What do you pack when you travel with your dog? For many years Ed and I specialized in writing about traveling with dogs. And, for even more years we've taken our dogs with us on vacations
As you can see in this photo of Maggie Mae, she has a pup tent to keep her safe when we leave her in our hotel room. The one we have is no longer available. But, since we bought ours, we've found a number of other styles. This is the one we would suggest today. This one could do double duty. It has a strong steel frame to protect your dog in a car.
I carry the Donner bag that I use for dog walks here in the city and as my primary purse when we're on the road. Mine is so old that Overland Equipment has updated the style and added a nice selection of new colors. But is still has pockets on each side to hold water bottles or an umbrella and lots of space for pick-up bags, treats and other dog items.
The bags straps are strong and secure so I use them to connect Maggie's leash to it. That way my hands are free to have a cup of coffee or take photos. (If I'm going to be distracted, I keep my foot on Maggie Mae's leash so that she stays close to me and I know exactly where she is.)
You can use any carabiner to connect your dog to your bag but the EZ-Grab below is a great item for any dog family. You can use it to hold two or more leashes, to attach a leash to a bench, pole, or beach umbrella. And it can also be pressed into service for carrying a collection of shopping bags.
Important tip at home and away.
When we leave Maggie alone at a hotel, we attach a tag to her tent telling the staff whom to call if for some reason we can't return to care for her. Good and trusted friends have accepted this responsibility. We also carry pet id cards with our drivers licenses that tell first responders that we have a dog waiting for us at home and whom to call to see that she is safe.
Watch for more entries in this series of tips and products for traveling with our best friends.
