What to Pack: Pet Essentials
Traveling so much, I swear I have packing down to a science. Even I have to admit I occasionally forget something.
And though I have traveling with Dash down to a routine, that means I also tend to forget one of his necessities too.
(I swear it’s always the collapsible water bowl, even as convenient and easy to pack as it is. That said, my travel hack in hotels is to use an empty ice bucket as a water bowl, but that is a post for another day…)
Thus, I’ve put together a packing list of some travel necessities with going off on an adventure with your dog (and a few fun items too, of course.)
And for all my personal, human-minded travel essentials, I have you covered in this list: Must-Have Travel Essentials
Just a heads-up: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. That means if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. (And I will be most appreciative.) Rest assured, I only share products and brands I genuinely love and think you will too.
Again, this is an essential travel companion for any dog owner. These are always lightweight and easy to pack. And it ensures your pup stays hydrated no matter where your adventures take you—whether on a hike, at the beach, or just strolling through a new city. The collapsible design makes it super convenient to carry, fitting easily into bags or even clipping onto a leash. When your dog needs a quick drink, just pop it open, fill it up, and fold it back down when you're done.
Even if your dog is house-trained (as it should be), accidents always happen—especially while traveling. Have a couple of these in your carry-on or backpack so you can easily pull these out and clean up before hardly anyone notices in the worst case scenario. (My worst case scenario happened in the middle of Terminal B at ATL. It was two years ago and I still don’t want to talk about it. Learn from my mistake!)
You might be able to find these for free a lot of places—including animal relief centers at the airport—but you don’t want to find yourself running out of these at any time, especially not while traveling.
A familiar toy can really keep a dog calm while traveling. And a plush one is light enough that you shouldn’t notice it in your bag. Personally I like getting some cheeky, irreverent toys for Dash. And it keeps him calm…
I swear by this leash. I have been using this with Dash for YEARS, and it is in perfect condition still. And not only is it adjustable, but it has hooks so you can adjust and fasten this it either goes around your waist or your shoulder like a crossbody bag. It even enables me to walk hands-free with Dash at my side and while rolling a suitcase through the airport.
Cleaning your dog’s teeth is something often goes overlooked or forgotten, but it’s super important. And you’ll remember this when the vet threatens you with a very large bill to have your dog’s teeth treated under anesthesia. Thus, stay on top of their dental health, even when traveling. There are plenty of travel-sized dog toiletries, including dog toothpaste. Dash is fine with a toothbrush (after years of getting used to it) but he really likes this method as well.
Dry shampoo is a game-changer for humans when traveling, and that goes double for pets. It offers a quick and easy way to keep your dog fresh and clean without the hassle of a full bath. And it’s perfect for those moments when your pup gets into something messy or just needs a little freshening up after a long day of exploring. It can help reduce odors while keeping your dog’s coat looking and feeling great, ensuring your travels stay stress-free and sniff-approved.
Always measure out how much food you need to bring for however many days you plan to be gone. But don’t skimp on treats! You might be able to find something on the road, but if your dog has a sensitive stomach or is a picky eater, you always want to have their favorite treats on hand in case you need them to calm down or they’re simply hungry. Dash is not a picky eater, but I know he loves peanut butter, and he’s always liked Bocce’s Treats—they have so many options!
If you’re going to be carrying around treats and such on a frequent basis, you should be comfortable and look good while doing it. Wild One’s eco-friendly treat pouch offers versatile wear with an adjustable strap that can be used as a fanny pack or crossbody bag, making it perfect for easy access to treats during puppy training. Made from 100% recycled knit fabric crafted from 10 plastic bottles, it features convenient storage for treats, personal items like keys and phone, a built-in poop bag dispenser for walks. Like the rest of Wild One’s products, it’s durable and easy to clean.
There are a lot of tracking devices on the market, whether they’re marketed for steps and sleep and overall health—or location in case of an emergency. Personally, I’ve moved over to using Apple Airtags as I’m almost always in an urban environment with Dash. There are a number of ways you can keep these attached, but this is one of the top rated items on Amazon for this category.
