Thursday 11th April marks National Pet Day 2024. What exactly happens on National Pet Day is unclear but, as an island of pet lovers, you can bet that the UK celebrates the annual festivities more than for the most part.
And what else does the UK want (perhaps not much)? Its cars. In fact, the relationship between our pets and travel is an important one. A collection of UK pet tourism research from Hoo suggests more with some pretty revealing statistics, including:
- More than 50% of pet owners plan to travel with their pets.
- A third of pet owners will not travel without their pets.
- 83% of dog owners feel guilty when they leave their dog on holiday, with 56% insisting on taking their dog with them and 67% planning their breaks around them.
- 85% of pet owners would rather have a local staycation with their pets than travel abroad without them.
With so many of us taking our pets around in our cars, it makes sense that pet travel accessories are big business these days. After all, we want our furriest family members to be comfortable – and what better way to celebrate National Pet Day than with a last-minute car-based gift?
Interested? Here are some ideas.
dog car seat
Most dog owners consider their dog to be their ‘baby’, and what is the most important accessory for a baby in a car?
A pet car seat is one of the best dog travel accessories because it offers many benefits for you and your pup. This will keep your dog comfortable, secure and safe – and they’ll also have a great view out the window, which means they’ll be less likely to get sick. You won’t have to worry about your dog creating its own circus in the back while you’re driving, and you’ll be more likely to arrive at your destination with a happy and chilled dog in tow.
As with baby car seats, you can get different sizes and booster options to suit dogs of any size and level of mischievousness. Smart Bark’s guide to the best car seats for dogs features lots of useful information to help you choose the right one.
Dog car harness
If you don’t like the idea of a full-blown seat, you can choose a special harness or seat belt instead. The harness essentially acts as a leash inside the car, keeping your dog securely in a seat with a little (but not too much) give to allow them to move around safely.
All you have to do is strap them in – just make sure you give them enough room to stand and sit, but not so much that they can leave their seat and cause a disturbance.
Travel bowl
Hydration and nutrition are key, as is portability, which is why a travel bowl is one of the cheaper but more effective dog (and cat) travel accessories you can buy.
The concept is simple: a foldable travel bowl that can be packed flat when you don’t need it and expanded when you do. They are available in a number of sizes and colors, and most of them are made of easy-to-clean, eco-friendly materials, too.
Your standard travel bowl will set you back a few quid but will be a valuable accessory any time you’re away.
Tranquilizers
Most people would agree that snacks are an essential part of any successful road trip, but they can be even more important for your pet. Travel anxiety is a real thing in both cats and dogs (leaving the safe space of home and going into the unknown is an obvious source of stress for an animal) and can make for a difficult travel if not considered.
One of the best solutions comes in the form of calming treats. They feature a natural blend of ingredients designed to fix issues like anxiety, hyperactivity and noise phobia. Again, Smart Bark’s got a list of the best calming options for anxious pups, while The Spruce Pets has a list of the best aids for cats.
Drying coat or bag
You may be familiar with the idea of a drying coat or bag from bath time at home. Your dog being able to jump out of the bath and straight into a cozy piece of cloth is something of a lifesaver when it comes to preventing a damp disaster from occurring at home. Taking one on your travels offers both protection for the car – and wherever you stay on your trip.
Ideal for those heading out on an outdoor adventure, a drying coat is a must if the dog will be joining you on a muddy hike or wandering through some falls. Here are seven of the best, according to Country Living.
Get out and explore with a brand new rental car
If it’s time for a new set of tires for you and your pet – and as long as you’ve got a nice drying coat on hand and a towel down – we can help you find a great deal on almost any car you can think of of our hassle-free rental process.
Whether you’re looking to lease with bad credit or want to find a unique deal on a hard-to-find motorcycle, we’re big believers in helping everyone get the lease they want. Check out our full range of new and used car rentals or call us how we can help today.
