The best pet travel accessories for dogs and cats

Traveling with your pet doesn’t have to be stressful, as long as you have the right gear. Besides essentials like crates and bowls, think about products that will keep your pet—and yourself—comfortable, says Marina Lalbeharry, a Toronto-based architect and design account manager who travels often with her Siberian Forest cat, Picchu. 

Every traveler’s pet packing list will be different. But to give you a head start, we asked folks who travel frequently with their furry friends for their favorite pet travel accessories. Here’s what we love. 

The best accessories for traveling with pets 

Because pet accessories is such a broad category, we’ve decided to focus on products for cats and dogs. When shopping for pet travel accessories, it’s of course helpful to look for products that provide the best value and longevity, but it’s also important to prioritize safety and comfort. Read on for all the details on our top picks.  

Dog car seat: Snoozer Lookout Dog Car Seat 

This car seat is a favorite of Meeshka Brand, a Seattle, Washington-based travel guide and founder of Sand & Elevation, who is often on the road with her Yorkshire terrier, Oslo. “What I like about it is that it’s super durable,” she says. “I’ve had mine for a while, and it stays in great shape. The exterior is waterproof, and I don’t have any stains on it. It also has a cooling feature—a nice touch for the warm weather.” 

Brand adds that the seat is soft and comfortable, which can be helpful for anxious pets. We love that it comes in a variety of fabrics and sizes, plus optional add-ons such as a storage tray and monograms.   

Airplane-approved dog carrier: Roverlund Out-of-Office Pet Carrier 

This airline-compliant pet carrier can be used in three ways: As a pet carrier, a bed, and an everyday bag. It’s made with materials designed to withstand sharp claws, has a built-in tether, and the shoulder strap converts to a leash. The carrier is available in two sizes and lots of colorways.  

Airline-approved cat carrier: Travel Cat Transpurrter Cat Carrier 

This cat carrier has tons going for it. Lalbeharry has used it to take Picchu on both domestic and international flights and says it’s comfortable from the check-in counter through security and all the way to the gates at large airports. She cites the “excellent quality overall” and especially likes the plentiful ventilation, great size, side pockets for travel documents, and leak-proof construction.  

Airline-approved pet carrier: Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier 

We also like this airline-compliant pet carrier as an option. It’s stylish and has lots of pockets, plus a crossbody strap and a side panel to make it easier to swap out pee pads. 

(Keep your pet happy with one of these airline-approved carriers)

GPS dog collar: Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

Like many pet owners, Brand once had a close call that made her realize how easily a pet can slip out of sight while traveling. “When you travel, there can be a lot of chaos and agitation,” she says. A GPS collar can help travelers locate wayward pets. Available in several sizes, this Fi Series 3 collar has 24/7 GPS tracking, lets you create custom virtual fences, and provides health and activity tracking.  

Dog leash: Nite Ize RadDog Retractable Pocket Leash

This Nite Ize leash is especially great for travel. It extends up to 45 inches and easily stashes in a purse or carry-on. The nylon sleeve is removable and hand washable.  

We also like the Spleash Leash Attachment handle that holds water. It flips open to let your pet drink, plus there’s a nifty spray feature that’s great for cooling or cleaning off your pet.  

(The best cat harnesses for nature-loving kitties)

Portable pet food bowls: Loving Pets Bella Roma Collapsible Travel Dog Bowls 

Collapsible bowls are ideal for travel, especially when you’re short on space. This one fits easily inside a carry-on but also clips to a bag handle or backpack loop. We love that it comes with folding legs to keep the bowl stable while your pet eats or drinks. It’s also available in a single or double style, in two colors, and three sizes.    

Hiking backpack for dogs and cats: PetSafe Happy Ride Backpack Pet Carrier  

We love pet backpacks—they’re a comfortable, hands-free way to carry your pet through busy airports and train stations. This PetSafe backpack can accommodate pets up to 20 pounds and has a rollable window. It also doubles as a car seat that secures via a seat belt.   

Dog booties: Spark Paws Flex Shell Water-Resistant Dog Boots 

Dog boots can help protect your pooch’s toes and prevent tracking dirt and mud into your car or hotel. They’re especially useful if you’re traveling to hot climates or planning to be out for long periods of time. We love the fleece liner on these dog boots, which come in lots of sizes and colors. The double Velcro straps help provide a snug fit.    

Travel food carrier: PetAmi Pet Travel Bag 

Pets often require lots of stuff when traveling. A travel bag like this one helps keep everything secure and organized. It has a bunch of pockets and compartments for food and other essentials and a leakproof lining. It also comes with two food containers and two collapsible bowls.    

Pet stroller: Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Lite Pet Stroller 

Pet strollers make it easier to get your pet around safely, especially if they’re small or have mobility challenges. This Pet Gear stroller—available in a variety of colors and styles—has a canopy and a no-zip design that makes it easier to close. It also has a built-in tether, storage basket, and cup holder. The BestPet Pet Stroller is a relatively less expensive option that’s lightweight, folds, and easy to clean. 

Dog bed: Lesure Inflatable Waterproof Dog Bed 

This dog bed packs into a carrying bag (included), making it easy to load into a car or carry-on. The orthopedic foam material offers adjustable support, while durable materials make this bed suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It’s available in a variety of sizes and designs too.  

(Camping with your dog? Here’s the best gear.)

Travel litter box: Travel Cat Portable Litter Box 

One of the biggest challenges of traveling with a cat is having access to a litter box on the road. Lalbeharry says this portable litter box from Travel Cat “is a great size for a larger cat, is well made, and comes with a pocket to store waste bags and a litter scoop. Plus, it folds up easy for travel.” It’s also lightweight and easy to clean.    

Seat protector: Orvis Grip-Tight Quilted Hose-Off Hammock Seat Protector

This seat protector is made from a durable material with a water-resistant coating. It’s easy to clean too—simply rinse with a hose. We appreciate that it easily slips over seat backs and includes slits for seatbelts, plus it’s made with a grippy design to help prevent slipping around when your pets move. It’s available in two sizes and two color options.    

Portable elevated pet feeder: Downtown Pet Supply Pet Feeder

This pet feeder collapses and folds up, making it very portable. It unfolds to about eight inches tall, with two silicone bowls that can hold five cups each of food and water and both are dishwasher-safe.    

Collapsible dog crate: Lesure Collapsible Dog Crate

A crate can help pets feel safe and secure in unfamiliar locations. This soft-sided travel crate collapses for easy transport and has a built-in leash and convenient side pockets. It also comes in lots of sizes and colors.  

Dog collar with AirTag holder: Paws & Whiskers AirTag Dog Collar 

An AirTag dog collar, like this leather one from Paws & Whiskers, is a less-expensive alternative to a GPS collar. “Archer and I are rarely apart when traveling but keeping an AirTag on him means that, should he get away from me in an unfamiliar place, I’ll be able to find him pretty quickly,” says Los Angeles, California-based writer, Mary Anne Bargen, about her nine-year-old chihuahua mix. They’re easy to use (especially if you’re familiar with AirTags) and don’t require monthly fees or subscriptions. Simply pop in an AirTag (sold separately) and connect via your iPhone.   

(10 amazing adventures to take with your dog)

Virtual dog leash: Heel Virtual Leash  

This virtual dog leash from Heel allows you to set up a “virtual perimeter” wherever you travel. If your pet wanders outside the boundary, the collar sets off a warning tone and then a vibration or static correction (owners can choose). The single remote works with up to three collars, so you can use one system for up to three dogs.    

Dog car seat tether: Kong Safety Car Seat Tether

Kong has a reputation for making durable pet products like toys and harnesses, so it’s no surprise that this car seat tether is made to be tough and strong. It secures to car seats at three points and has adjustable, flexible components that allow your pet to move comfortably.    

To determine the best travel accessories for dogs and cats, we considered many factors from several helpful resources.  

Third-party reviews: We scoured reviews from an assortment of third-party sites and those posted by verified customers, paying particular attention to any common complaints and feedback.  

Expert sources: We consulted several experts with extensive experience traveling around the world with one or more pets in tow.  

Tips for buying pet travel gear 

Consider your pet’s personality and needs  

Just like people, pets have their own likes and dislikes. No single accessory or product will be a good fit for all pets. For example, while backpack-style carriers are popular with many pet owners, Bargen says her dog would prefer to avoid them. “Archer’s not a fan of backpacks but loves being carried around in a sling when we’re exploring new towns and things,” she says. “We opt for a different carrier for hikes that makes it easier on my back. With a small dog, having a carrier is a big part of being on-the-go with him, and I think it’s about finding what works for both the dog and the human members of the partnership.”  

Don’t skimp on durability  

Pets can be tough on travel accessories, so you want to look for products made from materials that are up for the challenge. “Durability and quality are imperative, and I am definitely willing to pay more for something that will last longer,” says Bargen.  

Brand agrees. “I think it’s worth paying the extra money for a good, high-quality product because you won’t need to change it for a long time,” she says. “Pets are really testers of the quality and durability because they scratch, they push, and they chew on anything they can touch—so you need something that you won’t change every three uses.” 

Pay attention to the scale  

The best pet travel products should be as lightweight as possible, since you’ll have to carry them around. “Most items made with foam or polyester should be pretty lightweight,” says Brand. Weight is an especially important consideration for things like pet carriers, where you must be conscientious of airline regulations. “Picchu is 13 pounds, and the airlines allow a max weight including carriers,” notes Lalbeharry. 

Frequently asked questions 

What essentials do pets need for travel? 

The essentials your pet needs for travel will vary depending on their size, needs, habits, and preferences. At the very least, you will likely need supplies related to food, shelter, and safety. Lalbeharry’s list of must-bring items include “an escape-proof harness (I walk with two, a main harness and backup), litter box, backpack for city walks and hikes, collapsible water bowl, favorite toy, and squeeze treats for hydration.” 

Additionally, she always brings extra food, in case there are travel delays or if she can’t find her pet’s food brand. “Unlike dogs, cats are very particular, and Picchu eats only a specific brand of food which is not easy to find,” she says. 

What to pack when traveling with a dog? 

The accessories you should pack for your dog depends on lots of factors. But Bargen says some essentials she packs for her dog include a leash, harness, car safety items like a seat, his blanket, sling/carrier, plate or bowl for food and water, medications, and a white noise machine (which is great for hotels or noisy rental apartment situations). 

In addition, she considers any items they might need for specific adventures or weather conditions, such as a raincoat, sweater, life jacket, and sunglasses.  

How can I bring my pet on a plane? 

Before bringing a pet on a plane, review your airline’s pet policy. Most airlines require pets to be in a carrier that fits under the airplane seat, in addition to having other rules. You will also need to notify the airline that you’re bringing a pet when you make your reservation. Be sure to bring your pet’s most important supplies (such as medications) with you on the plane in a carry-on.