13 Pet Travel Products You Would Love This 2024

Road trips can be stressful for pets. As a fur parent, I understand this firsthand as I often bring my Siberian husky on a weekend getaway a lot.

Initially, I was nervous to bring him along. But with 2+ years of countless miles traveled with my dog,

I’ve learned exactly what works to keep him safe, happy, and comfortable on trips near and far.

In this post, I’ll share my top 13 must-have pet travel products. These are the dog travel accessories I always pack for my husky.

I’ll tell you exactly why I recommend each product and how to use it for the best results.

13 Best Pet Travel Accessories (My Overall Picks)

WINSEE No Pull Dog Harness

First on my list is the WINSEE Dog Harness. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pets that aren’t properly restrained in vehicles can be at risk during a crash. 

This harness not only ensures your dog’s safety but also provides comfort during travel. 

Its wide padded chest plate and adjustable straps evenly distribute force across your dog’s upper body, reducing injury risk. 

The dual connection points also clip directly into seat belts, preventing them from lunging or roaming around the backseat. 

So even on sharp turns or sudden stops, your dog stays safely in place.

Plus, WINSEE has cute color options to match any dog’s personality too.

I got the blue camo to fit my pet’s adventurous spirit. 

What I love is the reinforced D-rings, which avoid painful neck pressure – a big perk for heavy pullers like my husky.

It even came with an extra collar (nice bonus).

The sturdy top handle lets you easily assist or control your dog as needed. Meanwhile, the quick-snap buckles and safe locks feature make it easy to put on and take off.

I used this harness on a recent road trip with my pup in Destin, Florida. 

Super easy to put on and adjust for comfort, giving him full range of motion. Way better control than a regular leash for keeping him close. 

The clasps are secure yet tricky to unlatch, so keep that in mind. For big dogs, a metal ring might be better than the fabric loop for leash attachment. 

But otherwise, the quality of the product is good!

Overall, the WINSEE harness gives me serious peace of mind knowing my pup stays comfortable and secure during our travels.

Pros	Cons
Sturdy top handle and safety locks	Clasps are secure yet can be tricky to unlatch
Reinforced D-rings reduce pulling and help control the pet’s speed while walking	Could cause rubbing or pressure points that cause irritation
Adjustable neck and chest straps

FXW Dog Food Travel Bag

For dog owners taking trips lasting over two weeks long, I highly recommend FWX’s food travel bag. 

This portable bag cleverly stores and dispenses your pet’s kibble without spilling.

I purchased the 20L variant for my husky, which is the largest size capacity for this product, but found it held even more kibble than expected.

The roll-down top creates an airtight seal to preserve dry kibble on a long journey.

Just roll it down as the food level decreases to minimize wasted space.

Additionally, the side storage panel also provides a convenient way to bring along collapsible travel bowls.

There’s also a grab handle located at the top that helps you pour the food with ease.

To use it, start by filling the FXW bag with your dog’s preferred kibble.

Make sure to take advantage of the entire 20L volume if you’ll be traveling for an extended period. 

Then simply roll the top closure down tightly and clip it in place. This seals in the freshness.

When it’s time to feed your pup, just unclip the top and pull open the grab handle on top to easily pour out the desired amount. 

Pros	Cons
Stores up to 20 liters of kibble	Not the best match for wet or raw food
Keeps food dry and fresh	Depending on the climate, it might not be as airtight enough
Seal-off the odor
Durable and easy to clean

Kurgo Skybox Dog Booster Seat

This booster seat is a great option for small dogs under 30 lbs. It has cozy padding and an adjustable tether to attach to your dog harness securely. 

I love how easy it is to install and remove as needed. 

For anxious pets, it’s always a good idea to lift them up so they can see out of the window during long car rides.

This vantage point can help calm them down while also preventing motion sickness

The Skybox is designed to sit atop a vehicle’s back or front seat.  In lower cars, small pets in the booster may still hit their heads if there isn’t enough clearance between the roof and seats. 

Thus, you need sufficient space for it to properly fit.

Remember that this product isn’t well-suited for larger dogs. The dimensions likely won’t provide enough room for large breeds to sit comfortably. (My husky won’t fit in it, unfortunately.)

Make sure to find alternatives better tailored to your big furbaby’s needs. Focus on the crate or travel carrier with more interior space and adjustable sizing.

Pros	Cons
Machine washable liner	Some dogs may find it too wobbly
Holds up to 30 pounds	Not compatible with some rear bench seats or bucket seats
	Could slightly affect rear-view visibility

Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel

This thoughtfully designed airline-approved pet carrier keeps your pups protected while flying. 

It’s well-ventilated and features a raised interior floor away from the base for comfort. 

The kennel comes in different sizes to accommodate dogs up to 90 lbs. 

I got the 40″L x 27″W x 30″H size for my guy, and he has plenty of room to stand up, turn around, and lie down without feeling cramped. 

Aside from that, the durable plastic construction can withstand the movements of bigger pups and the rigors of airline travel.

Major airlines allow this hard-sided kennel in the cabin or cargo area.

For me, this was the best option considering price and quality. At around $60 – $200, you get a good-sized carrier and really easy assembly instructions. 

Pros	Cons
Suitable for both dogs and cats	price may be too high for some budgets
	Might not be spacious enough for tall and very large dogs

Top Tasta Soft-Sided Carrier

For smaller size pups and kitties, this soft-sided pet carrier easily fits under airline seats. 

The nylon mesh sides provide ventilation and the padded shoulder strap makes it easy to carry your pet through airports.

It comes in different colors, such as gray, green, blue, pink, and black. (I’m a fan of the grey option). 

Many soft carriers come with removable, hand-washable wool dog beds for cozy naps. Luckily, Top Tasta throws freebies like that. 

One handy feature is the adjustable strap – you can customize the fit. Just know you’ll need to unclip it every time you open the zipper. 

On that note, only one side has a roll-up flap. So accessibility is something to consider.

While some pet owners use it for air travel, I’d stick to car rides and vet visits. Since I often use my hard-sided kennel for flying with my husky. 

But it gets rave reviews for both air and road trips.

When you’re done using it, the carrier folds up nicely for easy storage.

Overall, this is a great lightweight and collapsible option. My small size domestic cat perfectly fit inside, with room to spare. 

Definitely, one of my top picks. 

Pros	Cons
Budget-friendly	Less durable than hard-sided carriers
Lightweight and collapsible design	Only one side has a roll-up flap
Padded shoulder straps for hands-free carrying.
Interior tether can attach to a harness to prevent escape

Avacson Dog Car Seat Cover

Hitting the open road with your furry friend is a great way to bond and make memories together. 

But keeping your car clean can be a real challenge with muddy paws, shedding fur, and excited pooches moving all around. 

That’s why dog car hammocks and dog car seats are a must for pet parents.

The Avacson Dog Car Seat Cover is hands down one of the best dog car seat covers I purchased for my husky. 

This large-size dog car hammock provides full coverage of your back seat, with breathable mesh walls to keep your pup safely in place. 

It installs in seconds with quick-lock seat anchors and durable straps that wrap around headrests.

The Avacson cover fits most cars, trucks, and SUVs because of its large size and handy dog seat belts slits. 

It comes in a black and orange color combo – no other color options are available currently.

Despite heavy use with my husky, this car seat cover has held up extremely well for me. (It does a good job keeping my dog’s loose fur too!)

The durable outer layer is waterproof to contain messes, while the soft inner cushion protects your seats from scratches.

For easy in and out, the side zippers allow the flaps to fold down as your dog hops out, keeping the seat protected.

It also has handy storage pockets to hold leashes, toys, treats, or waste bags.

One thing to keep in mind – a mesh window can collect pet hair over time if you don’t clean it regularly.

So after a muddy hike or a trip to the dog park, be sure to wipe the doggy hammock down. It only takes a quick clean to keep it fresh. 🙂

Pros	Cons
Durable, waterproof fabric	Not intended for use with dogs who are aggressive chewers
Machine washable	May collect pet hair in mesh windows over time
Affordable price point

Bone Dry Pet Grooming Towel

As you see, I’m always looking for a dog travel product that makes bath and playtime less of a messy chore. 

That’s why I was excited to try the Bone Dry pet grooming towel. This microfiber towel is perfect for drying my pup quickly after muddy hikes or baths.

It’s made of ultrasoft, machine-washable microfiber polyester that’s super absorbent. 

There’s a handy built-in pouch that lets me easily scrub dirt from paws and coats.

I love that it’s lightweight and folds up into a zippered pouch I can clip to his leash or my car seat. 

Moreover, it comes in fun colors and cute designs to suit your different styles.

Bone Dry towel measures “41×23.5” and absorbs water incredibly fast compared to regular towels.

I purchased this on Amazon and one towel is perfect for my husky, though dogs with longer hair may need two. 

It’s also easy to wash but the microfiber does attract dirt and hair, so avoid dropping it on the ground. 

Overall, I’m very happy with this towel and would absolutely buy it again!

Pros	Cons
Great at soaking up water and dirt from your dog	Some dogs may prefer a softer towel
Easy to use and store	It may not be expansive enough for larger breeds
Doubles as a blanket or travel mat

Kurgo Mud Dog Travel Shower

This portable shower makes it super easy to rinse off your pooch’s dirt and debris after a day of outdoor fun.

Kurgo Mud Dog Travel Shower features a universal cap that snugly fits most plastic soda bottles and a shower head that gives out a gentle spray.

Furthermore, it has a silicone sleeve to avoid any slippage or leaks.

Pros	Cons
Helps keep your dog clean on the go	The water pressure might not be strong enough for some pets
Super easy to use and store	Not fit all water bottle sizes or shapes
Durable and eco-friendly

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle

This portable gadget’s got a built-in bowl for an easy sip. 

Your pup laps up water through a small hole, keeping any excess water from making an escape.

It keeps leaks locked up too because of the leak-proof lock.

Pros	Cons
Reduces water waste	Not big enough for larger pets or marathon road trips
Suitable for both dogs and cats
Holds almost 20 ounces of water

Kurgo Tailgate Dumpster

This waste container makes disposing of your dog’s poop a breeze.

It has a magnet and a hook-and-loop strap that lets you attach it to any metal surface, like your car’s tailgate or bumper.

The silicone lining helps to prevent unpleasant odors and leaks.

Pros	Cons
Offers a sanitary solution for your pooch “doo-ties”	If your dog’s bundles are on the hefty or wet side, this might not hold up
Can hold up to 20 poop bags	The look of it might not be everyone’s cup of tea
It’s washable and reusable	Not compatible with some car models or surface

petisfam Portable Travel Cat Litter Box

As a fellow cat owner, I know one of the biggest headaches when traveling is figuring out bathroom arrangements for your cat. 

Having a portable litter box is definitely one of the easiest ways to solve our kitty’s poops on the go.

The petisfam portable travel cat litter box offers convenient leak-proof storage for litter, with a zippered lid to contain odors. 

At 20″ x 16″, it’s large enough for any size cat or two kitties. The durable yet flexible design allows it to fit in tight spaces while holding its shape.

I used this litter box when I visited Barcelona, Spain with my cat. It was so easy to set up and move from one hotel room to another, then folded up nicely for airplane travel (easy cleaning!). 

Having a reliable potty spot, along with the included scooper and collapsible bowl, for my cat was one less thing to stress about while exploring a new place.

It is easy to set up – just unsnap, unzip, and add litter. I used litter from their home boxes so the smell was familiar. 

Placed inside their crates, my mingming had no problems using them. 

Upon arriving at our destination, I simply removed my cat, zipped up the boxes, dumped the litter, gave them a quick hand wash, then snapped them closed and packed away the scoopers and bowls inside.

Compared to dealing with a regular litter box on trips, these foldable versions are much easier to manage. 

They’re flexible to fit in tight spaces yet sturdy in holding their shape. I had no problems with spills or odors during travel as well.

Not only that, when not holding litter, this versatile travel cat litter box – pack doubles as storage for cat treats, toys, and blankets. 

Or it can serve as a cozy cat bed when they need some personal space in an unfamiliar place.

Pros	Cons
Convenient and leak-proof	Requires periodic cleaning
Large enough for one large or two small cats	Sides may not be high enough
It’s washable and reusable

BECEREE Passport Holder

Y’all gotta check out this passport holder from BECEREE. 

This beautiful leather pet passport holder is designed specifically for your pet’s travel documents.

Slip your pet’s passport, boarding passes, and vaccine cards inside. There are slots for your credit cards, ID, and even a couple of SIM card spaces. 

It’s made from eco-friendly synthetic leather, which is soft to touch yet sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of travel.

In addition to that, BECEREE has RFID shielding material. 

This feature helps prevent the leakage of personal account information, adding an extra layer of security for your pet’s documents. 

One thing I particularly like about this passport holder is its padded cover adorned with a cute design. 

I got the adorable cartoon dog cover that’ll have you grinning ear to ear. 

And get this – there’s a hidden pen slot so you always have something to sign with. (Who woulda thought of that?)

And it barely takes up any room in my bag too.

Pros	Cons
RFID-blocking technology	Requires special care to prevent cracks over time
Spill-proof cover	The holder’s snug fit can make removing documents a bit difficult
Lightweight and sturdy

Tractive GPS Tracker

Losing a pet is one of my worst nightmares as a fur parent. 

Based on a survey by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA) IN 2012, 15% of cats and dogs were lost in the past five years. Of those, only about 30% were reunited with their families.

That’s why I always make sure my husky, Four, wears a GPS tracker when we head out.

There are many GPS pet trackers out there, but my top pick would be the Tractive GPS Tracker. 

This smart collar lets me see Four’s exact location in real-time through an app on my phone. So I always know where he’s at.

I love that it sends alerts if he wanders outside his designated “safe zone.” And if we ever get separated, I can easily find him again with the tracker.

We live in Lawrence and I’ve found the Tractive collar works great on weekend camping trips just as much as our daily walks around town. 

The tracker is a reasonable price for the peace of mind of keeping track of my pup. 

For normal use, it has fairly good battery life, but there is also a ‘live’ mode that updates location very regularly which has been great the few times.

I definitely recommend turning this function on before your dog disappears since it takes a moment to connect.

One note is that the tracker can be slightly uncomfortable for a dog to wear 24/7. It limits their ability to sleep in some positions. 

So, I typically only put it on Four when we leave the house. The Tractive app could also use a bit of improvement regarding long-term data storage. 

It seems optimized if you have your dog wearing the smart collar at all times rather than just for activities and trips. 

Even with those small drawbacks, I would still highly recommend the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker.

Having real-time location data and separation alerts provides serious peace of mind for pet parents, whether on a weekend getaway or just out and about back home.

Pros	Cons
Real-time location tracking	Limits pets’ ability to sleep in some positions
Works well for daily walks	Uncomfortable for pets to wear 24/7
Reasonably priced	Has decent but not exceptional battery life

I hope this gives you something to think about as you shop for pet travel essentials. 

Whichever option you choose, I’m confident it will give you peace of mind on your next road trip. 

Once I get my paws on new products to review, I’ll absolutely keep you posted with the inside scoop. 

In the meantime, let me know if you have any other questions! As a fellow pet owner, I’m always happy to help.

FAQs

Can my pet’s microchip be scanned in any country? 

Yep! As long as the chip meets the global ISO standard, it can be identified anywhere in the world. But it’s still smart to use a collar tag with your current contact info in case you’re separated abroad.

What pet carrier works best for air travel?

For air travel, Aside from Petmate Ultra Kennel, I love Sherpa carriers that are airline-approved and guaranteed for under-seat use.

Are soft-sided carriers safe for pets on hiking?

Yes, K9 Sport Sack and other brands make a classic sturdibag perfect for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. 

The breathable and padded backpacks from K9 Sport Sack make it easy to carry small animals hands-free on trails.

How do I get an older dog in and out of the car?

Dog ramps make it easy for them to walk themselves in, rather than being lifted. I personally love the Petsafe ramp with its anti-slip surface.

Is a dog life jacket really necessary? 

For boat travel or water fun, a life jacket ensures flotation and visibility to keep your pup safe.

Should I pack a first aid kit?

And should any first aid-kit issues pop up, having a pet-specific kit on hand can be a lifesaver! I keep one stocked in my car at all times.

What should I do if my pet gets injured while traveling?

Hopefully, it doesn’t happen but be prepared just in case. So first things first – map out your route and jot down the customer service number for the nearest emergency vet. 

And don’t forget a pet first aid kit stocked with basics like gauze, tape, antibiotics, saline solution, tweezers, scissors – you name it. 

I like to follow step-by-step instructions on the packing list to make sure I don’t miss anything. 

That way, if an accident happens, you can patch up your pup in no time.

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