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The Best Car Travel Gear for Dogs

All the essentials you need to hit the road with your copilot, from dog seatbelts to crash-tested carriers.

by Liza Darwin
Updated June 27, 2022
Dog seat-belted in a car
Eva / Adobe Stock
The letter "W" from the Wildest logo

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It’s officially road trip season, and no one is more excited to go for a car ride than your dog. Whether you’re planning a cross-country adventure or a weekend getaway, you’ll need the right gear. 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 behaviorist Lindsay Hamrick, CPDT-KA. “And don’t forget your dog’s ID — make sure their ID tag is up to date with your contact info and consider getting them microchipped so you can be contacted if they get lost and are brought to an animal shelter.”

Dog seatbelts, travel harnesses, backseat hammocks, and canine car seats are all good ways to contain your pet. Keep reading for our top picks — including crash-tested gear certified by the Center for Pet Safety — plus other essentials for hitting the road with your dog. The only thing left to do is decide where to go.

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?)

Grip-Tight Windowed Hammock Seat Protector

Ideal for medium and large dogs, this quilted hammock hooks onto the front and rear headrests so your pup can spread out comfortably in the back seat. The water-resistant cover keeps the seat clean from dirt and pet hair, and the mesh window allows you to keep an eye on them and for AC to reach them. More affordable dog hammocks are out there, but special touches like the no-slip backing and mesh paneling up front make the Orvis option a standout.

the gray carrier bag

A car seat that doubles as a carrier? Count us in for this two-in-one deal from millennial cult favorite company Maxbone. Its mellow slate gray color and soft memory foam boxy-yet-sleek shape combines the best of design with comfort and safety. Made with dirt resistant materials, its interior faux sheepskin pad is easily removable and washable incase of accidents in transit. Plus, your pup will have a bed to call home when you arrive at your final destination. 

the travel bag in purple

Just when we thought that Wild One had brought the practicality of pet parenthood to its peak, they’ve introduced a new product that adds a hands-free element to walks, trips to the dog 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 more sweet when everyone arrives without a scratch.

NoMo Nausea Natural Nausea Relief

Pup gets carsick but can’t handle the strong stomach meds the doctor prescribes? That’s where this acupressure and aromatherapy nausea-preventing band comes in handy. It contains essential peppermint oil, so whenever your pup gives it a lick it’ll provide an extra dose of relief without any of the side effects of harsh medications. It works quickly to alleviate nausea that pets often experience in transit so you can ensure that your road trip goes smoothly.

blue water bottle

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 environmental 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 onto your fanny pack for a hands-free experience.

Liza Darwin

Liza Darwin

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.