Best Travel Gear for Dogs 2026: Car Seats, Carriers, and Travel Bowls

An unrestrained 50-pound dog in a car becomes a 2,500-pound projectile at 30 mph. That’s not a scare tactic - it’s physics. In a sudden stop or collision, an unsecured dog can injure themselves, passengers, and the driver.

Beyond safety, traveling with a dog is logistically harder than it needs to be if you’re using the wrong gear. The right travel setup makes road trips, flights, and weekend outings routine rather than an ordeal.

Car Safety

Crash-Tested Harnesses

A crash-tested harness connects to the car’s seatbelt system and restrains the dog in a collision. Not all “car harnesses” are crash-tested - the distinction matters significantly.

Sleepypod Clickit Sport The gold standard for crash-tested dog harnesses. Tested to human child safety seat standards at MGA Research Corporation. Available in sizes from small to extra-large. The padded vest design distributes crash forces across the chest.

Price: Around $75-$90 Best for: Dogs that ride in the back seat, safety-conscious owners

Kurgo Impact Dog Seatbelt Harness Crash-tested at 75 lbs of force by the Center for Pet Safety. Steel nesting buckle connects to the car’s seatbelt. Padded chest plate redistributes force.

Price: Around $35-$50 Best for: Budget crash-tested option

Important note: Most pet store “car harnesses” are NOT crash-tested. They hold the dog in place during normal driving but provide no restraint in a collision. Look for CPS (Center for Pet Safety) certification or specific crash-test documentation.

Car Seat Covers and Hammocks

A hammock-style cover spans the back seat, creating a contained area for the dog and protecting upholstery from hair, dirt, and drool. Some double as a barrier preventing the dog from climbing into the front seat.

4Knines Dog Seat Cover Heavy-duty waterproof cover with nonslip backing. Hammock configuration or flat bench cover. Openings for seatbelt access. Machine washable.

Price: Around $40-$60 Best for: Protecting car interiors from large or messy dogs

Cargo Area Barriers (SUVs)

For dogs that ride in the cargo area of SUVs, a barrier prevents them from jumping into the passenger area during driving.

WeatherTech Pet Barrier Custom-fit for specific vehicle models. Steel construction with rubber coating to prevent interior damage. No drilling required.

Price: Around $70-$100 Best for: SUV owners who want their dog in the cargo area safely contained

Carriers

Soft-Sided Airline Carriers

For small dogs (under 20 lbs in most cases) that travel in the airplane cabin, the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.

Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier The most widely airline-approved carrier. Guaranteed on most major US airlines at time of purchase (check current airline policies). Spring wire frame allows the back end to compress for fitting under seats. Mesh panels for ventilation.

Price: Around $35-$55 Best for: Airline cabin travel with small dogs

Sturdibag Large Slightly larger than Sherpa and more structured. Fits under most airline seats despite the larger dimensions due to a flexible top that compresses. Better ventilation than most carriers.

Price: Around $50-$70 Best for: Owners who want maximum space within airline size limits

Hard-Sided Travel Crates

For cargo hold travel or car crate use, hard-sided crates provide impact protection.

Petmate Sky Kennel IATA-compliant for international air cargo travel. Metal bolts (not plastic clips) secure the top and bottom halves. Meets the structural requirements of most major airlines for cargo hold travel.

Price: Around $50-$130 depending on size Best for: Airline cargo travel, car travel for larger dogs

Backpack Carriers

For small dogs on hikes, trails, or crowded cities, a backpack carrier keeps the dog secure and your hands free.

K9 Sport Sack Air 2 A forward-facing backpack carrier with mesh ventilation on all sides. Weight limit of 30 lbs. The dog faces forward out the top with their head above your shoulder. Padded shoulder and waist straps distribute weight.

Price: Around $90-$130 Best for: Hiking with small dogs, crowded events, dogs that tire on long outings

Portable Bowls and Water

Collapsible Bowls

Ruffwear Quencher Bowl Waterproof fabric bowl that collapses flat and clips to a leash or bag. Holds 20-80 oz depending on size.

Price: Around $15-$20 Best for: Hiking, day trips, attaching to a backpack

Dexas Popware Collapsible Bowl Silicone bowl that collapses to half height. Comes in two sizes. The flat collapsed shape stores easily in any bag.

Price: Around $5-$10 Best for: Budget option, casual outings

Portable Water Bottles

PETKIT Travel Water Bottle A bottle and bowl in one - squeeze the bottle and water fills a built-in trough. The dog drinks from the trough; unused water flows back into the bottle. No waste, no spilling.

Price: Around $15-$20 Best for: Walk-and-drink convenience without carrying a separate bowl

Travel Checklists

Road Trip Essentials

Item	Why	Recommended
Crash-tested harness	Safety in collision	Sleepypod Clickit ($75-90)
Seat cover	Protect interior	4Knines ($40-60)
Collapsible bowl	Hydration stops	Ruffwear Quencher ($15-20)
Water bottle	On-the-go drinks	PETKIT ($15-20)
Poop bags	Rest stop cleanup	Earth Rated ($10/300 bags)
Current ID tags	In case of separation	GoTags ($5-8)
Familiar blanket	Comfort and scent	From home (free)
Medications	If applicable	Vet-prescribed

Airline Travel Essentials

Item	Why	Recommended
Airline-approved carrier	Required by airline	Sherpa Deluxe ($35-55)
Absorbent pad	Accidents during flight	Pee pad inside carrier
Treats	Positive association	Small, low-odor treats
Health certificate	Required by most airlines	From vet (within 10 days)
Vaccination records	Sometimes requested	From vet records
Calming supplement	If dog is anxious	Consult vet first

Car Travel Tips

Never leave dogs in parked cars. Even at 70°F outside, car interiors reach 100°F+ within 30 minutes.
Stop every 2-3 hours for bathroom breaks and stretching.
No head-out-the-window driving. Eye injuries from debris, ear infections from wind exposure, and ejection risk in sudden stops.
Feed 3-4 hours before travel to prevent car sickness.
Bring more water than you think you’ll need. Dogs drink more when stressed or excited during travel.

For related guides, see our cooling products guide for summer travel and new puppy supplies checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog ride in the front seat?

It’s legal in most places but not safe. Airbags deploy with force designed for adult humans and can injure or kill dogs. The back seat with a crash-tested harness is the safest position.

What airlines allow dogs in the cabin?

Most major US airlines allow small dogs (under 20 lbs with carrier) in the cabin for a fee ($95-$150 each way on most carriers as of 2025). Size limits vary by airline. International rules differ significantly. Always check current airline policies before booking.

How do I reduce my dog’s car anxiety?

Start with very short trips (5 minutes) to positive destinations (park, not vet). Use a comfortable crate or harness. Avoid feeding right before travel. Anti-nausea medication (ask your vet about Cerenia) helps if motion sickness is the issue. A calming pheromone spray on the car seat cover can reduce anxiety.