When you’re hitting the road for a sweet vacation, you know you’ve gotta bring the necessities. But as pet parents take more and more trips—this summer alone, a whopping 88% are planning to travel, according to a survey conducted by Rover.com and Wakefield—we’re coming face to face with a whole new dilemma: How do we pack for our pets?
Never fear—we’ve got you and Fido covered. Whether you’re leaving your dog behind or bringing him along for the ride, these dog packing guides will help you and your fashion-forward dog pack for your next vacation in style.
How to Pack for the Hipster Dog
- Plaid Bow Tie: There’s never a better time to show off your dapper dude than while he’s indulging in a little wanderlust. This Stripe & Plaid Bow Tie Collar ($46) from Crew Lala is just the ticket. Lookin’ sharp! Who’s a good boy??
- Gray and White Hoodie: For effortless style and cold-weather comfort, try the Emerson hoodie ($38) from penn+pooch, and watch your dog strike a devil-may-care pose.
- Favorite Toy: Don’t forget your dog’s favorite toy—a little something to remind them of home. We recommend this Harry Barker Taxi Cab toy ($13) on Wag for some NYC-style chewing.
- Plaid Scarf: Because, of course. This handsome flannel dog scarf from Etsy seller cuddlebugg will keep your canine warm and fashion-forward.
- Healthy Snacks: Pack your dog’s favorite treat for a little taste of home. For the hipster dog, we recommend these Dog Loves Kale snacks ($7). Just don’t tell Fido that kale is so 2014.
- Food & Water Bowls: A dog’s gotta eat, so have your sitter serve up his familiar eats in style with this woodland-esque Minimal Triangles Pet Bowl & Tray ($23) by Elisabeth Fredriksson and available at Deny Designs.
- Comfy Bed: Your furry friend is gonna have to sleep off all that travel-time partying. It’s hard to find a hipper pad than this Buffalo Plaid Circle Bed ($94) from Waggo.
- Favorite Tunes: Pack your dog’s #1 album for optimal canine entertainment. It’s by some puppies out of PDX. You’ve probably never heard of it.
How to Pack for the Pampered Pooch
- Leather Leash: Because your dog deserves the finest lead money can buy. Check out this sturdy leash ($50) made from Bridle Leather and handcrafted by Filson.
- Treat Canister: Store your pal’s treats in style with this Puppy Uppers Canister ($138) available at Jonathan Adler. It adds just the right amount of whimsy to treat time.
- Victorian Dog Lounge: For the regal beagle in your family. Let your dog rest his weary paws on this Royal Crest Dog Bed ($108) from P.L.A.Y, a soft and elegant homebase for your favorite furry friend.
- Dog Perfume: Yes, you read that right. Sometimes, even that “new puppy smell” gets a little old. Try the “Petite Amade” Dog Fragrance ($79) from Mungy & Maude. With “delicate notes of French blackcurrant, Tunisian neroli, mimosa and violet leaf,” this scent is great for humans, too.
- Shampoo: For sensitive skinned dogs, try this dog shampoo from Malin & Goetz ($28). The product description alone—”we are tossing irony away like an unwanted flea”—is worth a visit, and your handsome hound will emerge with a smooth and shiny coat.
- Dog Bowls: These stainless steel dog bowls ($12) from Harry Barker are classic, timeless, and easy to clean. With a brushed finish and white enamel, your dog will feel sleek and stylish whilst wolfing down his kibble.
- Tweed Jacket: For the Sherlock Holmesian hound, pick up a handmade tweed dog coat ($64) from Etsy seller PhunkyPets. It’s made with sherpa fur and blue speckled tweed—and you can pop the collar for a little extra edge.
- Homemade Dog Treats: The best way to pamper your pet? With some DIY dog treats. Check out this biscuit recipe from The Little Epicurean for tips on whipping up a batch of peanut butter and oats dog bone biscuits. (Spoiler alert: the secret ingredient is love.)
How to Pack for Puppy’s First Trip
- Potty Pads: Because even a puppy with the best intentions can have an accident or two, pick up some potty pads ($10) and save your carpet from potential puddles.
- Binkie: Your dog is your baby, and when you leave town, they may need a little extra comfort. Try this KONG binkie ($11) for absurdly precious chew time.
- Snuggly Blanket: The secret of the Zanie’s Snuggle Bear soft puppy blanket ($10)? A squeaker tucked inside the bear. It may be loud, but man is it precious.
- Thundershirt: Besides being fabulous wordplay, the Thundershirt ($40) is a proven tool to relieve anxiety in dogs young and old. For pups suffering from separation anxiety, it’s like being wrapped in a warm hug.
- Favorite Leash: When you’re leaving your puppy in the capable hands of a pet sitter, it’s always important to pack familiar items including a leash your pal is comfortable with. We love this made-to-order chevron dog leash ($27) by Etsy seller BigpawCollars.
- Comfy Bed: Whether you’re traveling together or sending your dog on a staycation with a sitter, it’s helpful to have a cozy place to rest. This round dog bed ($49) by Etsy seller CrateCoversbyStella made in vibrant shades of blue looks great with a sleepy pup curled up on top.
- Treat Pouch: Treat yourself, and your pet, with this PetSafe Treat Pouch ($20). It’s the perfect accessory when you’re training your pup and need a steady supply of treats on-hand.
- Travel Carrier: Bring your pal safely from Point A to Point B with the OxGord Pet Carrier ($70). It’s FAA Airline Approved—perfect for canine jet-setters.
How to Pack for Your Dog’s Rustic Getaway
- Travel Bed: Car camping with your favorite hound? Bring along this dog travel mat ($135) by Filson. It rolls up and offers a handle for easy traveling, and the waterproof material means you’re ready, whatever the weather forecast.
- Collapsible Bowl: Stay sated with the Quencher Cinch Top™ ($20) by Ruffwear. With its fabric exterior and drawstring closure, it saves space in your gear, minimizing storage and maximizing feeding opportunities.
- Hands-Free Leash: Keep your hands where they’re most needed: snapping photos, petting your dog, and high-fiving fellow adventurers. You can wear The Buddy System ($26) around your waist—perfect for walkers, runners, and hikers.
- LED Light: Give your rustic dog maximum visibility with the Nite Ize Innovation LED SpotLit ($9). It’s weather-resistant and attaches easily with an all-purpose carabiner.
- Dog Pack: It’s about time your dog started pulling his weight on your hikes. He can do just that with the Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack ($80). Hit the trails with your four-legged friend in style!
- Warm Jacket: For a cold-weather excursion, pick up a Hurtta Pro Winter Dog Jacket ($75). Its fur-lined neck and soft fleece offer your dog optimal protection against the elements. Plus, it’s easy to take on and off, something both humans and dogs can appreciate.
- Favorite Toy: When you hit the road, help your pal feel at home with a favorite toy. For summer playtime, we love the Lunker interactive throwing float toy ($20). It’s the perfect toy for hours of catch at the beach.
- First Aid Kit: For all dogs—and especially those on rustic retreats—safety needs to be your #1 priority. This first aid kit by Canine Friendly ($35) allows you to help your pet through injuries until you can make it to the vet. With bandages, gauze, and antiseptic, you’ll be prepared for whatever your trip throws at you.
How to Pack for a Tech-Savvy Dog
- iFetch: What if you could play fetch with your dog…even from afar? The future is here and it’s called the iFetch ($115). Perfect for fetch-obsessed dogs, this contraption pops out balls again and again so your dog can play as long as they want—human or no human.
- Tagg: Keep track of your dog from afar with Tagg ($80), a pet tracking device that attaches to your dog’s collar and delivers details about their activity levels and location.
- GoPro Harness: Already rocking a GoPro to get great footage of your vacation? Nab a dog’s eye view by picking up a GoPro Harndess ($60). It attaches comfortably to your dog and lets your dog record videos from their four-legged life.
- iBone: Even early adopters need a sense of humor, right? Pick up this hilarious plush iBone dog toy ($18) and watch your pal chew his way toward a hefty phone bill.
- Water Fountain: Hydration, hydration, hydration. Keep your pal nose-deep in water with the sleek Rain Drop Style Stainless Steel Fountain ($58). It offers a continuous stream of charcoal-filtered water, and the stainless steel bowls keep your dog safer from bacterial infections.
- LED Collar: Keep your dog safe and seen with the Nite Ize Nite Dawg Collar ($20). With a single battery, you’ll get up to 200 hours of flashing or full-time glowing light.
- Automatic Food Bowl: This borderline sci-fi gadget lets you feed your dog from your smartphone. Grab a Smartfeeder ($99) from Petnet—it’s perfect for the on-the-go pet parent, doling out meals and sending more dog food straight to your doorstep when you’re low.
- Dog Potty: If you’re jetting out for the day and your regular dog daycare isn’t available, the Shake Dog Potty ($180) is your second line of defense against puddles. It’s stylish, easy to clean, and treated with antimicrobial protection for a safe and hygienic potty solution.
Voila! You’re totally set to pack for your fashion-forward dog. And before you travel, be sure to find the perfect pet sitter near you. Then hit the road happy—your dog is in good hands (and lookin’ sharp).