"Use Your Pack Mentality" Checklist

You may not need all of these things of course but its best to consider unexpected needs when away from home! A plastic container with a snap-on lid or duffel bags that are pre-packed with most of these items will make it easy to hit the road.

Food and Related Items

• Your dogs regular food and treats bring more than you think you need in case you end up being away from home longer than expected.
• Measuring cup. (may want to pre-measure food and place in zip-lock bags to make it easy to pack for a day trip.)
• Your Labs regular food supplements/vitamins.
• Food and water bowls as well as collapsible bowls for day trips.
• Clip-on or hanging water/ food dishes for their crate.
• Jug(s) of water from home or purchased bottles/jugs of distilled or purified water. Tap water from different places can give your Lab diarrhea.
• A cooler and ice packs if your dog eats homemade/fresh food.

Dog-Wear

• Sturdy collar. Bring one or two extras in case one breaks or gets badly soiled.
• Tags: your dogs regular tag with home contact information and several temporary/write on tags as well as his local registration tag or license. Attach one temp tag with contact info for your destination but prepare a new one any time you stop overnight along the way with your local contact information. If you have a cell phone, adding that number may be a good way to reach you.
• Sturdy leash. As with collars, bring extras. Include one 6 foot long and one shorter (for city sidewalks perhaps.) 
• A coat or sweater if necessary for cold weather.
• Dog boots. Its best to condition your dog to these beforehand-they could come in handy if your Lab injures a paw or two (or all 4!) They may also be useful in heavy snow to help prevent snow and ice from becoming impacted between their pads. Some beach areas have plant life that drops very sharp burrs during certain times of the year-these can make walking your dog almost impossible without boots.
• A back-pack for the dog if youre planning on hiking so that he can carry his own food and water!
• A dog life preserver or flotation device. 

Crate/Bedding

• A sturdy crate with a crate pad that fits the bottom. Loose or ill fitted bedding will leave your dog sliding around within the crate making it harder for him to sleep and to steady himself on hard turns or stops. On long trips, the more comfortable your dog is the more likely he is to sleep, making it easier on both of you!
• Extra fleece pads in case their bedding becomes soiled and perhaps an extra bed if you want to leave one in the car and have one inside.
• A blanket or king sized flat sheet to cover the bed.

Medical Supplies

• Any regular medications including heartworm, flea and tick protection. 

• A first aid kit packed with any medications/treatments appropriate for the area youll be traveling in and for the activities in which youll be engaged. 

• First Aid Book-most good commercially prepared kits will contain one.

• Motion-sickness remedies.

Grooming/Cleanup

• Plenty of towels for wiping wet or dirty dogs.
• Brush.
• Flea comb.
• Cleaning and deodorizing solution and rags/paper towels. A spray bottle with a 4 to 1 mixture of water and white vinegar helps remove smells.
• Shampoo - for those emergency baths!
• De-skunking solution.
• Pooper scoopers/pick-up bags.
• Plenty of zip lock type plastic bags to contain smelly messes.
• Large garbage bags for big problems (like soiled bedding.)
• Dog toothpaste and toothbrush.
• Nail clipper.
• Pre-moistened towelettes and paper towels.

Information

• Your veterinarians contact information (including an emergency phone number) and a listing of vets in the areas youll be traveling with their contact information.
• Listing of kennels in the areas youll be traveling in case you need to unexpectedly board your dog.
• Medical records/health certificate especially proof of rabies and vaccinations (most kennels require this.)
• A recent photo of your dog in case he gets lost.
• Contact info for your tattoo registration service (if your dog is tattooed.)
• Contact info for other lost dog services.
• Written confirmation of your room reservation including your dog.
• Pre-printed information on your dogs routine/feeding instructions in case you have to board them or leave them with someone.

Other

• Extra tote bag or backpack for day trips.
• Harness restraint (if not using a crate in your vehicle.)
• Flashlight and extra batteries for night walking.
• Coated cable tie-out with clips at both ends.

Last but not least:

• Your Labs favorite toys!