Dog with head hanging out the car window Mat Hayward | Adobe Stock

9 Must-Have Items When Traveling With Your Dog

August is National Dog Month, and also a big month for traveling—perhaps with your dog, especially if you don’t want to search Rover for a sitter while you are away! While you’ve got a lot to think about as far as packing for the entire family goes, we are here to ease your burden by giving you your packing list for your furry family member. 

Best Dog Car Seat – K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat

Keep your dog secure and happy with this bucket booster pet seat. The seat is secured by a seatbelt, plus, you can secure your dog to the seat, so he can’t get out. The elevated seat allows your dog to look out the window so they won’t get bored. It has a machine washable zippered cover, and the plush fleece interior gives your pet ultimate comfort. 

Best Dog Harness – PetSafe 3 in 1 Reflective Dog Harness

Perfect for walks and car rides, this dog harness works as a no pull harness, regular harness and car safety restraint. The car safety restrains limits your dogs movements during car rides, when used with a car seat belt. For dogs who tend to pull, simply clip the leash to the front of the harness, or to the back for use as a regular harness. 

Related: The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches

Dog Blanket – Vailge Dog Seat Cover for Back Seat

More than a blanket, this seat cover protects your car, and can be used both as a hammock when they are the only ones in the back seat, or as a regular seat cover, so that a person can sit with the dog. With nonslip backing, plus four head rest straps, your dog will be safe, even if you have to slam on the brakes. Other features include: holes to fasten your dog with a seatbelt, made with waterproof  material, and a mesh window for air circulation. 

Portable Dog Dishes – Mobile Dog Gear Red Dine Away Bag

This set has everything you need for your dogs food and drink demands: two lined food carriers, two collapsable silicone bowls, a nonslip placemat, and a carry bag to conveniently keep everything in. The collapsable bowls are perfect for keeping in a seat pocket for easy access while on the road – simply fill it up with water from your water bottle when you are stopped, and your dog will stay hydrated! 

Leash – Mendota Products Snap Solid Rope Dog Leash

This durable rope leash waterproof, which, unfortunately, you may need while on vacation. Super flexible, it rolls up nicely for easy storage while not in use. Available in two sizes and eleven colors. 

Related: How to Travel With Your Dog: 8 Hotel Tips and Tricks

Portable Dog Crate – EliteField 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate

If your dog sleeps in a crate, or they need to be crated at your place of accommodation when you aren’t there, this collapsable crate will get the job done without taking up a ton of cargo space in your car.  With three zippered doors, your dog will have plenty of ventilation and ways to look out, plus it comes with a fleece bed for ultimate comfort. It folds down flat, and has a handle for easy transport. 

Dog Bed – Chuckit! Travel Pillow Dog Bed 

To ensure your dog has the utmost comfort while on the road, they will need a bed that will keep them cozy. The Chuckit! Travel Pillow Dog Bed will give them a nice spot to rest, is machine washable, and rolls up into a handy travel bag. 

Dog Food Travel Bag – Kurgo Kibble Carrier Travel Dog Food Container

Schlepping around a giant bag of dog food is a pain, and takes up precious cargo space, so a food bag like this one from Kurgo is key for making your trip less stressful. It holds up to five pounds of kibble, has a roll-top design, so as you use the food, you can still ensure a tight closure, and has a handy bottom opening to store a travel bowl

Related: Dog-Friendly Hotels That You and Your Dog Will Love

Best Car Barrier for Dogs – rabbitgoo Dog Car Barrier

When you have a bigger dog, they need more space in your car. The back seat is a great spot, but you want to make sure they can’t roam around the entire car (dogs should always be tethered, but enough to move around a bit!) To ensure your dog is safe in the back, try the rabbitgoo dog car barrier it is fully adjustable to fit most cars, it’s super durable,  and easy to attach. 

Dog Waste Bags – Earth Rated PoopBags Dispenser with Bags

Keep the outdoors clean and help the environment with Earth Rated poop bags. Attach the handy dispenser to your leash for easy access, and available in unscented or lavender scented. Once your dispenser fills out, refill with a roll from the refill pack

Best Dog Treats – Nutro Crunchy with Real Apple Dog Treats

Perhaps one of the most important items needed for a road trip with your dog are treats! Nutro Crunchy treats are small, so you can use them to keep your dog happy without over feeding them. Not only are they small, they are delicious! They are made with whole brown rice, oatmeal, high-quality chicken and apples (or whatever flavor you choose to buy, including mixed berries and banana), and are made in the USA. 

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