I attribute entirely to preparation and not at all to his naturally chill personality — he doesn’t have one. Here is everything we bring.
The Carrier (For Flights)
An airline-approved soft carrier is mandatory for cabin travel. Measure the under-seat dimensions of your specific airline before buying — they vary significantly. Airline-approved carriers for small dogs.
The Car Setup
Georgie has a booster seat that clips to the seat and lets him look out the window. He strongly prefers this to any alternative. Car booster seats for small dogs.
The Packing List
- Collapsible food and water bowls — collapsible travel bowls
- 3 days of familiar food packed separately — new environments cause stomach upset
- Familiar blanket or worn clothing for scent comfort
- Dental chews — they help with travel anxiety
- Vet records and vaccination certificate — required for some hotels and all flights
- More waste bags than you think you need
Hotels
Always verify pet policies before booking. “Pet friendly” sometimes means a $150 pet fee. Bring his bed — familiar smells help him settle in a new room faster.
Travel with a small dog is genuinely easy with the right setup. Georgie is a better traveler than most humans I know. The bar is low, but still.