Taking your pet on your next holiday? Here is a checklist to make your trip hassle free.

Taking your pet with you when you are travelling or on holidays can be great fun for all of you.

Remember though, that taking your pet into new and unfamiliar surroundings can be dangerous or stressful if you’re not properly prepared.

Taking a little time to plan before you go can save a lot of hassles, and ensure you enjoy a safe and happy trip together!

Here are a few tips:

1. Before you go, make sure your pets' vaccinations and other medications are up-to-date, and that registration and microchip contact details are current (if applicable).
2. Also, your pet should have an ID tag or similar firmly attached to their collar or housing, with your contact details. Remember, you won’t be at home, so these contact details should include either a mobile phone number or contact details for the place you are staying for the duration of your holiday!
3. If travelling by road, ensure you have the proper equipment to transport your pet safely. This may mean a sturdy crate for a cat or small pet, a registered trailer for horses or a seat harness for a dog. If you are travelling by air, train or other public transport, talk to the transport company about the best and safest way for your pet to travel.
4. Remember, your pet has many different needs. Here’s a quick checklist of what you might need to bring:
   1. your regular pet food (now is not the time for a change of diet!)
   2. somewhere to sleep (bedding or a travel crate)
   3. a towel, in case they get wet
   4. grooming equipment
   5. food and water bowl
   6. a bottle of fresh water, for when you can’t find a tap
   7. a ‘pooper scooper’ or appropriate bags for cleaning up after your pet
   8. any regular medications
   9. sun protection lotion
   10. a can opener (if you are bringing tinned food)
   11. collar, lead and harness or similar, if applicable
   12. a coat or blanket for holidays in colder areas
   13. munchies and treats (for you and your pet!).
5. Make sure your pet is used to travelling before you leave – take them on a few short, controlled journeys to get them used to the experience. When your whole family is packed up and ready to go, it is not a good time to find out your dog hates travelling in the car!
6. Some animals suffer from travel sickness – this can be caused by the motion of the vehicle or by fear. Watch for signs of anxiety and talk to your vet before you go if you have any concerns.
7. Also talk to your vet about taking with you a first aid kit for your pet, in case something goes wrong.
8. If you have a dog or cat, consider taking out pet insurance before you go, as unexpected vet bills can put a hefty dent in the holiday budget.
9. Just like you, your pet will welcome a break on longer journeys – fresh water and a chance to stretch their legs and go to the toilet (don‘t forget to clean up after them!).
10. Always, ALWAYS make sure the proprietor of the accommodation you’re staying in knows you are bringing your pet. Just showing up with an extra family member can cause enormous problems!  
11. Keep your pet secure in new surroundings. Even if they are comfortable roaming free at home, they may be too keen to explore or otherwise may be frightened by unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells, which can be dangerous. Keep dogs on their leash, and smaller pets in suitable housing or on a harness. Your pet will need to stretch their legs too but only when there is nowhere for them to escape to.
12. Bringing a familiar item with you, such as a much-loved blanket or toy, can help to comfort a nervous or distressed animal in a strange environment.
13. Watch out for hazards that your pet might not find at home, and be prepared. These might include: pests such as ticks on coastal areas, harmful plants, new or unusual animals (such as farm or native animals), and hazards in the environment (poor quality fencing, dangerous objects on the ground, uneven surfaces etc.).
14. Check where your pets are allowed to go. Food preparation areas, school grounds, toilet blocks, playground areas and national parks are all off limits. Check with the local council for any local requirements, designated ‘off leash’ areas or particular walks, parks and beaches where pets are or are not allowed.
15. Pets can and do die from heat stress in a surprisingly short period of time – never, ever leave your pet in the car, even on a cloudy day and even with the windows down. Also, don’t leave your pet locked up at ‘home’ all day while you go out.
16. When you reach your destination, find out the contact details for the nearest vet, in case an accident does happen.

Organising a trip can be a stressful experience at the best of times, but with a bit of careful planning and common sense, there’s no reason why the furry, feathered and four-legged members of your family can’t join in with the fun as well!