13 Dog Road Trip Essentials You Need To Know About

This post is about my favorite dog road trip essentials I can’t live without and cannot recommend more!

Are you thinking of doing a road trip with a dog? Woof hoo! But before you blast Taylor Swift and roll down the windows, let’s ensure this adventure is smooth sailing (or should I say, paw-ting?).

As someone who loves trying out new dog products, whether a new leash or dog toys, I have tried some good products and others I would never spend my money on again (like stuffed dog toys on Amazon).

Here’s the list of car essentials and things I learned the hard way on my road trips with Chevy, so consider this your cheat sheet for a smooth ride. Let’s begin!

13 Dog Road Trip Essentials

First things first, let’s talk about car essentials. These are my tried and true car essentials favorites that make my life easier on the road, and I cannot recommend them more!

1. Car Seat Covers

One of the main dog essentials for the car that you will need is a seat cover. Let’s face it: dogs have a knack for turning car seats into a mess of paw prints and fur.

We used the Vailge Pet Seat Cover for our road trip, and it did the job. It’s versatile, as you see in the picture above! You can view other Dog Car Seat Covers on Amazon.

2. Blanket, Dog Crate, or Car Seat

Chevy’s a blanket kind of pup, so find something that fits your furry friend’s vibe. You can use one of these on top of the car seat cover for maximum comfort.

Or you can opt for a dog crate for more safety and bigger dogs or a dog car seat if you have a small-medium-sized dog. You can view other Dog Car Travel Accessories on Amazon.

3. Travel Water & Food Bowls

Chevy’s a messy drinker, so collapsible bowls are my jam.

Pack plenty of water and a portable bowl. You will need two of these, one for the water and another for the food. You can check other dog water bowls on Amazon.

4. Dog Car Seat Belt

What I like about this dog car seat belt is that it keeps Chevy safe and comes with a small travel water bowl that I hang on my purse and always take with me. View other Dog Car Seat Belts on Amazon.

5. Dog Poop Bag (Biodegradable)

Don’t be caught empty-handed. Biodegradable bags and a portable doggy potty are lifesavers (trust me, you’ll thank me later). Check other Poop Bags on Amazon.

6. Dog food and treats

This Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is what Chevy likes (less than chicken nuggets, of course!), and our vet recommended it for keeping his weight.

You can also opt for a more expensive option, like the Badlands Ranch Dog Food that Chevy can get enough of and has the perfect travel size for a road trip.

Keep those tummies happy with portable meals and plenty of tasty rewards. Just be sure to bring enough food for the whole trip (2-3 days) and a little more, just in case.

I think bringing your dog food from home is better because he is familiar with it, and we don’t want to change his diet on the road and get some smelly surprises. You can check more options from Hill’s on Amazon.

7. Toys and chews

We make sure to bring Chevy’s favorite squirrel with us! If your dog prefers chew toys and is a heavy chewer, I recommend getting stuffless squeaky dog toys on Amazon, or being prepared for a bloody trip.

8. Pet First-Aid Kit 

Be prepared for anything, from minor scrapes to upset tummies. We didn’t get a first-aid kit for previous road trips, but I’m definitely getting one for the next one. Anything for the peace of mind!

9. Harness and Leash

Ditch the collar for a good harness and a sturdy leash. Safety first, friends! I don’t know if Chevy likes his, but knowing he’s not bouncing around the backseat like a furry pinball gives me peace of mind.

10. Dog Paperwork & Vet Records 

Download my FREE Dog Vaccination Record Printable

Keep your dog’s ID tags, vaccination records, and microchip information handy. You never know when you might need them, and some states have pet travel restrictions.

11. Med Essentials

Chevy takes joint meds, so I always pack extras “just in case.” Pack any medications your pup needs, along with copies of prescriptions and their vet’s contact info.