Essentials and Accessories for Traveling with a Pet
/Having traveled through eight countries across Europe and several states across the US in the last year and a half, my 3kg pomeranian Gigi has become quite seasoned traveler.
We’ve become accustomed to everything from weekend getaways to long-haul journeys, and anything in between. She’s truly a pleasure to bring along on all my adventures and makes every travel memory even more special.
I’ve compiled a list of the essentials and accessories that I pack for my dog for every trip, regardless of the destination. Continue reading to discover more.
What to Pack When Traveling With Your Pet
1. Collapsible Bowls
Easily serve snacks and water to your dog while on-the-go with lightweight, washable bowls that are easy to pack and easy to clean.
2. Collapsible Water Bottle
I love keeping a refillable bottle with me when traveling with my dog, so I can always be prepared to give her water. These silicone bottles can be rolled up to save space when packing, and are convenient for clearing security when traveling by plane.
3. Reusable Silicone Bags for Food and Treats
I store my dog’s dry food and treats in reusable and resealable silicone bags. They’re easy to wash and the clear material makes it practical to easily identify what’s inside.
4. Baby Wipes
I’ve always traveled with baby wipes, and they’ve proven to be especially helpful since I got a dog. I can use these sensitive, water-based wipes to gently and effectively clean just about anything– my dog’s paws, her travel carrier, her bowls, and my hands.
5. Our Own Towel
Regardless of your destination, your host or accommodation will definitely appreciate if you are able to use your own towel if you needed to give your dog a bath or needed to keep a surface clean and protected at any point during your stay. I always travel with a lightweight and fast-drying Turkish Towel to use as an emergency beach towel or picnic blanket, and I’ve found that it’s been especially useful when traveling with a pet.
6. Lint Roller
For dogs that shed, a lint roller is useful for keeping your clothes, car, furniture, blankets, and towels hair-free.
7. Travel Carrier
My dog loves her Wild One Pet Carrier that conveniently opens up into a bed, and we’ve also had a good experience using this simple Travel Carrier from Amazon when flying in the airplane cabin.
8. Leash and Harness Set
My pomeranian is quite small at 6.5 pounds, and the best leash and step-in harness combination I’ve found for her is from MuttsnBone’s Dainty Collection, available on Etsy. Color combinations can be customized and all pieces are made-to-order. We chose a beige nylon with gold-tone hardware, and it’s held up well for over a year with no signs of wear.
9. Waste Bags and Potty Pads
When bringing your dog along for your travels, you should always be prepared to discard any waste with earth-friendly bags. My dog is trained to potty indoors on disposable pads, so I’m sure to stock up on those prior to every trip. Having these waste bags is also helpful for discreetly and respectfully discarding her disposable pads in the garbage at any travel destination or accommodation.
10. Odorless, Washable Bone
Luckily, my dog’s favorite bone also happens to be the one that is the cleanest and easiest to travel with. She’s hooked on this simple, odorless bone from Redbarn. If it gets dirty I can easily wash it, and I have no problem packing it in my bag or suitcase when we’re on-the-go.
Are you planning to travel with your pet and wondering what essentials to bring along for the trip? Let me know any comments or questions below and I’ll be happy to share more about my experience.
In the last year and a half, my dog has become a seasoned traveler and it is a joy to be able to go on adventures around the world together in planes, trains, and cars. I’ve published a thorough review of our Wild One Travel Carrier, as well as the Amazon Pet in Cabin Travel Carrier that we’ve now used on 22 flights and 7 airlines. Click here to read our review, and discover the list of all the airlines we’ve flown together.
I’ve also compiled a checklist of all the considerations I take into account when preparing to travel internationally with my pet. If you’re curious, you can check out the list here: A Checklist of Considerations for Traveling Internationally with a Pet in Cabin
Shop my favorite accessories for traveling with a pet
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