Taking dog friendly vacations is one of my favorite things! I love being able to explore new places with my dogs and have their life filled with adventures. Here are my favorite dog travel gear, including airline approved dog travel bags that can double as car seats.
1. Dog Travel Bags – Airline Approved
If you’re traveling with your dog on a plane, and you are like me, you are probably stressing about a pet carrier that is airline approved. Considering different airlines have different approved sizes for their in-cabin and cargo hold crates, it makes it even harder!
Here are ones I have tried and continue using.
In-cabin dog carrier
I recommend using soft sided carriers as it is more likely they’ll fit under the seat. i haven’t gotten any of my carriers measured when flying either in Mexico, USA or Europe, but I use the following ones. I have gotten Mishka weighed for travel within Europe by plane or with a European airline.
Sleepypod Air In‑Cabin Pet Carrier
I traveled a lot with this one and even was able to fit Mishka and Groot to get them both on a train as we had more than the one dog per person limit while traveling in Italy. I stopped using it because it was heavier and Mishka is on the weight limit for traveling to Europe and inside it by plane.
| Pros | Cons |
| -Fits under most plane seats -Doubles as a crash tested dog car seat -Has a plush interior -Top and sides open completely -Deep side bags -Very sturdy and great quality -I’ve carried two dogs inside that weighed about 13kg (28lbs) even though it says up to 8kg (18lbs) | -On the more expensive side -Weighs 4lbs (2kg) so for airlines that have weight limits (normally 8kg including carrier) now you only have 6kg to work with |
Sherpa Original Deluxe in Medium
This is a good dog travel bag and the one I have used the most. The base liner is very fluffy and comfortable for travel. It is also easily washable as I can attest when Lilo first traveled, my dad took her to me from Mexico to Houston and the poor baby Lilo threw up and had diarrhea.
| Pros | Cons |
| -Fits most airlines -Has a big side bag -The base is very soft -Durable: has lasted through a cat and a dog with frequent use and intercontinental flights -Can be pushed down a bit to fit under most seats | -The inside is on the smaller side |
Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier
This is a basic and cheap bag. Mishka has used it for long travel even when he is allowed to travel outside a carrier as a service dog, he likes getting inside the carrier to sleep.
| Pros | Cons |
| -Has fit on every plane we have been on, including smaller regional planes -Lightweight at 2.4lbs (1kg) -Folds completely when the bottom is removed -Cheap but not cheaply made as it has lasted about 4 years of constant travel. | -Doesn’t have any side bags -Strap not as comfortable as other carriers and can hurt when carrying your dog |
In Cargo- travel kennel for dog
Always, and I mean always, use a IATA approved dog crate. This will keep your dog safe so while you don’t have to spend a lot, do not skimp on the kennel. When I first flew I didn’t get the dog travel kennel with wheels as it felt like something that could catch. But if the kennel has removal wheels it could be a convenient option.
While I don’t use one now and don’t remember which one I got 6 years ago, this is the one I would get if I needed to buy one: SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel Rolling.
How to choose a travel kennel for your dog
- Size: Measure your dog’s height and length and make sure they would be able to stand and turn around comfortably inside the crate.
- Metal door/windows: I recommend metal instead of plastic windows as there is no way your dog might rip them open.
- Water: Don’t forget to add a drip water bottle to the kennel for long distances. Some airlines require you also include crate bowls that attach to the door.
- Metal hardware: If your kennel comes with plastic fasteners that puts the bottom and top together, switch them with metal nuts and bolts.
- Other safety measures: add Live Animal stickers that show right side up, and zip tie the door to the kennel in different point. I used resealable zip ties to be able to open up the crate easily when we got to our destination or if I needed to do anything before check-in.
Tip: Remember to train your dog with the crate before travel so they have a nice and calm trip.
2. Multi-Purpose Dog Leash With a Traffic Leash
What are traffic leashes you ask? They are shorter leashes to help control your dog better in crowds.
When Mishka was fully trained as a service dog, I learned that a traffic leash was a must have. While your dog might not be a service dog, you can still benefit from a traffic leash while traveling especially when you are taking public transportation or in popular locations.
Plutus Pet Double Handle Dog Leash – I got the 6ft so it would be long enough and has a short and long handle. Even for a small dog like Mishka, the traffic leash is still long enough to not pull him but be able to safely navigate crowds.
PetBonus Double Dog Leash- If you have more than one dog, like we do, this leash has been awesome. It’s lasted now 6 months of daily use and it keeps them from getting tangled. It is also great that we can detach the individual leashes and they had my favorite color: purple.
Tip: I add a carabiner to their leashes so I can hook them to my backpack, my jeans, or if I ever need to keep them in one place. It is a life saver as I found that hands free leashes were not as versatile as just adding a carabiner!
3. Crash‑Tested Dog Car Harnesses
You never want your dog unrestrained wile you are driving. Yes it is cute to have your dog on your lap, but it is a non-negotiable safety essential. Not only is it dangerous, but in many places it is even illegal.
All the options I provide and have used are certified by the Center for Pet Safety.
Kurgo Tru‑Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness
This is the harness I’ve been using for my dogs since I first decided to have on- 8 and a half years now. It’s easy to use, and doubles as an everyday harness with front and back D-ring leash attachments. Tested up to 75 lbs.
| Pros | Cons |
| -Crash‑tested by independent testing facility -Provides the testing report results -Adjustable with steel hardware which makes it safer than plastic -Included steel carabiner makes buckling up easy and can leave it on the seatbelt for easy buckling. | -Chest area might be too small for some dogs -I think a thicket under arm strap would be more comfortable -Putting it on is not as intuitive as it might seem as I have had to help other people when they were trying to harness my dogs -Sizing won’t fit very small dogs -Not certified for dogs heavier than 75lbs. |
Sleepypod Click It Sport Plus
We haven’t used this yet but just bought them and will be testing them soon. I wanted to test a new dog car harness that also doubles as an everyday one because Mishka’s is getting old. I also don’t like how the Kurgo is fitting Mishka so wanted to try a different one. I will update this as soon as we try it!
| Pros | Cons |
| -Crash tested -No extra hardware as you pass the belt through the two loops on the back of the harness -Reviews say that the chest is thicker and seems more comfortable -Step in style seems better since Lilo hates anything over the head | -Doesn’t provide testing report results -Smallest size is still very big for smaller or thinner dogs -Tested up to 75 lbs |
Sleepypod Air In‑Cabin Pet Carrier
This bag for dogs to travel by plane doubles as a car seat that has been crash tested. It was Mishka’s first safe way to travel by car. We have since then opted for more comfortable crash tested harnesses instead of this, but it is a great option for smaller dogs!
| Pros | Cons |
| -Crash tested -For extra small dogs -Multi-use dog travel bag ideal for trips where you’ll travel on different modes of transportation -Great quality -Can hold more weight than it says | -It’s short for my dogs -Takes longer to set up in the car than just buckling the harness -Cannot leave buckled on a hot day as it can get very warm inside |
Lucky Dog Kennel by Lucky Duck
In full disclosure, I have never used this one but it is certified by the Center for Pet Safety and the only one I saw that was for heavier/bigger dogs. You do need to use the Lucky Ratchet Strap Kit.
| Pros | Cons |
| -Tested up to 110lbs with Lucky Ratchet Strap Kit -Lifetime warranty -Optional metal door makes it suitable as an air travel crate but this option has NOT been tested for car crashes | -Expensive -Might not fit in all trunks -Needs to be strapped in -Will use up most of the trunk space and leave little space for other travel gear |
👉 Keep your dog safe on the road — shop the Kurgo Tru‑Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness we have used to keep our dogs safe for 8 years.
4. Dog Travel Backpacks
Having a dog carrier backpack is perfect for sightseeing, hiking, or using public transport. It makes carrying your dog easier on your back and can double as a normal backpack.
The best travel dog carrier backpack is the Kurgo G-Train Backpack Dog Carrier. It converts between a backpack and carrier, has a ventilated mesh back, water bottle holders on each side, and a padded laptop compartment. The interior tether is strong and holds even Lilo comfortably. The design makes it easy and safe to carry 23lbs (11kg) as we did while traveling to Croatia.
5. Dog Travel Bowls & Food Storage
Hydration and nutrition are critical while traveling. While we use collapsible travel bowls for their food and water while in the hotel or rental, we discovered the hard way that we need a whole water bottle for our dogs. Especially since I have medical needs that require me to take electrolytes!
PupFlask Large Dog Water Bottle
I’ve tried different combination water bottle and bowl, but Mishka wouldn’t drink from the typical plastic ones. We recently bought this stainless steel dog water bottle and it not only kept their water cool during hot Italian days, but Mishka drank from it!
So confession time, we normally store Mishka’s and Lilo’s food in Ziploc bags, but I know we need to do better by them. I have been eyeing this dog food travel bag since it is spill‑proof, has an easy pour spot, and it is waterproof. What is stopping me is the price, especially since I have to buy two because Lilo and Mishka have different kibbles.
6. Dog Hygiene Travel Accessories
- Dexas MudBuster Paw Cleaner – This is a necessary dog travel gear, especially if going to cities. We have two, one we travel with and one we keep at home and use every time the dogs go on walks.
- Heele Muzzle– If you travel to Europe with your dog, you might need a muzzle. While I have never seen it enforced, I carry one just in case and these have cute designs.
- Compostable poop bags– We always clean up after our dogs and with long sightseeing trips, sometimes we may use four bags a day. I’ve chosen to pay more for compostable bags so I don’t have to think about the horrible ecological impact of all the poop plastic bags that do not decompose. If you can, splurge, too.
- Wet wipes- These are crucial to keep your dog clean during trips when a shower is not an option or warranted.
- Dog seat cover– I prefer a bench car seat cover instead of a hammock style. This has allowed us to fold one side of the cover to sit a human while still keeping the rest for our dogs.
7. Weather Ready Dog Travel Gear
Sometimes when we travel, the weather can be unpredictable. Here are some options for rainy, cold, or hot days. For hot days, there are some cooling vests, but I’ve found they really don’t work and can sometimes make it worse.
Dog Rain Poncho- These are not only useful on rainy days, but they make your dog look even more adorable. Mishka has this rubber ducky rain poncho that has worked well and is budget friendly.
Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Shoes – These are the ones Mishka has, and they are well made and protect his paws from hot pavement or chemicals for melting ice. There are only two in the package to buy the right size for their back and front paws as they are normally a different size. Mishka normally tolerates the back boots all day, but if he has all four he won’t!
Dog Luxury Sweater – This Christmas while traveling Italy, we bought some luxury dog accessories in Verona. We splurged on merino wool sweaters made in Italy from Dog Chic Boutique. They looked so cute and were warm for the rest of our trip.
Winter Jacket- We saw some very nice dog jackets in the boutique and while traveling, but they were as much as some human-sized jackets so I ended up buying these Spark Paws Dog Winter Coats and they’re very well made.
8. Dog Travel Health and Safety
So these are things to help keep your dog safe and healthy, like lights for them to be seen at night in crowds or in a park or a cute life vest that might save their life!
Kurgo Pet Tactical First Aid Kit– I bought this kit initially and it gave me a good idea as to what was needed. The bag is very well made and since then I have refilled on my own. always carry some pet first aid basics like tape roll, crepe bandage, cotton swabs, tongue depressors, cleansing wipes, gloves, and I would add some meds like Benadryl. *Always ask your vet before giving anything to your dog!
Apace Vision LED Safety Light – Make your dog stand out in the dark with these LED lights. I normally attach these lights to the back to their harness and the leash. These were especially useful for the crowds at Disneyland and Disney World to see Mishka when he went with me as a service dog.
Dog Life vest- If you’re taking your dog on a boat, always put on a life vest! Even if they are strong swimmers, excitement, currents, or exhaustion could cause a tragedy. Lilo has this well rated and high-quality Kurgo Surf n’Turf dog Life Jacket while Mishka has this adorable shark fin dog safety vest.
Traveling with your dog can be fun and safe with the right travel gear for dogs. These will keep your loyal pup safe and happy during your next vacation.
Check Out More Dog Travel Posts:
How To Travel With Your Dog: The Essential 5 Tips For Dog Air Travel
Travel To Europe With A Dog: Complete Guide For Easy Dog Vacations
Dog Friendly Croatia
Croatia With Dogs: All You Need To Know To Travel With Your Dogs
9 Dog Friendly Activities In Croatia
Pet Friendly Beaches In Croatia
8 Best Cities In Croatia You Have To Visit With Your Dog
5 Reasons Why You Should Roadtrip Croatia With Dogs
What To Do In Split With Dogs: Top 5 Activities
Top 5 Activities In Pula, Croatia With Dogs
Plitvice Lakes With Dogs: A Guide To Exploring Croatia’s Natural Wonder
