The best dog travel accessories for you and your pets

Get ready for an adventure with your furry friend with this checklist

The best dog travel accessories for you and your pet - Take a Break Pets

by Caitlin Casey |
Updated on

Sometimes, though, travels and adventures can be stressful if you don't have the right gear - which is why Take a Break Pets has the ultimate guide to the best dog travel accessories. After all, there's nothing better than setting off on a new adventure, especially when you get to bring your favourite little friend along. When it comes to pets, you'll want some secure travel dog beds, carriers and a whole lot of treats to make the travel as fun as can be.

Whether you're travelling to a new place, moving house or just going on a long journey with your pet in the back, there are plenty of products to grab that can make your lives easier. On flights, in cars or even on bikes, you'll be riding off into the sunset in no time. So, make sure to grab any necessities like water, travel bowls, blankets and treats.

Remember: keep it the same or as similar to their usual routine, including their favourite things to snooze on and with - they'll feel much more comfortable with their ordinary things! However, if you're struggling to keep your animal calm on a long journey, you can grab pet-safe calming products, that are used to de-stress and take away any nerves they may have. Sometimes, a dog cages for cars are ideal for keeping your hound secure and comfortable on the road.

Best dog travel accessories at a glance:

Best soft dog crate for travel: AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate
Best pet car seat cover: Kurgo Dog Hammock for Back Seat of Car
Best dog guard for cars: Mesh Dog Guard
Best pet towel for travel: Henry Wag Microfibre Pet Towel
Best portable dog water bottle: COTOP Portable Dog Water Bottle
Best first aid kit for pets: Pawly Pet First Aid Kit

Summer is here... and you're probably itching to get away for a few days. Well - to help, we're here to give you the low-down on the best dog travel accesorries for your excitable pup. After all, keeping them safe and happy should be a big priority. This way, you can all relax and have a fun trip.

Best Dog Travel Accessories

Best soft dog crate for travel

Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate, 26"
Price: $55.74

This soft-sided AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate can be set up in seconds and comes with zippered closures to ensure secure containment. The folding soft-sided 26-inch crate is ideal for small dogs up to 30 pounds or can also be used for a cat or kittens. The largest 30-inch crate can hold dogs up to 42 pounds.

Customer Review: "It was easy to assemble and take back down and was lightweight for carrying. Seams and zips were good quality."

Pros

  • Washable
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Needs a mat inside to prevent claws from ripping the bottom

Best pet car ramp for travelling

Don't let your doggy struggle getting into the car with this Easipet Easipet Pet Ramp for Dogs in Plastic that's easily stored up in your car by folding away. This just makes your life slightly easier when loading up your car and supports your dog a little bit more.

Customer Review: "Ramp pretty good, lightweight, and dog walks up ok no slipping. One draw back, it could of had a grab handle on side wall so it would of been easy to man-handle. But the price is good."

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Slip-free

Cons

  • Could do with a grab handle

Best pet car seat cover

Kurgo Loft Hammock, Dog Car Seat Protector, Water- and Stain-Resistant, Secure Fit, Reversible, Blue/Grey
Price: $160.00

The Kurgo Dog Hammock for the Back Seat of Car comes highly recommended. If you're not looking to get an individual dog booster seat, a dog seat cover will protect your seats and prevent hair from getting everywhere. It's also waterproof and made from durable ripstop fabric and has zippered openings for access to seatbelts. It slips over your car seats and blocks access to the front seats so your dog won't distract you as much while driving.

Customer Review: "I originally purchased the regular Kurgo Loft Car seat cover for my other car and when in the market for a second, found this hammock style. The hammock style really makes a difference in preventing my curious, affectionate dog from distracting me while I drive. The clips are strong and secure. The quilted satiny fabric seems durable and the bright blue is refreshing and energising. I recently had a flea infestation and washed everything my dog ever touched - it was a mess and I tossed this seat cover into the wash without even reading the care instructions (don't recommend usually), put this on the allergy cycle and it came out just as nice. I am impressed!"

Pros

  • Durable water and stain-resistant
  • Zippered openings for seat belts
  • Carry case

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like how a car hammock has a barrier between them and the front seat

Best pet booster seat for cars

Heather Booster Seat, Charcoal/BlueHalfords
Price: £50.05 (was £61.99)

www.monsterpetsupplies.co.uk

Medium dogs and animals may not want to be cooped up in a cage, but we still want to keep our pets safe while travelling. This Kurgo Heather Booster Seat can be secured into your car's seatbelt and has internal metal to support the booster seat up. They'll be snuggly and safe in this seat.

Customer Review: "Easy to fit and really easy to take out and throw in the washing machine. My dog settles so much better in this seat as he can see out of the car windows."

Pros

  • Metal supports for structural integrity
  • Collapsible for easy storage
  • Adjustable seat belt tether easily attaches to all dog harnesses

Cons

  • Only holds up to 30lb so not designed for larger dogs

Best dog guard for cars

Protect your car with this dog guard, which will stop your dogs and animals from jumping into the back seat when driving. This Mesh Dog Guard keeps them safe in the boot and stops any accidents you might not want. It has a universal to fit most cars and small vans with a width range of 106cm - 145cm.

Customer Review: "A sturdy and secure dog guard that does the job at a reasonable price. Its huge number of possible adjustments, both vertical and horizontal, must surely make it suitable for most vehicles. However, it's probably that versitility that makes it fiddly to fit! I have only given 4 stars as there is no way (imho) it could be fitted in ten minutes. It took me longer than that to read and re-read the instructions and check off all the parts! Overall, it took me a couple of hours from start to finish, measuring and remeasuring to get it right. Some of the fixings are quite tight and tricky to fit, but they need to be to make it secure. Once it's all together, it's pretty solid. I fitted it by myself (female 68) and would say I'm reasonably practical. You do have to read the instructions quite carefully, or at least I did!"

Pros

  • Sturdy and secure design
  • Good value dog guard

Cons

  • Instructions are a little mis-leading

Best pet cooling mat for travel

All For Paws Chill Out Fresh Breeze Cooling Dog Mat MediumPets at Home

In the summertime, it can get super hot when going on long walks and having intense days. Make sure your pooch stays cool with this All For Paws cooling mat, which has a plastic noodle mattress with lots of ventilation to make it refreshing to lie on. It's easily machine-washed with a removable cover.

Pros

  • Perfect for hot dogs and summer travelling
  • Keep air flowing under your dog to keep them cool
  • Removable zip-fastened cover which is machine washable in cold water

Cons

  • Big price difference between medium and large sizes

Best pet tent for travel

Your pets need their own tent too! Pop up this PRIMAX Pop Up Tent and let your dog have their own little space, with an anti-UV cover. This also works as a perfect shade space for any long days out to cool down under.

Pros

  • Unique pop-up design for smart storage
  • Decent value for money accessory

Cons

  • No customer reviews

Best dog anti-anxiety coat

Thundershirt Anxiety Coat

Rrp: $44.95

Price: $32.00

If your little one struggles with nerves or anxiety - especially when travelling - then this Thundershirt Anxiety Coat for Dogs could be your next buy. You can also use this during storms and separation, all you need to do is wrap it on like any other dog coat.

Customer Review: "My 5 year old greyhound HATES fireworks and gets very worked up. Will not lay down, eat or drink and pants heavily. Whilst we figure out something with our vets, we bought this as a none medicated route. I do believe it does help, he's seems more comfortable and will take treats and even lay down if we are near him. Not a solution to his anxiety with fireworks. But on new years & fireworks night he seemed to calm down quicker than he would normally."

Pros

  • Comes in five sizes for all dogs
  • Has an immediate relaxing effect
  • Gentle pressure is an effective solution

Cons

  • No XL in stock on Amazon

Best travel calming spray for pets

If you don't want to pop your anxious pooch in a coat all day, Adaptil has a range of sprays and supplements that work as anti-anxiety. This ADAPTIL Calm Transport Spray is specially made with transport in mind.

Customer Review: "Our 3 year old dog is a bit of a diva and has a habit for whining in the car. We're used to it but when he started to go to day care a few months ago, they asked us to try this, to calm him down. I spray it on a blanket 15 minutes before he's picked up and it's improved how he deals with the van from the second trip! Would 100% recommend!"

Pros

  • Simple to use - with just a spray
  • Ideal for short and long-term events

Cons

  • Effects last only five hours - may not be long enough for some

Best dog seat belt attachments

Keep your animal safe in the car with a special 'dog seat belt'. Just attach Iokheira Dog Seat Belts onto any car seat buckle and adjust the strap around your dog, protecting them from brakes and sharp turns.

Customer Review: "I would recommend this, good quality and gives me great peace of mind that my dog is secure when we are travelling in the car and if the worst should happen ( hopefully never will), she won’t be thrown around the car."

Pros

  • 360 rotation carabiner and locks tightly
  • Different designs with a variety of options

Cons

  • Some customers think it should be shorter

Best dog carrier for bike rides

PawHut Folding Dog Bike Carrier-Black & WhiteAosom
Price: £80.99 (was £147.99)

www.aosom.co.uk

Bike adventures don't have to be so stressful with this P PawHut Folding Animal Bike Carrier-Black & White, easily attached to any pedal bike. Zip your animal up so they can safely hop on the journey with you.

Customer Review: "This arrived very quickly, was easy to assemble and attach to the byke. Our puppy loves it. Let's us get out on long cycle rides taking him with us. Great service and value for money."

Pros

  • Great value for money accessory
  • Attaches easily to a pedal bike

Cons

  • May not suit e-bikes

Best pet towel for travel

Henry Wag Microfibre Pet Towel
Price: $26.11

Dry off your pet after a long day of running around with this Henry Wag Microfibre Pet Towel. Made of 100% cotton, this highly absorbent microfibre towel is quick-drying and easy to roll up or fold up, it's a perfect travel partner that makes cleaning up simple.

Customer Review: "This is a fabulous towel. It absorbs water and wet mud extremely well. Will never be without one!"

Pros

  • Quick drying
  • Machine-washable

Cons

  • Thinner than expected

Best non-spill pet bowl

Making sure you, your family and pets are hydrated with water is extremely important on long journeys and travel. This Road Refresher Non Spill Water Bowl stops any spillages or dripping and can be taken apart for easy cleaning. Pop it inside a crate, in the car or on the floor and keep everything clean.

Customer Review: "A brilliant solution for in-car water for my dog. Her breed can overheat very easily so a water bowl is essential when travelling, even just to the shops. Very sturdy, stays in place and no drips (or slobber). I eventually purchased both sizes for flexibility. I have tried a couple of other 'non-drip' bowls for in the car and none of them worked (and didn't hold in place)."

Pros

  • Perfect for travelling in the car
  • Sturdy and stays in place

Cons

  • Not dishwasher-safe

Best portable dog water bottle

Portable dog water bottles are also a great find for days out and travelling, just hook this COTOP Portable Dog Water Bottle onto any bag or store away for a refreshing drink at any point. Squeeze the water out and hold down for your pup to enjoy.

Customer Review: "Even without the lock on I have not had any leaks. I offer water regularly on a walk to avoid the dogs drinking from streams and ponds. What is not drunk can be returned to the container."

Pros

  • Leakproof and one-handed operation
  • Water that's not drunk can go back into the bottle

Cons

  • Some customers have commented on the button being stiff

Best dog harness for travel

Julius-K9, 16IDC-P-M PowerharnessAmazon
Price: $38.16
Alternative retailers
Tractor Supply$49.99View offer

You'll want to keep a close hand on your dog whilst travelling, especially if it's somewhere new. With adjustable and reflective straps, the Julius-K9 Powerharness is a professional harness so you can get your pooch around safely. Just attach a lead to the harness for easy walking, or add on a card with your dog's info for extra safety.

Customer Review: "Harness arrived today. Haven’t tried it out as yet but he seemed keen to wear it as hates the head halti. Have tried him on my daughters harness and it works a treat Will update comments when he has worn a few times Am extremely pleased with the quality. As you can see Alfie approves of his new harness."

Pros

  • Professional-style control for disobedient dogs
  • Sturdy construction for everyday use
  • Interchangeable hook and loop patches

Cons

  • We can't think of any!

Best first aid kit for pets

An essential travel accessory to have out and about with your pet just in case your pet suffers a cut, bruise or strain, then you are fully prepared to treat them and get them home. This Pawly Pet First Aid Kit contains such items as tick remover, syringes, vet wrap, bandages and more.

Customer Review: "I looked at a lot of doggy first aid kits finally settling on this one and glad I did! Everything I needed was included and an extra bonus was a little four section pill box - ideal for our overnight boat journey with a dog on a lot of meds!!! Perfect."

Pros

  • Designed to provide pre-vet assistance
  • Perfect for pet emergencies

Cons

  • We can't think of any!

FAQs

What do I need to pack when travelling with pets?

Make sure you have a solid checklist of all the accessories and gear you need to keep your pets comfortable before you set off. Here's a quick rundown:

• Collar, leash, harness

• Crate or pet carrier

• Bed/blankets

• Toys

• Food and cool, freshwater

• Food and water dishes

• First Aid Kit for your pet

Pet carriers are something you'll want to grab for every pet, big or small. You can get different sizes to fit different breeds or animals. If you don't want to keep your pet cooped up in a carrier for the duration of the travel, you can even get car boot protectors, seat covers and beds to make a car journey more comfortable.

What else do I need when travelling with my pet?

Your pet’s identification including: Owner's name, current home address and home phone number

• Owner's local contact phone number and address

• Contact information for your accommodations (hotel, campground etc.)

• A current colour photo

• An ID tag

• Your veterinary practice contact information

The pet microchip registration is updated with your current contact information including a mobile phone number, plus your pet’s medical records, including:

• Current copies of your pet's medical records including pre-existing conditions and medications (especially when re-locating or travelling out of the country)

• A certificate of veterinary inspection (health certificate) including, proof of vaccinations against rabies and other illnesses

• An examination by a licensed and accredited veterinarian to make sure the animal is not showing signs of disease.

• An acclimation certificate for air travel (this is only required by some airlines, so check to see if your airline requires this).

• Any prescribed medications (adequate supply for the entire duration of the trip and several days' surplus supply, just in case)

Travelling with pets in Europe

Since Brexit, it’s still possible to travel to the EU with a pet but the process has changed.

Pet owners from England, Scotland and Wales can travel within the EU's borders with their pets by obtaining an animal health certificate (AHC).

You need to get a new certificate each time you travel with your pet, and you must obtain it within 10 days of your departure date. It costs between £100 and £150.

Countries such as Ireland, Finland, Malta and Norway can have different rules and ask for more health certificates so make sure to check the rules of a country before travelling with your pet.

Caitlin Casey is a Senior Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for Take a Break Pets.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us