Travel stress is enough. Add an eager pet with a small bladder to the equation, and you’re in for a bumpy ride. Fortunately, there are many ways to prepare for a trip with your four-legged friend. Packing the right gear to keep them clean, safe, calm, and fed will make the trip smoother for everyone involved. From a portable litter box to a soothing and pulsating plush toy, here are 12 of the best pet travel accessories for planning trips with dogs and cats.
This waterproof pet blanket keeps your pet warm and cozy while keeping furniture and surfaces clean. One side is made of cozy Sherpa material and the other is a microfiber fleece. Sandwiched in the middle is a waterproof lining that prevents pet accidents from leaking onto your car seat or your hotel room carpet. After your ride, run the blanket on the cold setting of your washing machine for easy cleaning.
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If you’re not used to picking up your dog’s poop from your backyard at home, you might forget to pack this important travel item—and you don’t want to lose poop bags when it’s time for your pet to stop. . The 120 bags in this pack from Earth Rated are made from 65 percent recycled plastic, and they’re durable enough to keep up with messes.
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Staying hydrated while traveling is important for your furry companion and for you. With this portable water dispenser, you don’t have to worry about unpacking your pet’s bowl and finding a way to fill it. Just add water to the bottom of the bottle and screw on the top before hitting the road. When your dog or cat gets thirsty, press the release button to allow water to flow into the attached dish. You hold the bottle while your pet drinks from it, reducing possible spillage if they need a water break in a moving vehicle.
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For long trips, your pet will need bowls that they can eat and drink on the go. These plastic containers measure more than two inches deep when fully expanded, which is probably the same size as the food you feed your pet at home. When empty, they collapse into flat, 5-inch discs that fit easily into your overstuffed bag.
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You may have podcasts and audiobooks to entertain you on a long trip, but your pet isn’t so lucky. The best way to keep them busy is with a treat. These bully sticks (a delicious name for dehydrated bull penis) are a healthy source of protein. In a variety of sizes to suit any breed of dog, the firm, chewy texture will keep them occupied during the boring parts of your trip. Just make sure your pet doesn’t crunch them too small, as the small, sharp pieces can be a choking hazard.
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Whether it’s nerves or a disruption in their schedule, pets are prone to accidents while traveling. If this happens in a rental car or hotel room, you need to act fast. Nature’s Miracle is formulated to remove pet stains and odors before they have a chance to settle into fabric. Just apply the spray to the mess as soon as you see it, wait 15 minutes, and blot away the remaining residue. It is important to have a bottle when traveling with an animal.
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Thunder shirts are good for more than just scary storms. Any situation that is likely to cause anxiety in your pet—such as travel—can benefit from one. Many dogs are comforted by the feeling of gentle pressure on their body, and unlike other anti-anxiety treatments, thunder shirts are drug-free and require no prior conditioning. This product comes in 10 different sizes, so you can find the most comfortable fit for your pet.
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If you can’t travel with your cat’s regular litter box, this portable version is a convenient substitute. The 16-by-12-inch box collapses into a 6-by-8-inch square small enough to fit in a glove compartment. The outside is made of durable canvas, while the inside is a moisture-proof poly-plastic liner. Both materials can be washed by hand, so you can clean the box in time for your return trip.
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A crate keeps your dog safe while on the road. This hard-sided kennel measures 25 inches long, 17 inches wide, and 19 inches high, so it’s perfect for small dogs and puppies. After arriving at your destination, you can collapse the crate for easy transport and storage.
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A soft-sided pet carrier is the best option for some travel. The most compact size of this one from Petsfit is 16 inches long, 9 inches high, and 10 inches wide, which is small enough to fit in the cabin of most airplanes. The mesh sides extend outwards, so you can give your dog or cat some breathing room while waiting to board your flight. The carrier folds flat when empty and is easy to store.
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A good toy can make stressful travel times go by faster for you and your pet. This heartbeat toy from Snuggle Puppy is designed to soothe anxious dogs. The battery-powered “heart” inside the soft stuffed animal can be set to beat for hours at a time, lulling your pet to sleep with a sense of calm and security. It also comes with a heat pack that keeps the plush warm for 24 hours.
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Thunder jackets and soothing toys may not be enough for some eager travelers. If your pet needs medicine to calm down before a long drive, you can put their pill in a sneaky treat from Greenies. Simply insert the capsule into the dimple, pinch the opening closed, and feed it to your pet. The soft texture and authentic flavor of chicken helps the medicine go down easily.
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