Must-Have Dog Gear for Travel: Essentials for Road Trips & Adventures

Road Trips Are Better with a Co-Pilot Who Sheds

Let’s be honest, traveling with your dog is like traveling with a toddler—except they don’t have a suitcase, they refuse to sit still, and they think rolling in questionable substances is a good idea. But with the right gear, road trips and vacations can be fun, stress-free (mostly), and full of tail wags instead of travel disasters.

From safety must-haves to comfort essentials, here’s everything you need to make traveling with your pup a walk in the park. Towards the bottom of the post you’ll also find a packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything. So let's get ready to travel with our dogs

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1. Travel Bag for Dogs

A dedicated bag keeps all your pup’s essentials; food, bowls, leashes, toys in one organized place. Perfect for road trips, camping, or weekend getaways! I love our RubyLoo dog travel bag, it was gifted to us by RubyLoo and I bring it with me on every adventure. Even when we are just going on a short hike I throw it in the car packed with everything that we might need. Plus, it came with travel water/food bowls so it’s one less thing for me to have to remember to pack.

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What we love about it:

✔️ Multiple compartments for organization
✔️ Includes food storage containers and collapsible bowls
✔️ Carry-on approved for flights

2. Seat Belt Harness or Car Seat

If your dog rides in the car, a seat belt harness or booster seat keeps them secure and prevents distractions while driving. My dogs are all too big for a car seat, so I prefer a seat belt. The one linked below is great! It even has a bungee to help absorb any shock if you have to suddenly stop your car.

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Why we love this dog seat belt:

✔️ Swivel clip keeps it from tangling
✔️ Adjustable fit for comfort
✔️ Works with most car's seat belts

3. Travel Crate or Carrier

A sturdy travel crate or carrier keeps your dog safe and secure in the car or on a plane. Look for one that’s well-ventilated, easy to carry, and airline-approved if you're flying. We love a soft sided travel crate because it seems more cozy, but a hard sided carrier will work too.

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What we love about this Dog Crate:

✔️ Top and front zipper doors
✔️ Lightweight but durable
✔️ Foldable for easy storage

4. Portable Water Bottle with Dispenser

A leak-proof travel water bottle is a must-have for road trips, hikes, or long walks. There are lots of travel water bottles for dogs, but this one from Tiovery is what I use. I love that it has a compartment for treats on the bottom.

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Why we use this dog water bottle:

✔️ A treat holder and water bottle all in one
✔️ Leak-proof design
✔️ Water can easily dispense in the silicone bowl

5. Travel-Friendly Dog Bed or Blanket

A lightweight, packable bed gives your dog a cozy place to rest no matter where you go. We usually just bring a comfort blanket (or two), but if you travel a lot this bed looks great! It even can roll up so you can easily take it with you. Plus, that fact that it's water resistant makes it the perfect dog bed for camping and outdoor adventures.

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What we love about this travel bed for dogs:

✔️ Water-resistant and durable
✔️ Rolls up for easy transport
✔️ Machine washable

6. Poop Bags & Dispenser

Poop happens and you don't want to get caught unprepared! Biodegradable poop bags help keep the environment clean while you're out exploring. You more than likely already have your favorite brand, but I really like that there are biodegradable options out there to be more earth friendly. If you are looking to minimize your dogs carbon footprint, you can also check out my post about 10 eco-friendly pet products.

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What we love these dog waste bags:

✔️ Leak-proof and eco-friendly
✔️ Compact dispenser clips to leash
✔️ 9x13 size is large enough for all breeds

7. Travel First Aid Kit for Dogs

Accidents happen! A dog-specific first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers is a must-have for outdoor adventures. This one folds open so you can see everything inside, because no one has time to rifle through a first aid kit in an emergency. Plus I love that it’s bright orange so I can see it easily when I've got it thrown in my trunk.

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Why we love this pet first aid kit:

✔️ Vet-approved essentials
✔️ Compact and easy to pack
✔️ Includes pet first aid handbook

8. GPS Tracker

A GPS tracker add peace of mind if your dog wanders off in an unfamiliar place. There are lots of dog specific GPS trackers, but you really cannot go wrong with a simple Apple Air Tag. Plus there are lots of different holders that you can buy to put the Air Tag on your dog. If you don't want to bother with a tracker for your dog, consider a custom ID tag that they can wear on their collar.

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Why the Apple Air Tag works for your dog:

✔️ Real-time GPS tracking
✔️ Easy to use with your IPhone
✔️ Long battery life

Why we love this Air Tag holder:

✔️ Tear-resistant
✔️ Makes your Air Tag waterproof
✔️ Light weight

9. Anxiety Wraps

Some dogs experience anxiety during travel. A compression wrap, like a ThunderShirt, can help ease their stress. Although you could ask your vet for calming medications, I like that an anxiety wrap can help calm your dog just by wearing it.

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Why we recommend the ThunderShirt:

✔️ lightweight and breathable
✔️ Gentle pressure to reduce anxiety
✔️ Machine washable

10. Adventure-Ready Harness

A sturdy no-pull harness is perfect for keeping your pup secure on hikes, city walks, or beach trips. We currently use the one linked below from Rabbitgoo for most our adventures. It’s got 4 different places that you can adjust it to get the perfect fit, and it’s really easy to put on. With leash clips on top and in the front of the harness, we can decide to use the front leash clip when Stormy is pulling too much on her leash.

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Why we love this no pull harness:

✔️ Reflective for nighttime safety
✔️ Easily adjustable for all breeds
✔️ Padded for comfort

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Traveling with Your Dog

1. What’s the safest way for my dog to travel in the car?

The safest options are a secured travel crate, a dog seat belt harness, or a car seat for smaller dogs. Avoid letting your dog roam freely, as this can be dangerous in case of sudden stops or accidents.

2. How can I prevent my dog from getting anxious while traveling?

Some dogs get nervous in the car or on a plane. Try a compression wrap (like a Thundershirt), calming treats, or playing soft music. Bringing familiar items, like a blanket or favorite toy, can also help. For extreme anxiety, consult your vet about possible medication.

3. Can my dog sit on my lap while flying?

Most airlines require dogs to be in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Larger dogs usually need to fly in cargo. Always check with the airline for their specific pet travel policies.

4. How often should I stop during a road trip with my dog?

Plan for a break every 2-3 hours so your dog can stretch, use the bathroom, and drink water. This helps prevent restlessness and discomfort.

5. What should I pack when traveling with my dog?

It depends on your trip, but essentials include food, water, a travel crate or seat belt, ID tags, a leash, poop bags, and a first aid kit. For a full packing list, check out the section below.

6. How do I find pet-friendly hotels?

Many hotel booking sites have pet-friendly filters. Apps like BringFido or Airbnb's pet-friendly search option can also help. Always check pet policies—some hotels have weight limits or extra fees.

7. Should I feed my dog before a long car ride?

Feed your dog at least 2-3 hours before leaving to avoid motion sickness. If your pup tends to get carsick, consider smaller meals and talk to your vet about possible remedies.

8. How do I keep my dog entertained during travel?

Bring chew toys, puzzle toys, or a lick mat to keep them occupied. If traveling by car, interactive toys and a comfy spot to rest can help them stay relaxed.

9. What’s the best way to keep my dog hydrated on a trip?

A portable water bottle with a dispenser is the easiest way to offer water on the go. Make sure to stop regularly for water breaks, especially in warm weather.

10. Does my dog need a travel ID tag or GPS tracker?

Yes! Travel can be unpredictable, and having an ID tag with your contact info and a GPS tracker (like an Apple AirTag) ensures you can quickly find your dog if they get lost.

Dog Travel Must-Haves: The Ultimate Packing List

Now that you’ve got the gear, what should you pack? Here’s a dog packing list you can use to make sure you have everything you need when traveling with your dog. Adjust the list to fit your own pup's personal needs.

• Food

• Portable water bottle

• Travel dog crate

• Copy of your dog’s vaccinations

• Your dog’s medications

• Treats

• Dog seat belt or car seat

• Blankets or dog bed

• Towels (because messes happen)

• Food and water bowl

• Dog’s GPS tracker

• Poop bags and dispenser

• Pet grooming wipes

• A couple of your dog’s favorite toys

• An extra leash and collar

• Harness if you plan on a lot of walking or hiking

• First aid kit for your dog

• Your dog’s microchip information

• Anxiety Treats or Thundershirt (if needed)

Final Thoughts

Traveling with your dog should be all about adventure and good times—not stress and chaos. With the right gear, you can keep your pup safe, comfortable, and entertained, no matter on any road trip with dogs.

Before your next trip, make sure your dog’s travel bag is stocked with all the essentials. Need to upgrade your gear? Check out my top picks above or check out my Traveling For Dogs Idea list on Amazon (Affiliate Link) and get your pup road-trip ready! 🚗🐶