23 Dog Travel Accessories for Every Trip

Chocolate Labrador sleeping on a portable travel dog bed with a scenic mountain backdrop.

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Updated 18 September 202611 min read

Shell & Katy are two style-savvy dog mums celebrating the best in pet-friendly living. A pet photographer and dog lifestyle writer, together they share trending pet products, recipes, inspiration and expert tips with discerning dog lovers around the world.

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Every trip with a dog starts with a pile of gear by the door and the feeling that something important is still in a drawer. The right dog travel accessories take the guesswork out of it, keeping your best friend safe in the car, comfortable in a strange room and tidy enough to be welcomed back. These 23 picks are grouped by what they do, so it is easy to build a kit around the way your family really travels.

For the full rundown of what goes in the bag before you leave, this dog packing list with a free printable checklist pairs neatly with the gear below.

Pinterest graphic of dog travel gear including portable dog bowls, travel food bags, outdoor dog beds and dog coats

Car Seats and Harnesses for Safe Road Trips

A loose dog in the car is a serious risk in a sudden stop, so a restraint that suits your dog's size comes first. Puppies need it most of all, as this puppy car travel guide explains. If your dog drools, yawns or whines on the road, VCA Animal Hospitals has a helpful overview of motion sickness in dogs worth reading before a long trip.

DOOG Dog Car Seat

Small and medium dogs who love a window view tend to settle best in a raised car seat, and this award-winning Australian design is a stylish pick. It secures to the car seat with sturdy loops and has a built-in adjustable tether that clips to your dog's harness, a storage pocket and a machine-washable cushion cover. It doubles as a cozy bed on arrival. DOOG notes the seat is not crash-tested, so pair it with a harness and seat belt restraint for the safest ride.

Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness

For larger dogs, a car safety harness does the same job with less bulk. The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness has five adjustment points for a snug fit, quick-release buckles and a front D-ring that also helps with pulling on walks. It comes with a seat belt tether, so the same harness goes from rest-stop stroll to car ride without swapping gear.

Dog Carriers, Backpacks and Strollers

Small dogs, senior dogs and anyone heading onto a plane, train or crowded street will get plenty of use from a good carrier. This roundup of the best dog carriers for travel and daily life goes deeper on sizing and everyday styles.

Mark and Graham Buddy Pet Carrier

The Buddy Pet Carrier comes from Mark and Graham, a brand known for polished, personalized travel goods, and it is designed as a carry-on for small dogs and cats. Its structured, tailored look means it passes for a proper piece of luggage, a lovely choice if you like your dog's gear to match your suitcase. Check the dimensions against your dog's size and your airline's under-seat limits before you fly.

Kurgo G-Train Dog Carrier Backpack

Hikers with small dogs will appreciate a backpack for the stretches where little legs need a break. The Kurgo G-Train carries pets up to 25 pounds, with a water-resistant top, a waterproof base, a padded interior and several storage pockets for treats and bags. It is marketed as airline friendly, but always check size limits with your airline before you fly.

Tavo Maeve 3-in-1 Pet Stroller

The Tavo Maeve Pet Protection System, from the makers of Nuna, combines a cozy carrier, a stroller and a car-safe pet bed in one, moving between travel modes with minimal fuss. It suits small dogs, seniors and pups with mobility needs.

Travel Dog Beds and Settle Mats

A familiar place to rest helps dogs settle in a new room, whether that is a cabin, a campsite or a pet-friendly hotel. A bed or mat that smells like home gives your dog a clear spot of their own, which is one of the simplest ways to keep a stay calm, as this guide to dog hotel etiquette points out.

Wilderdog Travel Bed

Camping trips and cabin weekends call for a bed that can handle dirt, damp ground and plenty of use. Wilderdog specializes in outdoor gear for dogs, and this travel bed combines dual-layer foam with a washable sherpa fleece cover, a waterproof liner and a non-slip base. Your dog gets proper cushioning wherever you unpack.

Luwello Portable Dog Settle Mat

A settle mat gives your dog a defined place to relax in cafes, cars and rental homes. The Luwello mat folds flat or rolls up with its own strap, and its padded surface is tough enough for restless dogs, with a waterproof top that wipes clean. The anti-slip base keeps it in place on car seats and smooth floors, and it comes in two sizes.

Bowls and Food Storage for the Road

Pack your dog's regular food rather than switching on the road, and keep fresh water within reach at every stop.

Frisco Double Travel Collapsible Silicone Dog and Cat Bowl

Two bowls in one zip-up case means food and water are both covered at every stop. This Frisco set is made from BPA-free silicone that folds flat and zips shut, with a carabiner that clips onto a leash or bag. It is dishwasher safe, comes in several sizes and colors.

Wilderdog Portable Kibble Carrier

Kibble in a plastic bag rarely survives the trip intact. The Wilderdog Doggie Bag is a collapsible, water-resistant carrier with a buckle closure that seals out air and moisture to keep food fresh, plus a handle that makes it easy to grab.

Collars, Leads, ID Tags and GPS Trackers

Unfamiliar places bring more chances for a dog to slip away, so secure gear and current ID matter.

Herzog Recycled Ripstop Collar and Leash

Beach days, muddy trails and rainy city walks are hard on fabric collars. Herzog's signature set pairs waterproof silicone with recycled ripstop, so it rinses clean, resists stains and holds up in any weather. It comes in a range of colors and looks polished anywhere.

PawsAndTags Stacked Dog Name Tag

Dog wearing an engraved PawsAndTags ID tag and a blue bandana, a personalized pet ID tag for travel

An engraved ID tag is the fastest way for a stranger to reunite you with a wandering dog. These popular Etsy tags are personalized with your dog's name and your phone number and come in copper, brass, aluminum or nickel silver, with playful fonts and small icons to choose from. Before a trip, check that the number on the tag is one that works where you are going.

Awoo Pets Fetch! AirTag Holder

Black pug on a beach in a green harness with an Awoo AirTag holder, a dog tracking accessory for travel

An Apple AirTag clipped to your dog's collar adds reassurance in busy or unfamiliar places. Awoo's holder is made from durable, scratch-resistant silicone and attaches neatly to Awoo collars and harnesses. Keep in mind that AirTags rely on nearby Apple devices to report their location, so they work best in towns and cities and are not a replacement for a GPS tracker in remote areas.

FitBark GPS Pet Tracker

For dogs who love to explore, a dedicated GPS tracker offers real-time location updates wherever there is coverage. FitBark GPS sends alerts when your dog leaves or enters a safe zone you set, connects over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, is waterproof and tracks activity and health data too. Most GPS trackers need a subscription for live tracking, and this guide to the best pet tech for dogs explains what that ongoing cost covers.

Dog Grooming and Cleanup Supplies for the Road

A few compact grooming and cleanup supplies keep your dog fresh between baths and make sure you are both welcome back.

Pawness Fantastically Freshening Shampoo Bar

A shampoo bar is the tidiest way to pack for bath time: no leaks, no liquid limits and almost no space. This vegan-friendly bar from Pawness is infused with peppermint, spearmint, lemongrass, citronella, rosemary and eucalyptus oils, so your pup comes out smelling fresh after a swim or a muddy walk. As with any shampoo, rinse thoroughly and keep it away from your dog's eyes.

Earth Rated Waterless Shampoo and Conditioner

Earth Rated's waterless shampoo cleans, conditions and helps with tangles in one step: massage it through the coat, avoiding the face, then towel dry and brush. The white tea and basil scent tackles odors, and the formula is free from parabens, sulfates and alcohol.

DOG by Dr Lisa Dog Wipes

Wipes handle the everyday mess of travel: sandy paws, drool and whatever your dog decided to roll in at the rest stop. Created by a veterinarian, these plant-based wipes are made from compostable bamboo with gentle ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil and lavender. They suit dogs with sensitive skin, and a pack tucks easily into a car door pocket.

Happy Pooch Dog Drying Robe

Dog wearing a Happy Pooch terry towel drying robe after a bath

After the beach or a rainy hike, a drying robe keeps wet fur off car seats and holiday-home sofas. This robe is made to measure from Oeko-Tex terry cloth, with stretchy straps, a snug belly panel and an extra-long snood for full coverage.

Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags

Earth Rated bags are thick and leak-proof, come on rolls that fit most leash dispensers and are available scented or unscented. Keep a spare box in the car.

Weatherproof Gear for Rain, Sun and Water

Weather rarely follows the itinerary, so a little protective gear goes a long way.

Barbour Packable Tartan Dog Raincoat

$70.00 from Chewy

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A light showerproof layer keeps your dog drier on drizzly walks and saves a lot of towel work afterward. Barbour's packable coat folds away into its own pocket, so it takes up almost no room in a day bag, and the adjustable waist strap gives a comfortable fit. The tartan print adds heritage style, and it is machine washable.

WagWellies Dog Booties

Wagwear WagWellies rubber dog booties for rainy and snowy walks

Paws take a beating from wet streets, snow and rough ground. Wagwear's WagWellies are 100% rubber booties designed for rainy and snowy walks, with open-vented slits that make them easier to slide on and a secure fit that stays put. Let your dog practice wearing them at home before the trip.

Emmy's Best Dog Sunscreen Spray

Emmy's Best Pet Products dog sunscreen spray, a zinc oxide-free sun protector for dogs

Dogs with light-colored skin, thin coats or pink noses can burn on sunny days at the beach or on the trail. This sunscreen spray is zinc oxide-free, which matters because zinc oxide can be harmful if a dog licks it off. Enriched with shea butter and coconut oil, it is non-greasy and easy to apply to noses, ear tips and bellies. Check with your vet first if your dog has sensitive skin.

Maxbone Dog Life Jacket

Even confident swimmers tire quickly in open water, currents and waves. A life jacket keeps your dog buoyant and builds confidence around lakes, rivers and boats. The Maxbone Life Jacket has adjustable straps, sturdy buckles and reflective stripes for visibility. Supervise your dog near water every time, jacket or not.

Pet First Aid Supplies for Trips Away

Minor scrapes, splinters and torn paw pads are more likely when you are exploring somewhere new, often far from your usual vet. Keep a kit in the car, and look up the nearest emergency vet at your destination before you arrive.

Adventure Medical Kits Pet First Aid Kit

Adventure Medical Kits Adventure Dog Series pet first aid kit for travel

This compact, waterproof kit fits in a backpack or glove box and includes sterile bandages, paw injury supplies and a first aid manual. It covers the basics well, and it is worth adding a tick remover, saline and a card with your vet's details. This guide to building a DIY dog first aid kit covers what to add, what to leave out and when to call the vet straight away.

How to Choose Travel Gear for Your Dog

The dog travel accessories most worth buying are a car restraint that fits your dog, a collapsible water bowl, secure ID with a current phone number, a portable bed or settle mat, and cleanup basics such as wipes and waste bags. From there, add a carrier for a small dog, a GPS tracker for an adventurous one and weather gear that suits your destination.

Start With How You Travel

Road trips call for a restraint, seat protection and easy-access water. Flying puts the carrier first, and airlines set their own size and weight rules, so check before you buy. Camping and hiking lean toward durable beds, first aid and weather gear, while city breaks favor compact carriers, settle mats and wipes.

Get the Size and Fit Right

Harnesses, booties, life jackets and carriers only work when they fit. Measure your dog before ordering, follow the brand's size chart rather than guessing by breed, and let your dog wear new gear at home before the trip.

Choose Pieces That Do Double Duty

Space is always tight. A booster seat that doubles as a bed, a harness that works for walks and the car, or a mat that moves from cafe to hotel room all earn their place. Luxury pieces are worth the splurge when they combine beautiful design with that kind of everyday usefulness.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What travel accessories does a dog need?

Most dogs need a car restraint or carrier, a collapsible water bowl, a leash and collar with current ID, waste bags, wipes and a bed or mat from home. Longer trips add a food storage bag, a first aid kit and any medication. Beyond that, choose weather gear and extras based on where you are going and how you are getting there.

Are dog booster seats safe for car travel?

A booster seat is safest when it is anchored to the car and clipped to a harness, never a collar, and many are not crash-tested, so check. Boosters suit small and medium dogs, and this dog car booster seat review covers which dogs they suit best. Larger dogs do better with a car safety harness or a secured crate.

How do you keep a dog clean while traveling?

Pack wipes for paws and faces, a quick-drying towel or drying robe for wet days, and a travel shampoo bar for proper baths. Wipe paws before your dog gets into the car or onto furniture, and bring a washable blanket to protect seats and rental-home sofas.

How do you keep dog food fresh on a trip?

Store kibble in a sealed, water-resistant carrier rather than a torn original bag, and portion meals ahead of time for short trips. Keep food out of hot cars, stick to your dog's usual food to avoid stomach upsets, and pack a little extra in case plans change or travel is delayed.

Is luxury travel gear for dogs worth the splurge?

Luxury pieces are worth it when quality and function match the look. Well-made carriers, booster seats and beds tend to last longer, wash better and hold their shape through years of trips. Prioritize safety features, fit and easy cleaning first, then choose the design you love. A beautiful carrier your dog refuses to sit in is never a good buy.

With the right kit packed, trips with your dog become something to look forward to rather than plan around. For everything beyond the gear, from car training to flying and easing travel nerves, these tips for traveling with a dog cover every kind of journey.

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Pinterest graphic of dog travel accessories including a blue bandana, travel wipes in an olive bag and a green fleece dog coat

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