Mydogs, Hitch and Porter, represent two extremes when it comes to traveling with pets. Porter, a rescued Lab-boxer mix who’s afraid of his own shadow, is an absolute joy in the car. He curls up quietly in the back seat, doesn’t make a peep, and occasionally rests his head on myshoulder or balances on the center console to get a look out the windshield. Hitch, an 11-year-old Lab-pointer mix with the disposition of a toddler who loves everyone just a bit too much, is a terrible road-tripper—he barks incessantly every time he gets in the car. It gotso bad that our vet recommended a mildsedative for long rides. To our greatmisfortune, we found out on a 14-hour trip that it only revved him up more. Miraculously, my marriage survived that drive. A few months later, I bought a truck, in partso thatHitch could ride in the camper-shell-covered bed and bark to his heart’s content, far away from our ears.
Over the years, we’ve taken a lot of road trips with our pups and tried out a lot of dog gear. While I’d argue that buying a pickup was the best thing I ever did for my dogs, because they get to go more places and I don’t have to worry about them tearing up the back seat, there are a few other things I’ve used over the years that keep us all—two- and four-legged creatures alike—happy.
Orvis Dog Weekender Travel Kit($89)
Keep your pup’s food fresh, dry, and organized with . It comes with an airtight nylon-canvas carrying case that holds a four-to-five-pound food bag and two bowls, more than enough for a long weekend. The interior lining is BPA-free and easy to clean, and exterior pockets keep accessories like leashes organized.
Lazaga Ultrasonic Bark Controller($25)
I never thought I’d be able to ride in a vehicle with Hitch again, but made it possible. This tiny box attaches to your dog’s collarand emits an ultrasonic frequency when theybark that humans can’t hear, butannoys the dog enough to get him to stop. It’s harmlessbut very effective.
Ruffwear Pack Out Bag($35)
I am not a fan of leaving bagged dog poop on the side of a trail to pick up when you return—I’d love to see the numbers on how much of it actually reaches the dumpster. solves the problem by making carrying your dog’s pooon the trail easy and hands-free. Its waterproof nylon lining keeps a full bag from smelling, and the low-profile design fits comfortably against your waist.
Nemo Helio LX Shower($150)
Rubber floor mats can help keep your car clean during an adventure, but if you’re on a long or particularly muddy mission, you—and your pet—are going to need a bath. Unlike other portable gravity showers that need to be hung up and provide minimal pressure, Nemo’s lightweight constructionrestson the ground and is pressurized by a foot pump; a few stomps giveyou a seven-to-ten-minute full-power rinse. The won’t leak, and the setup doubles as a great tool for rinsing gear and dishes.
Nite Ize SpotLit LED Carabiner Light($9.50)
are indispensable for camping. They’re not much bigger than a dog tagbut put out enough light to keep track of your pup in the dark from dozens of feet away. Like a headlamp, you can set it to flash or glow, and it lasts up to 20 hours before you need to change the batteries.
Carhartt Chore Coat($40)
The quilted nylon lining in helps dogs stay warm on chilly nights, and itsduck canvas outer has a water-resistant coating that keeps them dry if things get wet and windy. Most important, this workwear-inspired chore coat will make your furry friend look way more stylish than all the other dogs at the campground.
Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag($100)
Dog beds are too big and bulky to travel with, but weighs just over a pound and packs down into a 12-by-7-inch stuffsack. Your pet can lay on top of it in the carand curl up inside it on cold nights.
Whistle Go GPS Tracker($100)
is waterproof up to three feet deepand features real-time GPS location tracking via AT&T’s cellular network and Google Maps. Aside from offering great peace of mind when on the road with your pet, it can be programmed to track vet appointments and medicationas well as monitor scratching, sleeping, and licking.
Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl($50)
Don’t bother with flimsy, collapsible, or fabric dog bowls; they won’t stand up tolong-term abuse and will eventually leak. Like all things Yeti, is built to last. It holds up to eight cups of food or water, and the double-walled, non-insulated stainless-steel construction ensures it will hold up to tough trips (and the dishwasher) for years to come.