get up and go

Choosing a destination for your vacay is the easy part. It's the preparing and packing all of your things – plus your trusty friends – that will take up most of your time. Since I plan on taking some outdoorsy trips this Spring and Summer, I put together a widget of stuff that you'll need for outdoor fun with your furry friends. From wilderness tours to beach excursions, you will want to take the pet essentials: leashes, food, and toys, but what else could (or should) you pack? Well, let's start with the basics. These Hydro Bowls ($6) are perfect for on-the-go food and water for both cats and pups. What's more, they fold up nice and small, so you have room in the trunk for more toys. Check out my widget below for more outdoor travel necessities when you read more

Many times it can seem like cat owners get the short end of the stick when it comes to traveling with pets. While some kitties like to be outside sometimes or enjoy the occasional walk, I imagine prepping for a trip with a feline who's just getting started with the frequent flier (or driver) points can be overwhelming. One of the key things to provide for a cat is a litter box but, when you're away, lugging the big home edition can be more than a little annoying. I've rounded up some small travel boxes that will do just great on the road. In addition to this biodegradable one made of recycled paper, there's another eco-tastic one made of 100-percent recycled plastic, too, so check them all out when you read more

Road trips are a quintessential rite of passage when the Spring and Summer months are within reach. As much fun as road-tripping it to an unknown destination can be, if your pet is riding along, her safety can easily be overlooked when the rubber hits the road. I can never stress enough how important a car seat is for your pet while riding in the car (since I've drilled it into your brains about a million times)! Even a travel crate or the super soft (yet totally travel friendly) Sleepypod strapped in with the seat belt is way safer than having your pet roaming around the cab which can not only be hazardous to your driving, but your fave pooch or cat can potentially go flying if you happen to slam on the brakes. And that's never a good thing!

I've rounded up some more food for thought about what to bring with you, safety checks, and what to think about before you hit the highway on your next road trip when your furry co-pilot is tagging along for the ride.

Before you go:

• If you know your destination, research vet hospitals before hand, so you'll know where to head in an emergency.
• Pack up your pet first aid kit, along with plenty of food, collapsible water bowls, medicines, and toys they might need in an easily accessible tote or travel bag.
• Make sure your pet's i.d. tags are up to date with current phone numbers.
• Maximize your time by scouting out your destination's pet-friendly hotels, parks, and beaches, so you're not roaming around looking for them.
• Consider prepping a travel litter box, since kitties are fussy travelers. Stress can do numbers on their digestive systems.

Check out the rest of my tips when you read more

Having a first aid kit specifically for your pet in mind is a good thing to have, whether you're traveling with or without your pet, but it's also a smart thing to have around the house even when you aren't traveling. Packing a first aid kit and leaving it with your sitter instructions should be a must-do before you head out. There are more important things for your pet sitter to worry about if there was an accident than running around your place looking for bandages! Just placing these supplies in a waterproof container or shoebox will do, just so long as they are easy for your sitter to find. What should go in the kit?

• Cotton balls, Q-Tips, Gauze
• Bandages, bandage tape, and small scissors to cut it with
• Hydrogen peroxide, hydrocortisone cream, and antibacterial ointment for cuts

There are a few more important items to include when you read more

Since we're in the middle of a travel series here on the site, it's the perfect time to address this question from Phasekitty for our next group problem solver. This cutie pie pup, Brando, suffers from separation anxiety when he's all alone – doesn't he look sad?

See her full story when you read more

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, there are those times when you can't get your pet into a boarding facility. So, if you can't take them with you on your adventure, then you'll need to find a sitter care for your furry pals while you are away. If you're lucky enough to have trustworthy neighbors or family members that can come by to feed and care for your pet, then there are a few things you'll want to make sure you do before you jet off on your vacay, to ensure your pet (and sitter) remain as comfortable as possible.
Food:

• Make sure your pet's food is fully stocked, and ready to scoop. If you use bagged food, let your sitter know which scoop you use to prevent over (or under) feeding. It's also a good idea to let the sitter know where any extra food bags (or extra cans, if you use canned food) are located even though you think you've stocked enough.
• If your pet eats home cooked meals, make the food beforehand and separate meal-sized portions to prevent any confusion, and to take that duty off your sitter's hands.

There's a few more tips if you read more

We're all getting ready for tomorrow's big party in Hollywood and, as I was pulling out my suitcase to pack it with my (hopefully) fab outfit, I noticed this doggy. Sometimes your best pal can't come with you on vacay . . . and cocktail parties are not North's specialty, even at my own home. A friend gave me this luggage tag — people often confuse my smooshy Boston with a Frenchie anyway — and it looks so fun attached to the handle of my carry-on. Check out other kitty and doggy luggage tags for your suitcases (or even a pet's carrier) when you read more

Tell me, when you're ready to get up and go, what do you do to make your pets feel as comfy (and uninterrupted) in their routines as possible? I already shared my packing list but do any of you have other items I've forgotten, or special tips, to keep Fido and Fluffy as happy as possible.

Source

I've got travel on my mind since I just returned from a super-fun wild adventure! Now, I'm waiting 'til next week to share my details of swimming with dolphins and snorkeling with rays, but it was def sad leaving my lil pup at home. Way back when I picked up North from the breeder, she suggested I place one of my unwashed tees on his bed in the crate so he'd get used to my smell and feel snuggly and sleep better. When I left North for the first time, I brought along a square from that shirt for him. Now, he's used to going on overnight adventures alone . . . but, what do I pack in his travel bag? To find out, read more