Pet Travel Checklist: What to Prepare Before Leaving Home

Whether you are taking your pet with you or leaving them with a sitter, travel requires a different level of preparation than a normal day. A checklist prevents the two things most likely to go wrong: forgetting something essential, or leaving a sitter without the information they need.

If You Are Leaving Your Pet With a Sitter

The most important preparation is information — not just for your comfort, but for your pet's safety.

Before You Leave: The Documents

Leave a written instructions sheet covering:

• Feeding: what, how much, and when
• Walking: how often, how long, any routes or restrictions
• Medication: name, dose, timing, and how to administer
• Behaviour: what your pet is nervous about, any quirks a new person should know
• Emergency contacts: your mobile, a backup number, your vet, and the nearest emergency vet

Before You Leave: The Supplies

• Enough food for the full stay plus two extra days
• Any medications, clearly labelled with instructions
• Comfort items: your pet's favourite toy, their usual bed, a worn item of clothing if they settle with familiar smells
• Spare collar and lead
• Any required documents (vaccination record if going to a boarding facility)

On the Day You Leave

• Confirm the sitter has your contact details
• Show them where everything is stored
• Do a quick health check: any new symptoms you should mention?
• Confirm your return time

If You Are Travelling With Your Pet

Carrier or Car Setup

• Carrier cleaned and accessible a few days before travel (so it is not new and frightening on the day)
• Seat belt attachment or secured carrier for car journeys
• Familiar bedding inside the carrier

Documents to Carry

• Vaccination record (required for some accommodation and all international travel)
• Pet health certificate (for international travel)
• Emergency contact sheet

Packing for Your Pet

• Food: enough for the trip plus extra
• Collapsible water bowl and water (especially important in hot weather)
• Waste bags, litter and tray if relevant
• Current medications
• First aid basics: wound spray, tick remover

Destination Preparation

• Confirm the accommodation accepts pets
• Research the nearest vet at your destination
• Note any local hazards: water quality, wildlife, plants

The Printable Solution

The Pet Sitter Instructions Pack contains a ready-made fillable instructions sheet covering everything a sitter needs. The Pet Emergency Card gives you a compact emergency information sheet you can carry or hand to anyone looking after your pet.