Life on the Road with Dogs
We lived life on the road for 3 years with our two dogs, Hazel and Toby. After all that time, we pieced together the most essential travel gear for our dogs. If you’re new to traveling with dogs, or just looking to make some improvements. Here’s which dog travel essentials I’d recommend for traveling.
Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Day 1 Dog Travel Essentials: Harness + Seatbelt
If you skip everything else on this list, don’t skip this dog travel essential. A crash-tested harness and seatbelt can save your dog’s life.
Our dogs use the Ruffwear Load Up Harness for travel. It’s built specifically for long drives, with strength-rated hardware, metal slide buckles, and a universal seat belt loop that keeps them secure during sudden stops.
Backup Leash
On the occasions where we’d let our dogs run to the car, many times we’d arrived somewhere and realized that we forgot to pack the leashes, which always led to some creative problem-solving. Having a second leash dedicated to the car solved this issue.
Hydration Essentials
“I’ll just bring a bowl from the kitchen.” Sure, it works the first few trips, but it gets old fast. A collapsible travel bowl solves this problem. It can live in an assigned spot so you never have to worry about forgetting it. I bring ours along on hikes, camping, and trips to the park.
I also bring my HiBear Adventure flask, which doubles as a dog bowl thanks to its silicone bottom. My dog loves drinking from it, and it guarantees I never forget my own water bottle either.
Emergency Kit
One recent trip, our dog Toby had a large cyst rupture. I’ll spare the details, but it was the type of situation you’d want one of these first aid kits for. Dog-specific first aid kits included supplies standard kits don’t have.
Quick tip: Dedicate a copy of your dog’s vet records to have on hand while travel. I use the Apple Notes app to store our dog’s records. Also, don’t forget to pack your dog’s medications.
Waste Bags
Not picking up after your dog can get you fined, and not everywhere has dog waste stations available. I highly recommend using these dog waste bags. One order comes with over 500 bags, and for my dogs it lasts more than six months. It also includes a bag holster that clips right onto your leash.
I also recommend keeping some pet wipes in your travel bag. We use them for messy bathroom situations. If you have a dog with a bit of extra fluff back there, you probably know exactly what I mean.
Here are my other favorite dog travel items. These aren’t mandatory, but they certainly make traveling more enjoyable for both you and your dogs.
Does Your Dog Shed?
Shedding is potentially the most frustrating part of traveling with dogs, especially if allergies are involved. After years of trial and error, we’ve figured out how to keep it under control…
A hard-bottom backseat cover makes a HUGE difference when it comes to containing dog hair. It also gives your dog more room, sets up and breaks down quickly, stores easily, and is seat belt compatible. Clean-up is simple. Just shake it out after your trip.
It’s also worth keeping a few lint rollers in your car. We’ve tried several brands, but the Swihauk Lint Rollers are our favorite. It peels cleanly and doesn’t tear or cause issues when you pull it back.
Paw Cleaning + Paw Protection
At some point, your dog is going to get unexpectedly wet. Rain, puddles, spontaneous swims, or the worst scenario, mud. Do your car seats a favor and get your dog this paw washer and a dedicated towel. I use a Nomadix towel because it’s incredibly lightweight and compacts down well.
Are dog shoes necessary? We’ve had plenty of trips ruined after realizing the asphalt was too hot for our dog’s paws. And in winter, salted paths can tear up paw pads. And then there are foxtails, dry grass seeds common out west that can work into paws and cause serious issues.
Travel Ready Dog Go Bag
The last dog travel essential I recommend is a travel go bag. Fanny packs are perfect for this.
Keep your essentials in one place. Inside our bag we keep treats for training and recall situations. A small bottle of sanitizer, spare waste bags, my phone, keys, and sometimes a snack for myself. Here are some of my favorites:
Now It’s Your Turn
Traveling with dogs can be difficult, but having the right gear makes a big difference. This is what has worked for us, and hopefully it saves you some trial and error.
Now it’s up to you to figure out what fits your setup and makes your trips easier and safer. If you’re planning your next trip, check out my travel guides and follow along on Instagram. I share more tips there, along with our adventures with our dogs.
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