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Home > Dogs > 15 Essential Supplies for a Road Trip With Dogs: 2024 Checklist

15 Essential Supplies for a Road Trip With Dogs: 2024 Checklist

dog riding in the car

What better way to make your next road trip more enjoyable than to bring along your canine BFF? Your pup will thrive from the mental stimulation of visiting a new place and possibly making some new friends along the way. However, it’s important to prepare for your pet’s journey just as you would do your packing. Some of your dog’s things might not travel well. Luckily, other products can be a big help.

We recommend installing your dog’s pet insurance app, if applicable. You should also get a copy of your pet’s vet records. If something unfortunate happens, it can save you a lot of time and hassle. You should also bring your pet’s collar, particularly if it has ID tags or your contact info stamped on it. Let’s review what else you should toss in the back of your car before the two of you hit the road.

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The 15 Essential Supplies for a Road Trip With Dogs

Food and Feeding

1. Dog Food

Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Large Digestive Care Dry Dog Food

One of the main benefits of dry food is its convenience. That makes it the best choice for travel. You can bag the portions you need without the hassle of throwing out stinky cans. Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Digestive Care Dry Dog Food is an excellent product for pups who may experience digestive issues when traveling. This manufacturer produces quality diets to fulfill various needs, including ones that are breed-specific.


2. Food and Water Bowls

Mobile Dog Gear Week Away Tote Pet Travel Bag

The Mobile Dog Gear Week Away Tote Pet Travel Bag is one of the cutest and most practical dog travel products we’ve seen in a long time. The tote includes collapsible bowls and a placement for feeding time. It also has pouches to store your pup’s essentials. The adjustable strap makes it easy to carry wherever the road takes you. If this isn’t for you, just be sure to back a tote specifically for your dog’s belongings.


3. Pet Travel Organizer

PetSafe Happy Ride Travel Bag

The PetSafe Happy Ride Pet Travel Organizer Kit is a great choice for day trips or long weekends. You can pack everything you need to ensure your pup has enough food and water to fuel your adventures. You can haul it around on the trail with a convenient dispenser for pet waste bags. It’s lightweight, with plenty of storage for everything you’ll need.

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Treats and Toys

4. Treats

Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe Dog Treats

Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe Dog Treats are one of the tastiest you can give your pet when on the road. They provide a great way to create positive associations with new experiences to calm nervous pets. They are high in protein with a moderate amount of fat. They come in either beef or chicken flavor. Your pup is sure to enjoy this special road snack.


5. Chew Toy

Kong Classic Dog Toy

Sometimes, even the best-planned trips have some downtime. Or perhaps relaxing with a chew toy is an ideal way to enjoy the park or beach. The KONG Classic Dog Toy is just as its name suggests. Fill it with some pet paste or peanut butter to keep your pup occupied with some welcome mental stimulation. It’s easy to clean while traveling, which makes tossing it in your pet organizer even easier and less of a hassle.


6. Doggie Backpack

Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack

We’re fans of an active vacation, especially one that includes hiking. The Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack is the perfect accessory for your pup to accompany you on the trail, bringing their own treats and water to enjoy. The pack balances weight deftly on both sides of the animal’s body. The mesh sides are breathable to make it more comfortable for your pooch to wear.


7. Dog Life Jacket

Frisco Ripstop Dog Life Jacket

A refreshing dip in the lake is in order with the Frisco Ripstop Dog Life Jacket. It’s designed with safety in mind, with a convenient handle to get a hold of your pup and a flotation flap if your pooch likes to swim. The orange color is brilliant to ensure you can always keep your pet in sight. The D-ring allows you to attach your leash for added safety.

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Walking

8. ID

Dog Tag Art Microchip Alert Personalized Dog & Cat ID Tag

Microchips are one of the best inventions for pet safety ever created. People wear special bracelets to alert medical staff to health issues. It only makes sense to do the same for your canine BFF with a tag to alert someone who finds your lost pet that they are microchipped. It’s worth noting that you must keep your contact info current to make this item useful.


9. Leash

Prima Pets Dual Handle Reflective Dog Leash

If you usually use a retractable leash, we strongly urge you to invest in a standard product, like the Prima Pets Dual-Handle Reflective Dog Leash, if just for travel. It’ll give you better control over your pet. Some dog parks typically impose length limits on these items. We prefer leashes that are reflective to make them safe for use at night or in cloudy conditions.


10. Portable Water Bottle

Pet Life PYURE Handheld Travel Filtered Water Dog & Cat Feeder

If you’re on the trails, you can’t always be sure about water quality. That makes the Pet Life PYURE Handheld Travel Filtered Water Dog a godsend. Contaminated water can harbor internal parasites like giardia. We suggest erring on the side of caution and ensuring your pup has safe water to drink, no matter what the conditions.

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Comfort

11. Car Safety Harness

Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Crash Tested Smart Car Dog Harness

The Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Crash Tested Smart Car Dog Harness is the paw-fect addition to your pup’s travel gear. It is adjustable for an optimal fit. It is also tested to ensure it will protect your pooch if an accident happens. You can use it with your vehicle’s safety belt system. The product is well-made with quality materials, and you can even use it for walking your dog.


12. Dog Bed

BEST FRIENDS BY SHERI The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Cat

Not only is the Best Friends by Sheri, The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Dog Bed comfy, but it also can ease your pet’s anxiety when visiting new places. Unfamiliar noises or thunderstorms can upset your pup. The comfort of the donut shape provides a weight that feels like a big hug. It’s lightweight and easy to toss in the car with your other gear.


13. Doggie First Aid Kit

Kurgo First Aid Kit for Dogs & Cats

The Kurgo First Aid Kit is an essential item to have on hand, whether at home or on the road. Accidents happen, especially on unfamiliar ground. This product will provide everything you need to manage non-emergency situations until you can get to a vet. Often, time is the critical factor when dealing with injuries. You’ll be prepared with this kit.

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Cleaning

14. Clean-Up

Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags with Handles

The Earth-Rated Dog Poop Bags are an excellent compromise between being a responsible pet owner and being squeamish about what it entails. They’re made of post-consumer waste, making them an even better value. The lavender scent makes them less disagreeable to use. It’s something you should pack since you can’t be sure you’ll find any at parks. Plus, pet waste should never be left behind.divider-paw

Grooming

15. Brush

Master Grooming Tools Self-Cleaning Slicker Pet Brush

It’s essential to have a grooming tool on hand when traveling, especially if you’re taking walks in the woods or swimming in the lake. The Master Grooming Tools Self-Cleaning Slicker Pet Brush makes it easy to keep your dog looking their best and reduce shedding in your hotel room or cabin. Its self-cleaning feature makes it even more convenient to use.

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Conclusion

Traveling with your dog can make your trip more enjoyable. However, it’s essential to manage your pet’s needs while on the road, just like it is at home. Luckily, many products exist that make road trips with your pup hassle-free and more convenient. Comfort is essential for ensuring you both can focus on having fun instead of stressing over avoidable consequences.

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Featured Image Credit: antoniodiaz, Shutterstock

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