The Best Pet Products for Dogs and Cats, According to Animal Rescue Workers

Whether you’re a cat or dog person, it’s a fact that their hair is probably everywhere. And for help for that, both Kinloch and Braun recommended this fur removal product which doesn’t rely on adhesive or sticky rollers, so it’s both reusable and sustainable. “It really does work as advertised but especially on furniture,” Kinloch says. “The best part is you don’t have to fight the lint roller sticker and you can use it unlimited amounts of times.”

Owners of fluffy cats and floofy dogs know that keeping their pet’s fur tangle-free is a challenge. That’s why Braun uses a dematting comb like this double-sided model from GoPets. The side with fewer blades helps loosen and remove matting, while the side with more blades is perfect for removing shedding fur and undercoat. Braun says it’s “easier than combing out with a stiff comb and can avoid a costly trip to the groomer.”

Summer is a great time to get outdoors and hang with your pets, and it’s also a great time for ticks to hang onto your pets, too. Kinloch says the Tick Mitt is great for wiping down your dog after a hike or playing in the park. “We use this on a daily basis where we live as an extra layer of defense against those nasty little pests,” she says. “The best part is this can be used on both cats and dogs, and even us humans, too.”

There are many automated litter boxes out there, including those that simply scrape a rake across the sand after your cat does their business. “I’ve never seen one work,” Braun explains. “They’re more frustrating than they need to be.” If you’re truly passionate about robotic litter options, Braun says the Litter Robot from Whisker is worth the high price tag. It automatically sifts litter after your cat uses the box, and it traps waste — and odors — using carbon filter technology. While it’s easy to find more affordable knockoffs of just about anything these days, Braun points to anecdotal evidence that some of these non-Whisker robotic litter systems have been reported to jam or even injure cats, so go with the brand name.

If you can’t justify the cost of the Litter Robot, Braun suggests the Breeze litter system from Tidy Cats. It uses larger pellets which, unlike standard kitty litter, won’t track sand and dust around the house. Those are combined with absorbent pads that trap any liquid waste in a pullout tray. The pellets only need to be changed monthly while the pads can last about a week.

You might think of dogs as the pet most prone to getting a filthy little face, but Braun advises that felines are just as liable to get dirt and other detritus in their eyes. “Cats stick their face in everything, so it’s nice to have a safe and clean way to clear debris out.” Braun says not to bother buying it at the pet store, as over-the-counter eye washes for humans will work and are generally less expensive.

Even the most well-trained pets will have accidents — and then, of course, there are those pets we love despite their constant messes. For frequent or infrequent accidents, Kinloch recommends Angry Orange Cleaner. “As a foster we constantly have odors of all kinds and it is ruff to keep up with,” Kinloch says. “This has been a game changer for me. I have received compliments on how great my house smells and that they would never know I have over ten animals currently here because they couldn’t smell one. I’ve tried tons of others on the market but this one hands down is the best for eliminating odors for both cats and dogs.”

Like many pet products, you’re probably spoiled for choice when it comes to cozy-looking beds, especially when shopping online. But Braun says that Second Chance Rescue has a few of these Nicole Miller donut-style beds, and they’re almost always occupied.

Cats are notorious for slinking into tight spaces, so why not give them one that’s as safe as it is snuggly? Braun says these sturdy, doughnut-shaped caves are perfect for cats to crawl through, sit on or even sleep in. And if you have multiple cats, it serves as a perfect hide-and-seek addition to your indoor playground equipment.

“Everyone knows a cat loves a heating pad,” Braun says, but the kind that only turns on when your pet sits or lays on it is the safest option while also avoiding wasted energy.

No, this suggestion isn’t for letting your indoor cat go outside. Instead, Braun suggests that adding magnetic doorways on internal doors can let your cat roam room to room even if you forget to leave a door open. Or better yet, installing one on a closet or utility room door can allow your cat to have a private, enclosed litter box space that doesn’t stink up the rest of the house.

“Allergies, kennel cough or just a pesky URI — we see it in all our animals routinely,” Kinloch explains. “If they’re hacking away, this is sorcery in a bottle. It helps to coat their throats and give them relief until their meds can kick in.”

A high-sided bowl can cause your cat’s super sensitive whiskers to brush along the sides as they try to eat. This can be uncomfortable and if your cat is hungry but doesn’t want to eat the food in their bowl, “whisker fatigue” might be why. Braun recommends considering a shallow food dish instead.

Curious puppies and mischievous kitties might like to paw at and play with their water bowls, causing a wet mess on the floor. If you don’t want to go with the less-elegant solution of putting their bowls in a foil baking pan (which works in a pinch), consider a spill-free water dish that only makes a little water available at any time.

Braun praises the popular Churu treats for not only being irresistible to cats, but also made from simple ingredients. At the shelter, they’re especially good for hiding medications.

If your pet eats small portions of wet food (or is just small themselves) these silicone lids come in handy for saving leftover canned food for the next meal without it drying out.

Kinloch calls this dog walking product her favorite fostering tool. “The harness lead is a slip lead/harness/leash combo that will fit any size dog and is escape resistant (I’d argue escape proof when used correctly), which we know is very important for our fur friends who are new to the city.” While it comes in two sizes, those size options range quite a bit, meaning foster families can use one lead for multiple sizes of dogs that might come to live with them. But it’s also a great solution for dog owners with pups who always seem to find a way out of their current collar or harness.

If you don’t like a lot of things dangling from your leash, consider a dedicated pack like this one with three zippered pockets and a dedicated bag dispenser. “I use this everyday for our walks, but also for any rescue events, hikes or day trips,” Kinloch says. “It is so much more convenient than a purse or backpack. I am able to keep everything handy and within arms’ reach while maintaining a good control on my dog's leash. Poop bags, treats and my phone all fit perfectly.”

Kinloch says this treat toy is a “must have for any food-motivated dog.” Pop the internal part of this hemispherical toy out to load in favorite treats or kibble, then pop it back in for an interactive feeding time. Kinloch says the Snoop is “a great way to give your pup mental stimulation without having to plan ahead like frozen Kongs. I love using this for rainy days when everyone is going a bit stir crazy inside.”

“I don’t know what the secret is behind these little stuffies, but every single animal that has entered my home loves Lambchop,” Kinloch says. “I keep some ‘fresh’ ones on hand for when we need to part ways with older ones. The smaller size is perfect for puppies and even my feline friends like to play with these ones.”

As a cat sitter, Braun always keeps this particular laser pointer in his pocket for a few reasons. Not only is it powerful with some fun shapes (which are probably more entertaining to humans than cats), it also turns on with a slide switch unlike some other models, which means you aren’t stuck pressing down the button for minutes at a time. He also appreciates the flashlight functionality which comes in handy when searching for elusive cats under sofas and beds, or for any number of non-pet-related situations.