Travelling With a Diabetic Dog: The Ultimate Checklist

We’ve had many different driving trips with our diabetic Border Terrier Parker: one-hour drives to our cottage; two-to-five hour drives to visit friends and family in Montreal and Toronto, and 13-hour overnight trips to the east coast. Living in Ottawa, Canada, we’ve travelled with Parker in everything from from hot, humid summer days to blistering snowstorms that make you wish for hot, humid days.

We’ve put together this guide based on our experiences. Use it before every trip to make sure you have everything your diabetic dog needs.

Before You Leave

Schedule a vet visit (if needed)

If your diabetic dog hasn’t been seen recently, or if they’ve had unstable glucose levels, it may be worth checking in with your veterinarian before travelling.

Ask about:

• Recent glucose trends
• Travel-related feeding or insulin adjustments
• Motion sickness medications
• Emergency recommendations
• Copies of prescriptions

Research veterinary clinics en route and at your destinations

Before leaving, identify:

• The nearest emergency veterinary hospitals
• A regular veterinary clinic nearby
• Their phone numbers and addresses
• Their hours of operation

Save the information in your phone and keep a written backup.

Make a feeding and insulin plan

Try to keep your dog’s routine as consistent as possible.

Plan:

• Feeding times
• Insulin injection times
• Bathroom breaks
• Exercise schedules

Crossing time zones? Talk to your veterinarian in advance about adjusting insulin timing safely.

We have Parker on an 8:30 am/8:30 pm schedule, so when we go on a road trip we plan to arrive at our motel not later than 6:30 to give him time to adjust to the new location. He’s not always comfortable eating in a new environment so we always ensure he has time to settle in.

Book diabetic dog-friendly accommodations

If you use a booking app or website, you’ll know if they allow dogs. Some places have weight limits, so if you have a medium or larger dog they may not be allowed. We’ve found that many dog-friendly motels have poop bag dispensers and exterior garbage cans set up for pet owners. 

We recommend double-checking that your room will have a working fridge to keep the insulin at the correct temperature.  

Diabetic Dog Travel Packing Checklist

Insulin and Diabetes Supplies

Bring more supplies than you think you’ll need.

Essential Diabetes Supplies

• Insulin (and protective silicone vial sleeve)
• Syringes or insulin pen needles
• Glucose meter
• Test strips
• Lancets
• Ketone test strips
• Sharps container or travel-safe disposal container
• Alcohol swabs
• Cotton balls or tissues

Backup Supplies

• Extra insulin vial or pen
• Backup glucose meter batteries
• Extra test strips
• Printed insulin prescription
• Copy of your dog’s medical records

Food and Water

Diet consistency is especially important for diabetic dogs.

Pack:

• Enough food for the entire trip
• Extra food in case of delays
• Measuring cup or food scale
• Treats approved for your diabetic dog
• Portable water bowl
• Bottled water if your dog has a sensitive stomach

Avoid switching foods during travel unless absolutely necessary.

Hypoglycemia Emergency Kit

Always be prepared for low blood sugar.

Pack:

• Honey, corn syrup, or glucose gel
• Emergency contact numbers
• Written instructions for treating hypoglycemia
• A small snack for after recovery

If someone else may care for your dog during the trip, teach them how to recognize and treat hypoglycemia.

Keeping Insulin Safe While Travelling

Road Trips

• Never leave insulin in a hot or freezing vehicle
• Use an insulated medication bag or cooler
• Keep insulin out of direct sunlight
• Avoid placing insulin directly against ice packs

Air Travel

• Always keep insulin and diabetes supplies in your carry-on luggage
• Do not check insulin in baggage
• Bring extra supplies in case of delays
• Carry prescriptions or a veterinarian letter if desired

Hotel Stays

• Confirm your room includes a refrigerator
• If using a mini-fridge, make sure insulin does not freeze
• Store supplies in a safe and consistent location
• Use one of our handy tips to remember to repack the insulin before you check out

Some mini-fridges can partially freeze items placed near the back wall, so check insulin regularly.

During the Trip

Monitor Your Dog Closely

Travel can affect:

• Appetite
• Stress levels
• Activity levels
• Blood glucose levels

Watch for signs of:

• Hypoglycemia
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Disorientation

Testing blood glucose more frequently during travel may be helpful. This is another good reason to pack extra test strips.

Maintain Routine When Possible

Dogs with diabetes often do best with consistency.

Try to keep:

• Feeding times consistent
• Insulin timing consistent
• Exercise levels predictable

Major changes in activity or schedule can affect insulin needs.

Quick Grab-and-Go Checklist

Diabetes Supplies

• Insulin
• Syringes or pen needles
• Glucose meter
• Test strips
• Lancets
• Ketone strips
• Alcohol swabs
• Sharps container
• Backup insulin

Food and Feeding

• Dog food
• Measuring cup
• Approved treats
• Water and bowl

Emergency Supplies

• Honey or glucose gel
• Emergency vet contacts
• Medical records
• Prescriptions

Travel Comfort

• Leash and harness
• Medications
• Bed or blanket
• Waste bags
• Towels or cleanup supplies

Your best back seat passenger

Travelling with a diabetic dog may require more preparation, but many diabetic dogs continue to enjoy road trips, vacations, camping adventures, and family visits. Parker loves the beach on the east coast (Gaspe, Quebec) and despite his advanced age (almost 15!), he loves exploring the nooks and crannies of the rugged coastline.

A little planning goes a long way toward keeping your dog safe, comfortable, and happy while away from home.

And remember: when in doubt, always contact your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s insulin routine while travelling.

Related Articles

• Don’t forget the insulin: travel tips for diabetic dog owners
• Being Well Prepared for a Road Trip with Your Diabetic Dog
• Keeping Your Diabetic Dog’s Insulin Safe on the Road
• Travelling with a Diabetic Dog with Vision Loss