14 Clever Products That Make Road Trips With Your Pet a Breeze

Keep your furbaby comfortable and your car in good shape with these paw-some accessories.

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September 07, 2022

Back in the day, driving somewhere with my dog was an adventure in and of itself. If he wasn't roaming around on the floors or rolling the windows down (his specialty and a major distraction), then he was jumping from the front seat to the back, too restless to stay in one place.

Fast forward a few years, though, and he's now a total pro at riding in the car — and it's all thanks to a few clever, pet-friendly accessories. In addition to food, treats and toys, the right gear for cats and dogs will ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable while you run errands, take road trips or even go camping. Here are just 14 of the many products we love for car rides, pit stops, camping trips and more.

$14.99

Perfect for hikes or even just walks around the neighborhood, this portable water bottle is more multipurpose than it looks. An attached wrist loop makes it easy to carry so both of your hands can be free for holding a leash, phone, etc.

$30.89

If you need a dog bed that can go anywhere, this waterproof, packable bed is perfect. It's great for camping, car travel, indoor/outdoor use and crates. It comes with a portable carrying bag and is machine washable. It's like a camping sleep pad for your dog.

$79.95

For summer trips when you want to make sure your pup doesn't overheat, this cooling vest will keep them comfortable and ready for outdoor adventures.

$58.99

Traveling by car with a dog requires plenty of stops and getting in and out of your vehicle. Whether you have a senior dog who can't jump, a heavy dog you can't lift or a dog that just can't quite jump high enough for your truck or RV, a portable folding dog ramp is a game-changer. This ramp features a nonslip surface and folds in half for easy storage.

$36.80

Nothing will protect your backseat from fur, scratches and muddy paws like this Frisco quilted car seat cover. Made of heavy-duty, water-resistant Oxford polyester, the cover is durable enough to stand up to the largest breeds and fits right around your headrests to create a "hammock" that contains your pet. It also comes with two handy storage pockets for their harness and waste bag holder, so you can easily leash them up as soon as you reach your destination.

$12.99

When traveling, you probably don't want to have to keep your dog on a leash 24/7 and if you're camping or somewhere that your dog can safely roam, these LED collars are perfect for making sure you can always find your pup when it's dark outside. Available in several colors, these LED collars are rechargeable via USB and can be adjusted to your dog's size.

From $39.99

Some pets need their crate to feel safe and secure in the car. But instead of the bulky plastic or metal carrier you might have at home, put them in this soft-sided solution that's made specifically for vehicles. A sturdy steel frame and canvas cover offer the shelter they need, while three mesh doors provide ventiliation. It even folds up for easy storage, whenever you get to where you're headed.

$38.95 (Pack of 4)

Refresh your car before or after a long ride by keeping one (or two!) of these small-but-mighty Moso Purifying Bags in your console or glove compartment. Inside, non-toxic, fragrance-free materials like bamboo charcoal help absorb foul odors and dehumidify the tight quarters. For under $20, it's a great deal, IMO.

From $28.94

For cats and small dogs who need a little more structure, we've found the perfect, hardside carrier. Not only is this colorblocked kennel from Frisco incredibly compact (and so, guaranteed to fit in your backseat or cargo hold), but it also boasts an extra, top-loading door so you can slip your furbaby right in before you hit the road. And if they have an accident along the way? The floor actually has a built-in moat that will help keep their paws nice and dry until you reach your destination.

From $45.95

Booster seats aren't just for babies! Keep your smaller breed safe and in one place while you drive by buckling them into this adorable, quilted carrier. A large strap for the headrest and two loops for the seatbelt make it easy to install and offer stability, no matter what traffic looks like.

From $9.99

Make your furbaby extra comfortable on the road with this car-friendly cushion from Frisco. A tufted, polyfiber top provides a thick layer for sitting or snoozing, while a non-skid bottom ensures that it can work for crates and cargo holds. Best of all? Once you reach your destination, the mocha-colored mat can conveniently double as a dog bed.

From $16.73

If your favorite feline gets severe anxiety from being in the car, just outfit them with this calming, purple collar. Though it looks like any ordinary accessory, this device actually releases the same pheromone that mother cats produce to soothe their kittens. In turn, the scent and its hints of lavendar chamomile will put you both at ease on your journey.

From $8.99

Give your four-legged best friend a quick drink, any time, anywhere with this collapsible water dish. It's available in three different colors and comes with a built-in carabiner so you can hook it right onto your belt loop or tote.

$7.72

Feeding multiple pets on the go is just as easy thanks to this all-in-one system. The central container holds up to six cups of food and has two pods on each side so your furbabies can eat at the same time. When they're all done, just screw the caps back on for an air-tight seal.

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