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Summer travels aren't just for us. Our furry friends love tagging along too.
While hitting the road with our pawed partners is an adventure, keeping things safe and clean also makes the ride enjoyable for everyone. According to the SPCA, 67% of U.S. pets owners travel with their pets and 39% choose to do so by car.
Pets bring a lot of love as well as some challenges on the road. But with careful preparation, the trip becomes convenient and comfortable when you travel with these pet-friendly accessories.
Pet safety harness
When we buckle our seatbelts before hitting the road, pets also should be safely secured. Dog safety harnesses attached to your car’s seat belt system.
Pet travel tip: A three-in-one harness can be used for walks, hikes and road trips. Some harnesses offer a seatbelt loop for the car and a back attachment for hiking trails.
Pet booster seat
For smaller dogs (under 30 lbs.), a pet booster seat with restraint offers a practical alternative. The boosters are fastened to either front or seats. They offer safety and stability without bulky restraints.
Pets also enjoy the view of their surroundings which help ease anxiety during travel.
Travel bowls & food storage
Whether you're heading out for a day trip or an overnight getaway, travel bowls for food and water are essential. Collapsible bowls are the best to use because they save space and are easy to pack.
Pet travel tip: Pre-portion your pet’s food in a sealed container to prevent spills and make mealtime quick and convenient.
Seat covers & cargo liners
Road-tripping with your canine companion can cause significant wear and tear in your car's interior.
Protect your seats and cargo areas from stains or scratches with durable, waterproof seat covers and cargo area liners. Not only do they preserve your car’s interior, but they also offer peace of mind and less to worry about while on the road.
Water dispensers
For long-distance travel, a spill-proof water dispenser is a smart investment. These devices let your pet stay hydrated without water spilling inside your car.
Pet travel tip: Choose a water dispenser that you can firmly attach to a car seat during a drive. Ensure it's also portable enough for hikes to keep your dog refreshed on the trail.
Rubber floor mats
Dirty paws and soiled shoes come with the territory when on a hike with your four-legged friend. Outfit your vehicle with a set of custom-fit, rubber floor mats to protect rugs from wet paws and soiled shoes.
Sturdy rubber mats can withstand the dirt, soil, salt, snow and rain that find their way into your car year-round.
Portable vacuums and grooming tools
While spills or messes might be unavoidable, cleaning them up right away is the best way to prevent stains and damage. Equip your car with a portable, handheld vacuum for pet hair removal and other pet-related grime.
This accessory makes it easy to keep your car clean during road trips. In addition to vacuums, lightweight grooming tools like de-shedding brushes and pet wipes come in handy.
Pet travel tip: Stow a stack of microfiber towels. They are perfect for soaking up spills, cleaning surfaces and drying off a wet pet. Keep the towels dry and accessible by storing them in a ventilated case that clips to your bag.
Portable doggie dumpster
Frequent breaks are a big part of traveling with pets, and sometimes there’s no convenient receptacle for your poop bags, especially during long hikes.
A portable doggie dumpster offers a convenient way to stow pet waste bags while hiking and driving. Some offer a carabiner to clips to your daypack.
Pet travel tip: Consider a travel dumpster that attaches to the vehicle tailgate or bike rack.
Waterless pet spray wash
Did your canine companion pick up some odors after a long hike? Waterless, no-rinse grooming sprays help clean and deodorize your dog’s coat without a bath.
Just spritz, massage into the fur and wipe off the excess. They are offered in a variety of formulas from natural ingredients such as aloe vera, oatmeal and lavender.
GPS tracker
For tech-savvy pet parents, GPS trackers attached to your pet’s collar provide extra peace of mind on the road. These devices let you monitor your pet’s location in real time especially when they get loose during a pit stop or potty break.
Pet travel tip: Bring an extra-long leash to give your pet a bit more freedom on trails or pit stops while retaining control.
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