Whether you’re going on a road trip to the beach or planning a weekend full of hiking, taking your dog when you travel can add to the fun. And just like you have designated supplies for your trips, there are certain travel products available for dogs to help make trips safe, fun, and easy. To find the best travel products for dogs available, we scoured the internet, as well as our very own AKC Shop. From dog seat belts to travel bowls, these nine dog travel products can help you and your canine companion have a great trip, wherever the destination. Be sure to try them out before you hit the road to make sure they work well for you and your dog.
Best Dog Back Seat Cover
When you’re traveling with your dog in the back seat, the last thing you want to worry about is cleaning hair or dirt out of your car. To keep your car clean, and more importantly, make sure your dog is safe while riding in it, you might want to try the Active Pets dog seat cover.
This seat cover is designed with four different layers to keep your car seats clean, even if your dog is wet. The cover is easily cleaned with a damp cloth or vacuum — it’s made of waterproof cotton with an additional waterproof coating. The cover can fit in a car, truck, or SUV, opening to a size of 54 inches by 58 inches.
This seat cover can be installed quickly in your car for any trip and removed just as easily. To protect your dog when you travel, the Active Pets cover contains four headrest anchors and two seat anchors. The bottom of the cover is also non-slip, so your dog will not slide around in the back seat. Active Pets offers this seat cover in two colors: black or black and orange.
Verified customer reviews confirm that the Active Pets dog seat cover is easy to install, keeps your seats clean and protected, and your dog secure. Reviewers also write that this travel product is high-quality and reasonably priced. It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that a few customers have written that the buckles for the cover are not very sturdy and can break easily. Price: $15-30
Best Travel Water Bowl for Dogs
One of the most difficult parts of traveling with your dog is making sure that you have clean, germ-free water that won’t spill. Instead of using a regular travel bowl, you could try the Highwave AutoDogMug. Unlike travel bowls where you have to set up a bowl and pour water into it, the AutoDogMug is a one-handed hydration system. Once you’ve filled the bottle with water, all you need to do is squeeze it, and the bowl on the top is filled with water for your dog to drink. When you stop squeezing, the remaining water returns to the bottle.
The AutoDogMug is virtually leak-free, holds 20-ounces of water, and fits into any standard cup holder. It also has an adjustable hook-and-loop strap, so you can carry it on your wrist or attach it to a bag or other travel luggage. This water bottle is BPA free, dishwasher safe, and comes in six bright colors.
Reviewers of the Highwave AutoDogMug write that they like the one-handed system, it’s easy to use, and much more convenient than other travel water bowls. It’s important to make sure, however, that you purchase the authentic AutoDogMug made by Highwave. Some reviewers complain about the quality of the product — but as Highwave specifies on its website, and as other reviewers comment, these complaints refer to counterfeit listings of the product that are not actually the AutoDogMug. Price: $15
Dog Travel Wipes: Our Favorite On-the-Go Grooming Product
If your dog gets dirty while you’re traveling, it may be more difficult than usual to find a place for a bath. That’s where these Nose to Tail Pura Wipes come in. These individually wrapped wipes can clean, moisturize, and condition your dog’s fur and skin, so they’re perfect for traveling.
The wipes contain all-natural ingredients, are made in the U.S.A., and are 100 percent biodegradable. The wipes are also free of paraben, lanolin, and the synthetic detergents sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES). Additionally, these wipes are extra large, 8 inches by 7 inches, making them effective for small and large dogs. Verified customers who have used these wipes like that they are natural, safe, and have a pleasant smell. Reviewers write that they’re great for dirty paws and ears, and they don’t irritate their dog’s skin. Price: $19.99 for a box of 50 wipes
Best Dog Barrier for Multiple Car Types
Bushwhacker Paws n Claws Deluxe Dog Barrier
If your dog has a tendency to jump into the front seat from the back seat when riding in the car, you might want to try the Bushwhacker Paws n Claws Deluxe Dog Barrier. This dog barrier prevents your dog from being able to jump into the front, but still provides flexibility in the back seat. With this dog travel product from Bushwhacker, you can install the scratch-and-tear-resistant barrier in the back seat of your car. The barrier has a mesh design that allows air conditioning or heat to flow through.
The barrier attaches to the front seat headrest and either the seat belt mount or around the car seat frame. This product is 56 inches wide and 42 inches high, perfect for mid-sized sedans, small trucks, as well as small SUVs. If you have a larger vehicle, Bushwhacker offers a 56-inch version of this dog barrier. Customers who have reviewed this product write that it works well at keeping dogs in the back seat and withstands dogs trying to get through. A common complaint, however, is that it is not the easiest to install, therefore it may take some time to get it set up. Price: $83
Easiest Dog Crate for Travel
MidWestR Homes for Pets Foldable iCrate
The Midwest foldable dog crate will give your dog a safe place to be while you both travel. The crate is easily assembled and disassembled for travel, no tools required. Your dog will remain secure, however, with the durable design, slide-bolt latches, and rounded corners. This crate also includes a divider panel, leak-proof plastic tray, carrying handle, and four roller feet to protect floors when you move it around.
The Midwest foldable dog crate comes in seven sizes from 18-to-48-inches to accommodate dogs of all sizes. The crate also can have a single door or double doors. Verified customer reviews say that this crate is sturdy, pretty simple to put together, and great for crate training. Some reviewers, however, warn that you should be careful the way you close the crate using the slide-bolt latches, as their dogs have figured out how to get the door open. Price: $17-78
Our Favorite Bike Basket for Small Dogs
Whether you’re just riding around the neighborhood or enjoying a bike adventure while on vacation, this Buddy Bike Basket will allow you to bring your dog along. The basket accommodates dogs weighing up to 15 pounds and keeps them restrained, yet comfortable.
The basket comes in two colors, gray and pink, and the cover is removable and machine washable. There is a safety strap to secure your dog inside the basket, as well as reflective tape for nighttime riding. This dog travel product also includes a rain cover, mesh holder for a water bottle, and pockets for treats.
Verified customer reviews say they have tons of fun using this basket. Customers feel that it is sturdy, well made, and has great storage options. Many dog owners say that their dogs love riding in it. It’s worth noting, however, that some reviewers mention that it does take some time to adjust the basket on the bike to get it fitting securely and correctly. Price: $79.99
Best Dog Carrier for Airplanes
Sherpa Airline Approved Pet Carrier
Taking your dog on an airplane? Although this dog carrier can be used in many ways, it is known for being approved by most airlines and an easy way to travel with your dog on a plane. The Sherpa carrier comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large, and in multiple colors.
It has mesh windows for ventilation, as well as a top and side entry with locking zippers. The carrier is padded, adjustable, and can be carried with a long shoulder strap or double handles. The inside, faux lambskin liner can be removed and machine-washed — and the rear pocket of the carrier can be used for storage. Customers give this carrier high ratings for traveling, especially on planes. Reviewers write that the bag fits easily under the seat and keeps their dogs feeling safe and secure.
The one aspect reviewers warn potential customers about is choosing the right size. They say sizing can be difficult, so it’s best to look at Sherpa’s sizing instructions carefully. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that every airline has different size requirements, so you are not guaranteed to get all carrier sizes approved for in-flight travel, especially the largest size. Be sure to check the airline to find out what size carriers are approved. Price: $49.99
Best Dog Harness for Walking and Travel
Whether you’re just walking your normal route or traveling in the car to a new and exciting location, this dog harness will help you wherever you go. The Kurgo Tru-Fit harness comes in sizes extra-small through extra-large and has two options for buckles. You can choose either crash-tested certified buckles or easy on and off buckles.
This harness includes a no-pull D ring and a halt ring on the chest, so you can hook the leash to either one., A 10-inch loop dog tether can be used to secure your dog to the car seat belt by hooking the carabiner to the loop and to the harness. It also has a padded chest plate for extra protection and comfort. The harness can be customized at five different adjustment points to make sure your dog is safe, secure, and comfortable. Kurgo’s harness is machine-washable and line-dry.
Customers who have reviewed this harness love it for walking and car travel, especially for bigger dogs. Reviewers also write that this dog travel product is well made and sturdy. One point to keep in mind, however, is that some reviewers feel the harness is not as easy to get on as they would like, and it can be challenging to choose the right size.
The harness has been crash-tested on established university ground facilities (Accredited by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), using the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for child restraint systems. Price: $21-42
Our Favorite Dog Car Seat for Smaller Dogs
Snoozer Lookout 1 Dog Car Seat
If you and your dog are going to be taking long car rides together, you’re going to want a travel product that is both safe and comfortable. The Snoozer Lookout 1 Dog Car Seat is perfect for dogs up to 25 pounds It comes in two sizes, small and medium, as well as three colors: black, khaki, and gray.
It has a foam form with connection straps to keep your dog secure in the seat. The interior is made of simulated lamb’s wool, and the cover is machine-washable. Customers who have reviewed this product love that it’s secure, but also soft and comfortable. Reviewers comment that their dogs love to ride in it, and it gives people the peace of mind to know their dogs are safe while on trips in the car. Additionally, reviewers remind potential customers that this car seat should be used with a harness, so that’s something to remember if you’re looking into this dog travel product. Price: $70 small, $90 medium
The AKC independently selected each product featured in this article. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. While we do our best to update links often, please note that prices and deals are subject to change.