32 Best Pet Travel Essentials

Just as travel can be stress-inducing for humans, it can make animals just as (if not more) anxious. Flying or traveling by car with a cat or dog can be difficult, and when you add in unexpected delays or traffic, the whole experience can quickly turn into a nightmare.

Between years of traveling with my own pets and taking cats for my family’s North Carolina-based rescue, Tabby Trail Rescue, I know this struggle all too well. I’ve been in 10-plus hour delays, endless traffic, and many other such trials emphasize the importance of having good travel gear for your pets to make it all quite more bearable for yourself and your furry friends.

In fact, I had my own nightmare a few months ago when I was stuck at Charlotte Douglas Airport for 10-plus hours with my cat, Wanda — and if it weren’t for the implementation of travel advice and regimen that’s been developed over the years (which includes using the expandable Tdhdike Cat Carrier), I’ve had to get rid of the ride entirely. In addition to providing you with a list of airport-friendly pet carriers, travel bowls, and toys that are staples in my own pet travel repertoire, I also consulted with certified dog trainer Nicole Ellis, who is an expert at Rover’s Pet People Panel, for his insights on how to successfully incorporate them into any travel routine. Of course, always be sure to consult your veterinarian for additional tips to relieve some stress on your pets while traveling.

Best Diffusers, Sprays, and Treats for Travel

Ellis stresses that, when it comes to travel, “the best thing you can do is plan your trip around creating a stress-free environment for your pet.” And while this undoubtedly means making sure you have trusty carriers and other stress-relieving toys (we’ll get those) on hand, it also means traveling with extra add-ons biologically also reduce stress. Note: While we cannot control weather or flight delays, we Possible control the little bubble of environment we have created for our pets.

Just for that, I swear by Comfort Zone Cat Calming Spray to spray in my cat’s carrier (or in my car) before traveling. It uses pheromone technology to reduce stress in cats. And when I’m set up in a hotel or rental, I always plug in a Feliway Calming Diffuser to help my cat adjust to a new environment. I love Feliway, and even keep these diffusers in my apartment to keep my cats from fighting and eagerly ruining my future. This type of portable diffuser can also be used for dogs, and always helps calm my family’s anxious chihuahua on family vacations.

If you have a food-motivated cat (or dog), it doesn’t hurt to give them some hemp cat treats to relax a little too. Both types of treats also have dog-friendly formulas, but if you decide to introduce something new to your pet’s diet, make sure to consult with your veterinarian first and that it agrees with your furry friend. before depart for your journey.

Best Travel Crates, Carriers, and Leashes

I am fortunate that my cats and all my family pets are quite happy with their crates and carriers, and actually sleep in them when we are on the go. But if you’re going to travel, it’s important to alleviate some of the stress of the unknown by making sure they’re used to the crate and/or carrier ahead of time. Ellis recommends that you should “introduce the crate into their routine, feeding them treats in it, and gradually increasing their time spent in the crate (no more than an hour or two) can help to desensitize them and make them feel like they are in. a safe place.”

I recommend getting one that is airline approved so you don’t have multiple carriers just lying around. I personally love the Tdhdike Cat Carrier which is only 19.5 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches, but can be expanded to an incredible 43 inches by 32 inches by 12 inches to offer enough space for your cat or small dog to stretch its legs. The Roverlund Out of Office Pet Carrier also boasts a three-in-one airplane-compliant design that comes equipped with a carrier, plush bed, travel bag, and my personal favorite: a bonus leash. My family’s chihuahua really loving this carrier and if you have a diva who loves to travel in style, it can’t be beat. If you’re driving to or from a vacation rental, you’ll want to check out the Diggs Complete Revol Set; it has everything you need to keep your pup safe and secure while traveling.

Among the important transport-oriented items to pack for your furry friend is a leash and harness. I think the Rover Better Walk No-Pull Harness and Rover Essential Leash make a stellar combination thanks to their sturdy build that still somehow feels comfortable in your hands.

Best Travel Litter Boxes, Poop Bags, and Other Bathroom Tips

Your mode of transportation is incredibly important to consider when traveling with pets, especially regarding their bathroom breaks. While there’s more control driving cross-country with your pet, sometimes you just can’t beat the convenience of a flight. Whichever mode of transportation you choose, Ellis encourages travelers to “plan liberally with options for peeing and stopping along the way” because they “will help you avoid getting into crowded and stressful situations.”

It’s easy for us humans to find a public restroom while in the car, but that’s not the case when you’re traveling with pets, so it’s important to have a travel litter box or multiple poop bags packed for your trip. I personally love the disposable Skoon Unscented Non-Clumping Cat Litter Box when I travel to and from home. It comes pre-arranged with litter so all you have to do is open the box and it’s ready to go. For a longer term, reusable option, I also always check out the Sport Pet Portable Litter Box when I travel with the cats. I also always keep a pack of Earth Rated Poop Bags with its Earth Rated Poop Bag Holder to both “scoop” my cat’s litter and use when I travel with my family’s dogs.

Best Travel Bowl for Pets

Packing for yourself can be overwhelming, especially when you’re traveling with your pets. So to streamline your pet’s travel bag, it’s best to prioritize the good basics they really need. A set of travel bowls is essential for a smooth trip, and I recommend these silicone-based Slson Collapsible Travel Bowls that are collapsible, packable, and washable. Even better, they come with a handy clip that can be attached to your pet’s crate or your duffel bag.

I also recommend having a full MalsiPree Pet Water Bottle on hand for those unexpected water breaks when you’re out exploring with your pet or to quench the thirst of a dehydrated furry companion while racing through the airport.

Best Pet Toys for Travel

I don’t know about you, but my pets are total toys demons. I have more small stuffed animals and string toys than I can possibly count. To create a fun, familiar environment for travel, I always make sure to pack a few of my cats’ toys — like their SmartyKat Madcap Mania Refillable Catnip Cat Toy that already has their scents (and I have option to fill with catnip). I think the Sentry 4012 Calming Toy is a great choice for anxious pets, and I find that my cats and dogs get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

If you have a particularly active pet, it’s never a bad idea to have a Kong toy ready to go and stuffed with peanut butter or yogurt to distract them from the unfamiliarity of travel (or a new hotel room).

Pre-Travel Health Checklist

Before you embark on any trip with your pet, you should always make sure to have your veterinarian’s information written down as well as copies of your pet’s medical history on hand in case of an emergency. Personally, I choose to keep these important documents in a laminated binder, but having them digitally on your phone or easily accessible via email are both viable options. And if your trip requires any kind of outdoors, make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations and their flea and tick prevention treatments. I personally always use NextStar, but consult your vet for the best option for your pet.

And as an extra line of defense, it’s a good idea to attach an Apple AirTag to your pet’s collar for real-time tracking in case they accidentally get lost on your travels.

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