Proper preparation is a major part of travelling with dogs in Sri Lanka. Your doggy’s supplies must travel with them, you cannot expect a hotel or villa to provide everything or deal with what you forgot.
We use this checklist whenever Lisa and Mango travel with us.
Before You Book
- Contact the property and receive written permission for your doggy.
- Ask for the current pet policy, permitted areas and additional charges.
- Mention your doggy’s size, behaviour and experience around other animals.
- Ask about fencing, resident doggies, farm animals and wildlife.
- Check whether vaccination records are required.
- Make sure the property genuinely suits your doggy before paying.
Read our Pet-Friendly Hotels and Villas in Sri Lanka: 2026 Guide before contacting a property.
Beds, Towels and Comfort
- Your doggy’s own bed
- Quilts or blankets
- Enough doggy towels for every day, plus extras
- A mat or sheet for the floor if needed
- A familiar toy to help them settle
For a three-day trip with Lisa and Mango, we take two doggy towels per day. That means six towels, plus one extra for good measure. Never use the property’s human towels on your doggy.
Food and Water
- Enough of your doggy’s usual food for the entire trip
- A little extra food in case plans change
- Treats
- Food and water bowls
- Drinking water for the journey
- Any supplements they regularly take
- A cooler bag when food must remain chilled
Some properties may kindly prepare eggs, chicken or another simple meal, but never assume this will be available or suitable. Take your doggy’s own food.
Walks and Safety
- Collar with identification
- Regular lead
- Long line if the property is unfenced
- Harness
- Poop bags
- Torch for nighttime walks
- Vaccination records when requested
- Recent photographs of your doggy
- Contact details for a nearby vet
Even at dog-friendly hotels in Sri Lanka, your doggy must remain supervised. Fencing can have gaps, gates can be opened and wildlife may be nearby.
Medicine and First Aid
- All regular medication
- A few extra doses in case the trip is extended
- Vet-approved tick and flea protection where needed
- Any prescribed allergy or emergency medicine
- A doggy first-aid kit prepared with veterinary guidance
- Your vet’s telephone number
- Do not apply human insect repellents, leech sprays or medication to your doggy unless your vet has confirmed that the product is safe.
Cleaning Supplies
- Wet wipes suitable for doggies
- Dog-safe cleaning spray
- Paper towels
- Our own toilet paper
- Extra poop bags
- A separate bag for used towels
- A small brush or comb for removing sand and dirt
If your doggy has an accident, clean it properly and inform the owner. Do not hide it or leave it for the staff to discover.
Our Clear-Box Packing Hack
We use two clear Phoenix storage boxes for Lisa and Mango’s belongings. One holds their beds, quilts and towels. The other carries their food, bowls, medicine and everything else they need.
Because the boxes are transparent, we can immediately see what is inside without searching through everything. It is a simple little hack, but it makes packing and unpacking much easier.
Before You Leave Home
- Confirm the booking and doggy approval again.
- Pack every medicine and check the dosage.
- Make sure collars and identification are secure.
- Carry the property’s contact details and location.
- Feed your doggy early enough to travel comfortably.
- Give them a toilet break before leaving.
- Check that both clear boxes are packed.
Once you are ready, explore pet-friendly hotels and villas personally recommended by Tayo Bear or pet-friendly accommodation recommended by Sri Lankan dog parents