Taking your doggo on holiday with you? Fun!! Check out our checklist for how to prep and pack for your greyhound getaway!

How to prep and pack for a holiday with your doggo
When taking the family on holiday includes a long dog, there’s an extra bag (or a few cleverly tetrissed boxes) to pack! Keeping your doggo comfortable, hydrated and calm on your travels can make for a fun getaway and heaps of wonderful mems – or should we say mlems? Here’s the Hound-Tees guide to travelling with your greyhound. 

Checklist for planning a holiday with your greyhound

Choosing long-dog-friendly accom
Your doggo doesn’t need a huge backyard – somewhere with enough space for some doughnuts and zoomies should do it. If there is yard space, make sure it’s enclosed and secure. The main focus is choosing an area that feels nice and safe for those longer daily walks. Make sure you check with your accommodation before booking as some places are not dog friendly (rude!)

Vet visits
A quick checkup with your vet before you head off is a good idea to ensure your doggo is ready for the adventure.

Consider looking into vets near your destination and making a note of them. Don’t expect to need them, but if you require a vet unexpectedly, it’s helpful to know where to go ahead of time. Remember that greyhounds have unusual blood chemistry, so their vet will need to know how to interpret their physical characteristics. It could be worth calling ahead to find a nearby vet that can accurately diagnose sighthounds.

Check your doggo’s identification
Make sure their microchip is up-to-date with your current phone number. Ensure their collar has your current number, and you may consider sticky-taping a piece of paper with your holiday accommodation address to their collar tag.

Medications
If your houndie takes any medication, double check you’ve got enough for the duration of the trip (and maybe a some extra just in case).

Checklist for long car rides with your greyhound

Ease them into long drive

If you are going for a long distance, make sure your doggo is okay with the travel time before going on your holiday. If possible, practise on a weekend day trip with an hour-long drive, just to be sure they will be happy with a longer journey.

Seatbelts, car seats or crates
Some greyhounds travel well in crates, and it can be safer for them. Car seats and seat belts can also keep them safely strapped in. Please speak with your local pet store about the best set-up for your car, and factor in your doggo’s history and preferences to keep them feeling safe while strapped in.

Bedding
If your doggo already has a travel bed, definitely use this for familiarity and comfort! If not, see if you can fit their regular bed in the car for them. Otherwise, blankets and toys from home can help them feel safe and comfortable in the car.

Factor breaks into your travel time
Your long dog will hopefully sleep through most of the car ride, but make sure they’re still getting to stretch their quick stix as much as they do on any normal day. Keep up their hydration with water stops along the way too – keep your travel water bowl somewhere easy to grab!

Please never leave your dog in the car unattended. 

Packing checklist for your holiday with your greyhound

First aid kit
A first aid kit for doggos and hoomans is a must for any adventure! Here are some things we like to pack for our holiday hounds.

• Iodine solution/ antiseptic cream
• Splints
• Bandages

We love the Total Dog 1st Aid Kit, so check that out!

Food, water and treats

• Food bowl
• Water bowl
• Travel water bowl for long walks
• If your doggo likes a raised feeder, bring a box 
• A KONG or Toppl or your preferred slow-feeder chew toy or licki mat
• Chews – something low-mess and low-stink like duck wings or beef cheek pieces can be a good idea
• Most pet shops will sell small bags of most brands of dog food so these can be a handy travel option too

For outings

• A long lead for big walks

• A short lead
• A muzzle if required
• Lots of poop bags! We suggest biodegradable pls!
• Hound-Tees for layering – a base layer, long-sleeve and sweater can be an excellent weekend-away combo
• Wipes – always good to have on hand!
• Going on a bush walk?  check out Snooties Booties to keep your houndies paws protected 

For settling in at the accommodation

•  You’ll already have some kind of bedding from the car, but bring extra blankets to keep your doggo cosy and warm, as the ground is typically colder and harder than the car!
• A lick mat can be a great distraction for those new-environment nerves. A lick mat can also be great for cafes to keep them engaged between puppacinos!
• A microwavable heat pack (optional, but encouraged for colder months!)
• A drying mitt – great for after beach or lake swims or drying off if you need to bathe them while you’re away.
• Wipes – always good to have on hand!
• Familiar things – their favourite toys, tees or blankets can help them feel safe.
• Hound-Tees of all layers so you can keep them at optimum comfort for every activity and chill day and night of your trip!
• Calm-a-snoot naturally calming room spray to calm nerves. Great for travelling or if you’re expecting any festive fireworks to pop off!

Happy Houndie Holidays!

Hopefully this checklist helps you prep for a family getaway with your bestest snoot! Have a safe and happy time.