I have suffered from debilitating panic attacks since childhood, and they are often triggered by flying, but my job as a content creator requires me to fly multiple times a month. In some cases, this is far from ideal. Flying became so stressful that I considered quitting travel writing altogether, until I found the ultimate travel companion, my service dog, Poppy. Poppy is trained to warn me right before I realize I’m having a panic attack, and to help me through the terrifying duration of the attack. She now travels with me everywhere and we have enjoyed dozens of trips together from Mexico to Europe.
Last month, she flew for the 98th time in three years on a trip to Greece’s Costa Navarino, the seaside, design-forward (and dog-friendly) luxury resort of W Costa Navarino, about three hours southwest of Athens. I experienced it. Packing to travel with a service dog requires a little extra planning, but I’ve been doing this regularly for so long that I can say it’s a routine I’ve become an expert at. What you pack will vary depending on your destination, but I have a list of 12 must-have items that I take with me on every trip, all of which are available for purchase on Amazon.
Albcorp Service Dog Vest
Amazon
Poppy never leaves the house without wearing a service dog vest. This will not only help you identify that you are not a pet while traveling, but also help let Poppy know it’s time for work. This means no barking (unless it alerts me to a panic attack), ignoring other dogs, and sitting quietly at my feet on planes and restaurants. It also subtly alerts people around her that she is at work and discourages them from petting her without asking or thinking I am trying to eat with my pet Chiweenie. Masu.
Just as there is no such thing as a service dog certification document, there is no such thing as an “official” service dog vest in the United States. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines service animals as individually trained individuals to perform tasks of assisting qualified individuals with disabilities, including physical, sensory, mental, intellectual, or other mental disabilities. Defined as a miniature dog or miniature horse. This training does not need to be done by a service dog organization. Even people with disabilities can do it. The ADA further states that “covered entities may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal is certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal, as a condition of entry.” The same rules apply when bringing a service dog on a plane.
Basic concept Airplane foot hammock
Amazon
This airplane foot hammock is the perfect service dog flight hack for long-distance flights in economy. It keeps my legs and feet elevated during flight so Poppy and I don’t have to fight for floor space. Simply clip this memory foam cushioned hammock around your tray table and place a poppy flight blanket on the floor below. When I lift my legs, she has room to move around. Poppy weighs only 13 pounds and fits easily under the seat in front of me, while my first service dog, Bobby, is a 65-pound pit bull mix who tucks under the seat for an 8-10 hour flight. It was uncomfortable to cower in it. . With a hammock, you and your working pup will have plenty of space. Additionally, having your feet elevated during long-haul flights will be much more comfortable.
Travel + Leisure / Becca Blonde
You too can wear a sparkly rhinestone dog collar.
Amazon
Poppy gets lots of compliments when she wears this sparkly collar made of soft suede with no rough edges around her neck. Whether we were savoring fresh seafood at seaside restaurant Paleria or lounging by the pool at Greece’s W Costa Navarino, multiple guests approached us and said, “I don’t want to wear a diamond collar like that.” ” I asked if the dog was royalty. I didn’t have the courage to say I bought it with the cost of a drink at an Amazon bar.
I was also impressed with how well this collar held up despite its $12 price tag. Poppy has been wearing it for 9 months now and it’s still in good condition with no signs of tearing.
JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Complete Meal
Amazon
Poppies are picky eaters. After all, she’s used to having chefs create special menus during our trips. On a recent trip to Seattle’s ultra-dog-friendly Fairmont Olympic Hotel, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary, the chef at its iconic oyster bar, Shucker’s, gave her a signature ribeye to take home to your room. With treats like this, it’s difficult to convince her to eat dog food while traveling.
The exception is JustFoodForDogs, which is currently on my must-have list for domestic travel. Perfect for checked luggage, this food is made with high-quality ingredients and comes in 6-count, easy-to-pack 12.5-ounce boxes. Honestly, this is the only dog food Poppy touches when we travel (everything else requires her to go on a hunger strike for days). If Poppy were a large dog, we wouldn’t be able to afford this, but at her weight, one box lasts three days. This food can also be used as a meal topper or mixed with kibble to make it last longer.
ASOUB Dog Bowl and Human Travel Water Bottle
Amazon
I never go anywhere without this insulated 33 oz stainless steel water bottle with a removable dog bowl on the bottom. I like that the bowl is easy to remove and reinstall, and the bottle has an easy-grip handle that clips to your backpack. It also keeps your water cool on long flights and holds more water than a typical bottle. Get an extra 20% off, so buy now.
Travel + Leisure / Becca Blonde
ZoooBelives Ultralight Compression Sleeping Bag
Amazon
When we fly, we always pack the same ultralight, compressible sleeping bag for Poppy to use as a bed on the floor of the plane. I like this product because it packs up so small that it doesn’t take up much space or add weight to my carry-on. Weighs less than 2 pounds. Also, when fully unzipped, it becomes a comforter and can be placed into a small nest, perfect for long flights. We are also holding a 30% off sale.
Rollink Flex Vega 21 Inch Foldable Hardshell Carry-on Suitcase
Amazon
If you don’t have enough storage space at home, this suitcase is perfect for you. It claims to be “the world’s first fully foldable suitcase,” but when I first received it, I was shocked at how thin it was compared to other suitcases. It’s only 2 inches thick when folded, so it’s easy to slip under your bed. When unfolded, it measures 22″ x 14″ x 9″ and can easily hold enough clothing for a 3-day trip. I also own the plaid 26-inch medium-sized version of this suitcase, which I use for longer vacations. The suitcase holds well, is easy to carry, and is weather-resistant.
Travel + Leisure / Becca Blonde
PuppyDoggy Reflective Lead with Poop Bag Holder
Amazon
Having a soft poop bag holder that attaches directly to your service dog’s leash makes life so much easier. When traveling with Poppy, she also likes a long leash because she can see the leash around the chairs at restaurants. This leash is 6 feet long but has two handles, the second handle is just 1 foot from the clip, perfect if you want to keep Poppy on a short leash in a crowded area . It’s also durable, and the soft padding on the handle feels good in the palm of your hand.
Rest Eazzy Collapsible Travel Dog Bowl
Amazon
These collapsible dog bowls are perfect for travel. I use it for food and water at hotels, but I also take one for water on excursions. The bowl is made from BPA-free, high-quality food-grade silicone and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. It’s easy to fold and comes in three sizes and multiple colors.
Travel + Leisure / Becca Blonde
Bagsmart Foldable Tote Bag with Laptop Compartment
Amazon
A foldable tote bag is another must-have item on my service dog travel list. This one from Bagsmart folds up to fit almost nothing in your suitcase, but when unfolded, it’s roomy enough for blankets, books, water bottles, bowls, and other essentials. It also has a laptop compartment. A drawstring pocket on the front provides easy access to essentials like your phone and wallet. I often use this style of tote when going to the hotel pool or the beach.
Protalus T-100 Elite Shoe Insole
Amazon
Poppy and I travel many miles and I have flat feet. To prevent pain, I carry Protalus insoles in my suitcase. Not for her, but for me. The company makes full- and half-size insoles with a universal fit that works whether you have flat feet or high arch feet. It uses patented rebound foam and alignment technology to help properly distribute pressure on your body by adjusting your ankle position and keeping it within a safe range of motion. Insoles can be used in everything from sports shoes to fashion boots, so they can be swapped out to match different shoes. This allows you to move around the airport more comfortably and ensure closer connectivity.
Travel + Leisure / Becca Blonde
Bewarg dog seat belt
Amazon
My service dog is my whole world, so keeping my service dog safe during road trips is a top priority. That’s why I use a dog seat belt to secure my service dog in the back seat in case of an accident or sudden stop where my little pup might fall. Like she’s flying. The length can be adjusted by placing it over the headrest of your car. It won’t protect Poppy in a rollover, but it will work well if your fender bends or you slam on the brakes. I clip it to her harness, but never a collar, as there is a choking hazard.
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