Packing for a beach trip is one thing. Packing for a beach trip with a dog is a different exercise entirely, and it’s easy to either overpack out of anxiety or forget something you’ll wish you had on day one.
Here’s what we actually recommend, based on years of guests staying with us at Salty Paw Rentals.
For the beach itself: a leash you don’t mind getting sandy, a collapsible water bowl, and pet-safe sunscreen if your dog has light skin or short fur (yes, dogs can get sunburned, especially on the nose and ears). A towel dedicated just to your dog, kept separate from your own, will save you from arguing over whose towel that sand is on.
For the room: we stock the basics — dog bowls, a dog bed, waste bags — but bringing your dog’s own food is worth the suitcase space, since a sudden diet change on vacation is a common way to end up dealing with an upset stomach two days into your trip. Their regular medications, obviously, plus any comfort item (a specific toy, a blanket that smells like home) that helps them settle into a new space faster.
For the car ride: water, a collapsible bowl for rest stops, and a plan for bathroom breaks every couple of hours if you’re driving any real distance to get here.
One thing we’d add that’s easy to forget: a recent photo of your dog on your phone, plus their microchip info handy, just in case. Unfamiliar places mean unfamiliar smells and sounds, and it’s better to have that information ready and never need it.
Beyond that, don’t overthink it. We’ve handled more than you’d expect already.
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