My 9 Things: What I packed to travel with my pet
Join Johnathan and Teddy, aka @aguyandagoldenn, as they share the nine packing basics you should always have for a pawfect pet-friendly stay. | By Leanne Philip | October 26, 2022
Traveling with your dog can be daunting. Where do you go? What do you do? Inquiring minds want to know.
Luckily for us (and animal-lovers everywhere), we have Johnathan and Theodore (Teddy) — or as they’re known by 5.3 million fans on TikTok, @aguyandagoldenn. The duo are no strangers to traveling and hit the road multiple times a month. In fact, this December they’re headed to New York for a bucket list getaway to Times Square.
Says Johnathan, “My ideal traveling situation is stress-free. Dog-friendly hotels are hard to find these days. That’s the beauty of our recent stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton Charlotte Belmont — you can stay at a nice hotel with amenities and not have to worry about leaving your dog at home. Plus, the couch in some of their rooms is always a hit with Teddy.”
If you’re still feeling worried that traveling with your pet will be ruff (see what we did there?), we’ve got you covered. Johnathan and Teddy have shared their top travel tips with us. “It boils down to travel preparation. Make sure your dog is taken care of, research your destination and the things you want to do and have fun!” says Johnathan.
So, read on to discover the nine things Johnathan and Teddy packed for a pup-friendly getaway in North Carolina, as told to Hilton:
A collar
We know what you're thinking — isn't a collar a given? Hey, it's usually the basics that we always forget (how many of you have arrived at a hotel only to realize you've forgotten your toothbrush?) We always make sure to pack a collar with identification in case something happens while we're away.
A brush
See picture for reference. Goldens shed like crazy, and when you’re traveling you don’t want to leave tumbleweeds of hair everywhere. Brushing helps — trust me (and our in-room couch).
Dog shoes
Especially in fall and winter, you never know what the weather will be like at your final travel destination. That’s why we always pack shoes for multiple reasons and seasons: hot asphalt, rain, snow, etc.
A leash
I know, I know — who needs a leash when you're on the open road? But you're going to want to stretch your legs (all four of them) and even in the most pet-friendly travel destination, some dog parks and trails will require a leash. Having one on hand ensures walks and bathroom breaks are a breeze!
Treats
Traveling with your pet is always an opportunity to learn. That’s why we always pack Teddy’s favorite treats for on-the-go training sessions.
Food and water bowls
After all, presentation is the key to a fantastic meal. Bone appetit!
Waste bags
You’d be surprised how often people forget this one when they travel. As someone who frequently travels with their dog: Be courteous, always clean up after your pet and dispose.
Toys, toys and more toys
One (or 20) of your dog’s favorite toys… As Teddy will tell you, there’s no such thing as too many cuddly stuffed animals.
An extra phone
We need to keep our 5 million-plus TikTok friends happy! An extra phone makes shooting new travel content easy and efficient.
Leanne Philip is a content marketing manager at Hilton. She has written for numerous print and digital platforms, including Travel + Leisure, The Atlantan and Barneys New York.
Enjoy the perfect pet-friendly stay with Hilton
These pet-friendly cities ensure you can travel with confidence as you set out to make vacation memories with your furry friends. Paws up for wide open spaces, places to whine and dine and pup-tastic tours.
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