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Pawsome Travel Bag

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Ready to hit the park, beach, trail, amusement park, or set off on an exciting adventure with your guide? Whether you are planning a day of fun or a weekend getaway, a well-stocked “paw-some ” travel bag ensures you are prepared for anything and keeps your guide dog happy, healthy, and ready to join in on the fun.

Think of this as a guide or checklist for making memories while prioritizing your dog’s care and comfort. The items below are suggested essentials for your travel bag. Some items are more useful for certain outings than others; customize your paw-some travel bag as you see fit.

Suggested Travel Bag Items

  • Portable Water and Food Bowls

    There are plenty of options to choose from for keeping your guide hydrated and fed on the go, including plastic, mesh, and silicone. Here are some examples:

  • Bottled Water and Measured Food

    Carry bottled water to ensure your pup stays hydrated. Remember, if the water is not safe for you to drink, it is not safe for your dog either. When traveling, pack an extra 1-2 days’ worth of food just in case.

  • Pick-Up Bags

    Always bring extras! It is better to have more than you think you will need.

  • Dog First Aid Kit

    Keep emergency supplies on-hand. Consider the Kurgo First Aid Kit.

  • Medications for Ear Infections and Diarrhea

    If you are traveling, you should consult your vet about carrying medications for common issues like ear infections or diarrhea. It is always better to have them and not need them than the other way around.

  • White Cane

    As much as we often want our guides to be a part of every adventure, sometimes certain activities and adverse weather conditions pose health and safety risks for our dogs. Additionally, you may need to problem-solve a route or vacation destination using added tactile feedback. Be proactive and always carry a white cane with you.

  • Tie Down

    If you need to leave your dog unattended for any reason, such as an activity that would be unsafe or unhealthy for your guide, consider packing a tie down to ensure your guide does not engage in any undesirable behaviors while you are gone. Your guide may test his or her boundaries, especially if not in their home environment.

  • Booties

    Booties protect against rough terrain, extreme temperatures, and materials like de-icing chemicals including salt. Exercise your best judgement as a handler when deciding whether your dog should wear booties.

  • Microfiber Towel

    If you have muddy or sandy shoes, your dog certainly has dirty paws! Carefully use a microfiber towel to remove any excess dirt, sand, and/or salt from your dog’s paws or body to prevent paw pad irritation, discomfort, or general messes.

  • Toys

    Our guide dogs deserve some fun downtime as a healthy energy outlet and balance to their work! Reputable toy brands include Benebone, Kong, Westpaw, Jolly Ball, and Tuffy. If your dog is a heavy chewer, make sure to monitor them so they do not get carried away.

  • Grooming Tools

    If you will be away from home for a while, grooming tools can keep your guide clean and comfortable.

  • Weather-Specific Items:

    • Cooling Vest: If your adventures take place on hot days, you can consider some cooling gear for your guide dog. Feel free to explore the Summer Cooling Gear for Dogs | Ruffwear which has a variety of vests and a neck gaiter. If you want to learn more about how these products work and would like to know which of the available cooling gear to select, check out Ruffwear’s article Beat the Heat With the Swamp Cooler Collection.
    • Raincoat: If you know there will be rain during your adventures, you may consider a raincoat for your guide dog to help them stay dry. Ruffwear offers the Sun Shower Dog Raincoat which provides full cover and leg loops for added protection even in windy conditions.
    • Jackets: If you are going on winter adventures with extreme temperatures, you can look into a jacket for your pup. Carefully consider your dog’s needs and contact Guiding Eyes for the Blind for guidance on your specific situation.

  • Travel Bed or Mat

    If you are staying overnight during your adventures, some handlers prefer to carry a portable bed or mat for their guide dog. Websites like Amazon and Chewy provide a wide range of choices. Consider a durable material suited to your needs, weight/size, portability, and cleaning/maintenance.

Ruffwear Pro Purchase Program

As a guide dog handler, you have access to the Ruffwear Pro purchase program, which offers a 40% discount on several of the items included in this resource guide should you choose their products. Complete your Pro Purchase Program Discounts Application to receive these perks.

To Contact Ruffwear:

Phone: 888-783-3932
Email: bark@ruffwear.com
Website: ruffwear.com

Do you have other ideas? Feel free to Share your paw-some travel bag must-haves with us. We hope you enjoy every adventure with your guide dog and let us make every outing paw-some!

To download “Pawsome Travel Bag”, as a printable document, click here.