Packing for a dog trip requires a different checklist than packing for yourself, and the Outer Banks adds a few specific requirements — beach access, salt water, sun exposure, and a full week of higher-than-usual activity levels. Missing an item doesn't just inconvenience your dog; it can mean a vet visit or a wasted afternoon driving to find a store that carries what you need.
Here's the complete list, organized by category.
Documents and Health
- Vaccination records — Required by most vacation rentals and some campgrounds and dog parks. Grandy Cove requires current rabies vaccination. Bring a paper copy.
- Veterinarian contact — Your home vet's number and the location of the nearest emergency vet on the OBX (see our OBX vet guide)
- Flea and tick prevention — The OBX has ticks, especially in brushy areas and marsh edges. Make sure prevention is current before you leave
- Heartworm and flea/tick medication — If monthly, ensure the dose timing works for your trip dates
- Pet insurance info — If you have it, bring the card or screenshot the policy number
Food and Water
- Dog food — Bring enough for the full trip plus 20% extra. Switching food mid-trip causes digestive upset; don't count on finding the right brand locally
- Water — Currituck Sound and OBX beaches are salt or brackish water. Bring fresh water for beach trips; dogs will drink from puddles if thirsty and salt water causes vomiting
- Collapsible water bowl — Essential for beach days and car rides
- Food and water bowls — Grandy Cove provides bowls, but bring your dog's regular bowl if they're particular
- Treats — More than you think you need; training and calmness on a trip with new stimuli require reinforcement
- Can opener (if using wet food)
Sleeping and Crate
- Dog bed or familiar blanket — Familiar scent reduces anxiety in a new environment. Even if the rental has a crate, your dog's own bedding helps
- Crate — Grandy Cove has a dog crate on-site; bring your own if your dog is crate-trained to a specific model
- Dog gate (optional) — Useful for containing a dog in one room without closing doors
Beach and Outdoor Gear
- Dog life jacket — If your dog is going in the Sound or ocean water, a properly-fitted life jacket is essential. Even strong swimmers tire in current or waves
- Leash (6-foot) — Required on most OBX beaches and all trails. Bring a backup; leashes go missing on trips
- Long line (20–30 foot) — Useful for controlled off-leash exercise in open areas
- Poop bags — Bring more than you think you need; OBX beaches and parks require cleanup and dispensers are not always stocked
- Towels (dog-specific) — Two minimum; one for post-beach, one for post-dock. Salt water and sand are hard on regular towels
- Dog booties (optional) — July and August sand in the OBX can exceed 100°F and burn paws. Test them at home before the trip
- Dog sunscreen — Lightly-pigmented dogs (pink noses, white coats) can sunburn on OBX beaches. Dog-safe zinc-free sunscreen for ears and nose
- Fresh water bottle and bowl — For beach trips specifically; dogs need water every 20–30 minutes in summer heat
Grooming and Cleanup
- Dog shampoo — Salt, sand, and Sound water need to be washed off; plan to rinse your dog after every beach visit
- Detangling spray (for long-coated dogs) — Sand in a coat turns into mats quickly
- Nail clippers — A week of running on sand often keeps nails in check, but have them available
- Ear cleaner — Water-loving dogs need their ears dried and cleaned after swims to prevent ear infections. This is especially important for floppy-eared breeds
Medication and First Aid
- Dog first aid kit — Include: gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, tweezers (for thorns and ticks), a tick remover tool, and Benadryl (dosage per your vet) for bee stings or allergic reactions
- Prescription medications — Any regular medications plus a small emergency supply
- Anti-diarrhea medication — Travel stress and dietary changes can cause GI upset; check with your vet for what's safe to bring
In the Car
- Car seat cover — Sand and wet dog are a combination your car will remember
- Seat belt harness or travel crate — For safety and to prevent distraction while driving
- Window shade — Dogs riding in sunny windows can overheat; a simple suction-cup shade makes a significant difference
- Paper towels and bag for car cleanup
At the Rental
Grandy Cove comes equipped with several dog amenities built in — bowls, crates, dog waste bags, and waterproof LVP flooring throughout. The washer and dryer are available for towels and dog bedding. The fenced deck area (with gates) keeps dogs from accessing the dock unsupervised.
Check availability and book a pet-friendly stay — up to 2 dogs, no size restrictions, direct waterfront access.