Think of it as your “go-to” reference before you hit the road.
Dog Packing List
|
Category |
Items to Pack |
| Comfort & Warmth | Dog jacket or coat, warm blanket, extra dog bed or cushion. Barkwells provides one medium and one large dog bed in every cabin for our guests! |
| Paw & Snow Safety | Booties or paw protectant balm, towels or rugs for wiping snow/mud, absorbent mat for cabin entry. Barkwells cabins are fully stocked with dog towels and furniture sheet covers. We can even provide extra rugs upon request! |
| Travel & Car Supplies | Leash + collar (with ID), secure harness or travel-safe seatbelt/crate, collapsible water bowl, bottled water, car floor mat/towel |
| Feeding & Treats |
Regular food (pre-portion if possible), slow feeder or puzzle toy/treat-dispensing toy, extra food & treats (in case stay is extended) |
| Health & Safety | Pet first-aid kit, vet info, emergency vet contact, waste bags, cleaning supplies (for accidents or muddy paws) Barkwells cabins have dog bags and pet-safe cleaning products ready for guests to use! |
| Entertainment & Mental Stimulation | Favorite toys, chew toys, puzzle toys, maybe a snuffle mat or scent games kit |
| Documentation & Paperwork | Vaccination records (if needed), any required pet documents, emergency contact info |
Human Packing List (Winter Cabin Edition)
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Warm clothing (layers, jackets, hats, gloves, waterproof boots)
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Cabin-friendly clothes (cozy, easy, comfortable)
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Food & beverages: especially hot drinks, easy meals, snacks — maybe hot cocoa, coffee, comfort food for cozy nights
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Phone charger/power bank
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Toiletries, medications, and other essentials
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Flashlight or headlamp (winter days are short)
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Swimsuit to wear in the hot tub
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Entertainment: books, games, cards, especially if the weather keeps you indoors. All of our Barkwells cabins have Rokus for streaming, books, and games already waiting for you when you come to stay!
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
1. Confirm cabin reservation & check-in instructions
2. Confirm pet policy and requirements
3. Map out nearby pet-friendly spots/trails (just in case weather allows)
4. Pack extra supplies — weather in the mountains can be unpredictable!
5. Share your itinerary with someone (friend or family) just in case, and check our cabin books for emergency vet info once you arrive!
With this checklist, guests can travel to Barkwells prepared—whether it’s snowing, pouring rain, or sunny and mild. It keeps the focus on fun, rest, and quality time with your pup instead of scrambling for forgotten items or last-minute trips to the store.
At Barkwells, the goal is simple: remove the stress from traveling with dogs so you can focus on what matters most—rest, connection, and making unforgettable memories with your four-legged family members. Barkwells is a one-of-a-kind, dog-centric cabin retreat nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, with locations in Mills River, Brevard, and Cold Mountain. Every Barkwells cabin is thoughtfully designed for guests traveling with their dogs—not just accommodating them, but welcoming them as part of the family.
Whether you’re planning winter hikes, cozy nights by the fire, or simply a quiet escape where your dog can relax alongside you, Barkwells offers the perfect balance of comfort, privacy, and outdoor adventure. You can view a full list of all cabin amenities and stocked items ahead of time on our website here, making it even easier to plan what to pack and what to leave at home.
