What I Packed for My Pup’s Weekend Getaway

When it comes to planning a weekend getaway with your pup, packing smart is essential to keep your furry friend safe, comfortable, and happy. Whether it’s a cozy cabin retreat, a lakeside adventure, or a hiking excursion, having the right gear makes all the difference. Here’s a detailed list of what I packed for my pup’s weekend getaway, along with tips on why each item matters.

1. Food and Treats

No matter where we go, my pup’s meals come first. I measured out enough dog food for the weekend, plus a little extra in case of delays or increased activity levels. I packed it in a sealable, waterproof container to keep it fresh and critter-free.

I also brought along:

• A few favorite treats for training and rewarding good behavior.

• Dental chews to keep her teeth clean while we’re away.

• A collapsible food bowl for easy packing and mealtime on the go.

2. Water and Travel Bowl

Staying hydrated is just as important for dogs as it is for us, especially if we’re spending time outdoors. I packed:

• A portable water bottle with a built-in bowl.

• A gallon jug of clean water, just in case potable water wasn’t readily available at our destination.

3. Medications and First-Aid Kit

Just like with human travel, you need to consider health and safety. I made sure to bring:

• All of my pup’s current medications, including flea/tick prevention.

• A canine first-aid kit stocked with bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers (for tick removal), and a digital thermometer.

• A copy of her vet records and vaccination proof in case of emergencies or boarding requirements.

4. Leash, Harness, and Collar

I always travel with:

• A sturdy harness for long walks or hikes (better control and safer than just a collar).

• A backup collar with an ID tag that includes her name, my number, and our home address.

• A 6-foot leash for general use and a longer leash for exploring in areas where leashing is still required but more freedom is safe.

5. Poop Bags and Dispenser

There’s no excuse not to clean up after your dog, even in the great outdoors. I packed:

• Multiple rolls of biodegradable poop bags.

• A clip-on dispenser that attaches to her leash for easy access.

6. Bedding and Crate

Familiar smells and a comfy spot to sleep help reduce stress when dogs are away from home. I brought:

• Her favorite dog bed, freshly washed but still smelling familiar.

• A travel crate that doubles as a safe space for sleeping and downtime. It’s also helpful if accommodations require dogs to be crated when unattended.

7. Toys and Chews

To keep her entertained during downtime or when I was busy with meals or reading by the fire, I included:

• A few durable chew toys.

• A treat-dispensing puzzle toy for mental stimulation.

• A squeaky toy she adores, especially helpful if she gets anxious in new environments.

8. Towels and Wipes

Outdoor adventures often mean muddy paws and wet fur. To stay prepared, I packed:

• A couple of old towels specifically for the dog.

• Pet-safe grooming wipes to quickly clean her paws or fur after a hike.

• A brush to help keep her coat tangle-free and reduce shedding indoors.

9. Weather-Appropriate Gear

Depending on the season and location, this varies, but for our spring weekend trip, I included:

• A lightweight dog raincoat just in case we hit unexpected showers.

• A cooling vest for sunny hikes.

• Dog-safe sunscreen for her nose and ears since she has light fur in those areas.

10. Travel Documents and Tags

Besides her ID tag, I ensured she wore a tag with:

• The name and number of our weekend accommodation.

• Her microchip ID number in my phone in case she got lost.

I also carried:

• A printed copy of her vaccination records.

• A recent photo of her in case she went missing and I needed to make a quick flyer or alert.

11. Car Safety Gear

The journey to and from the destination is just as important as the stay. For the car ride, I brought:

• A seatbelt harness to keep her secure.

• A hammock-style backseat cover to keep the car clean and provide grip during turns.

• A calming spray with lavender and chamomile that helps with her motion sensitivity.

12. Cleaning Supplies

Dogs are unpredictable, so I prepared for minor messes with:

• Disinfectant spray safe for pets.

• Paper towels and a pack of pet-safe cleaning wipes.

• A small trash bag roll for on-the-go waste disposal.

13. Location-Specific Extras

We were headed to a lakeside cabin with some hiking trails, so I added:

• A canine life vest for kayaking and dockside play.

• Dog boots to protect her paws on rough or rocky trails.

• A reflective vest for early morning or evening walks.

Final Thoughts

Packing for a pup’s weekend getaway is all about balancing comfort, safety, and fun. Just like people, dogs appreciate the familiarity of home, so bringing their favorite items helps ease transitions. Overpacking a little is better than realizing you’ve forgotten something essential—especially when the nearest pet store is miles away.

My pup had a tail-wagging, zoomie-filled, nap-in-the-sun kind of weekend, and having all these essentials on hand meant I could relax and enjoy it right alongside her.