Whether you’re planning a trip to the beachopens in a new tab with your dog or a weekend getaway, you’ll need the right gear for a car rideopens in a new tab. A squirming dog in the backseat is more than distracting for the driver – it’s super-dangerous, too. “Car safety should be top of mind, so while a dog’s tongue slapping against their face in the wind is the picture of pure joy, keeping your pup contained in the car is a safer bet,” says certified dog behaviourist Lindsay Hamrick.
Dog seatbelts, travel harnesses, backseat hammocks and canine car seats are all good ways to contain your pet. Keep reading for our top picks, plus other essentials for hitting the road with your dog. The only thing left to do is decide on a destination.
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Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)
If you prefer an enclosed carrier, this bestselling option is designed for dogs up to 7.9kg. Lined with machine-washable bedding, the carrier is both comfy and crash-tested.
Taking your dog for a ride in the car doesn’t have to be a game of slip and slide in which your leather cushions aren’t coming away as unscathed as your pup. Ensure your dog stays in one place with this secure harness that has proven its safety chops through vehicle crash tests. Compatible with the universal seat belt loop, this Ruffwear harness will get your pup ready for adventure.
This sturdy nylon dog seatbelt, which attaches to nearly all seatbelt receptacles, is a must for keeping your dog secure in the back seat. The other end fastens to your dog’s harness so they’ll stay put and stop trying to jump into your lap – as if merging on to the motorway wasn’t stressful enough.
Just when we thought that Wild One had brought the practicality of pet parenthood to its peak, it has introduced a new product that adds a hands-free element to walks, trips to the park and rides in the car. Made from 100 percent recycled materials, this treat pouch is the perfect place to stow all your goodies – especially if you have a stubborn pup who won’t set paw in the car without a little negotiation. It’ll make the reward of getting to your final destination all the sweeter when everyone arrives without a scratch.
You aren’t the only one who likes to feel the wind in your hair when you’re cruising down a country road. If your pup can’t get enough of sticking their head out the window, these bug- and debris-proof goggles could make all the difference.
Not your average throw blanket, this machine washable one is made with faux fur on one side and microsuede on the other, and it comes complete with a waterproof lining. Yes, it looks great on your couch, but it’s also perfect for keeping your pup comfortable and your car seats clean on road trips.
Hopefully you’ll never need it, but stash this pet first aid kit in your glove compartment just in case. The 50-piece set contains everything from sting-relief pads to tweezers to antiseptic to splint sticks, covering you for many common emergencies.
Feeding and hydrating your pet on the go is a less messy affair with this collapsible food-grade silicone bowl. It’s available in small and large sizes, and folds flat for easy storage. Meanwhile, the attached carabiner is handy for clipping it on to tote bags and luggage.
If you’re looking to keep your pup hydrated during any excursion, look no further than Springer’s portable growler bottle. It’s as easy as squeezing the stylish bottle and releasing your pup’s water into the top, which doubles as a no-spill bowl.
Once your dog has lapped up their share of hydration, the excess water drains back into the bottle, making it a perfect purchase for the eco-conscious dog parent who is looking to cut back on their waste. Plus, it’s 100 percent leak-tight, made from BPA-free plastic, and includes a carabiner that allows for the bottle to easily clip on to your bum bag for a hands-free experience.
Frisco’s dog hammock is a more affordable but still well-reviewed version that’s made of quilted, water-resistant material. Bonus: It comes with handy storage pockets (perfect for poo bags or treats). —LD
You can use this handy product as a simple car seat cover or as a snugger hammock for your pup: there are six anchor points so you can adjust it to your dog’s frame. It ’s also waterproof and has two storage pockets for travel essentials. And any dog lover will know there is no such thing as too many pockets.
Liza Darwin is a writer and brand strategist. She has contributed to NYLON, Refinery29, Vogue, The Guardian, Vice, and Elle, and co-founded the news platform Clover Letter. She lives in Brooklyn with her two dogs, Montie and Hopper, and cat, Tiger.
