Planning a trip with your furry friend? Our 2025 guide covers the 10 essential pet travel accessories, from safety harnesses to portable water bowls, for a safe and happy adventure.
There are few things in life as joyful as planning an adventure with your four-legged best friend. The thought of exploring a new hiking trail, splashing along a dog-friendly beach, or simply relaxing in a new place together is pure excitement. But as you start to plan, a familiar wave of anxiety can set in: “What do I need to pack for them? Have I forgotten anything important?”
A successful trip with your pet hinges on being prepared. The right gear can be the difference between a smooth, happy journey and a stressful, chaotic ordeal. Your pet relies on you for their safety and comfort, and having a well-stocked kit of travel essentials is the best way to honour that trust.
This is your definitive guide to the must-have pet travel accessories for 2025. We’ve curated the ultimate packing list for Australian adventures, covering everything from road trip safety to campsite comfort. Forget the guesswork; this is everything you need for a safe, seamless, and memorable trip.
Before You Pack: The Foundations of a Great Pet Travel Kit
Before you start adding items to your cart, keep these three principles in mind. The best pet travel accessories always excel in these areas:
- Durability: Travel gear takes a beating. Look for high-quality materials that can withstand being packed, unpacked, dropped, and exposed to the elements. Think sturdy zippers, strong fabrics, and chew-resistant designs.
- Portability & Convenience: The best gear is lightweight, compact, and often multi-functional. Collapsible silicone bowls, foldable beds, and accessories that can be easily clipped onto a bag are your best friends on the road.
- Ease of Cleaning: Your adventures will involve dirt, fur, and the occasional drool. Prioritize items that are machine-washable, waterproof, or can be easily wiped clean.
The 10 Essential Pet Travel Accessories for Every Adventure
Here is our curated list of the top 10 essentials, broken down into key categories for a safe and comfortable journey.
Category 1: Safety & Security (The Non-Negotiables)
1. A High-Quality, Compliant Carrier Whether you’re flying or driving, a secure carrier is the most important piece of gear you’ll own. For air travel, it’s a requirement. For car travel, it’s a safe den for cats and small dogs.
- Why it’s essential: It provides a secure, enclosed space that prevents your pet from distracting you while driving and keeps them safe during flights.
- What to look for: For in-cabin air travel, a soft-sided, well-ventilated carrier that fits under the seat. For cargo, a rigid, IATA-compliant crate. For car travel, a carrier that can be securely buckled in.
2. A Crash-Tested Car Harness or Secure Crate. An unrestrained pet in a car is a danger to itself and everyone else in the vehicle. In Australia, road rules in most states require your pet to be properly restrained.
- Why it’s essential: In the event of a sudden stop or an accident, a proper restraint can save your pet’s life and prevent them from becoming a projectile.
- What to look for: Look for a harness that has been independently crash-tested and clips directly into a seatbelt buckle. For crates, ensure they can be securely strapped down in the boot or back of your vehicle.
3. Up-to-Date ID Tags and a GPS Tracker. Pets can get lost easily in unfamiliar environments. Your first line of defense is proper identification.
- Why it’s essential: An ID tag with your mobile number is the fastest way for someone to contact you if they find your pet. A GPS tracker offers the ultimate peace of mind, allowing you to pinpoint their exact location from your phone.
- What to look for: A sturdy, clearly engraved ID tag. For GPS trackers, look for a model with a long battery life and good coverage in the areas you’ll be traveling. Also, ensure your pet’s microchip details are up-to-date online.
Category 2: Comfort & Calm
4. A Portable Pet Bed or Familiar Blanket. A consistent, comfortable space can dramatically reduce your pet’s travel anxiety.
- Why it’s essential: The familiar scent of their own bed or blanket provides a powerful sense of security and home, no matter where you are. It helps them settle down in a new hotel room or at a busy campsite.
- What to look for: A bed that rolls up or folds down compactly. A simple blanket or towel from home works perfectly and takes up minimal space.
5. Calming Aids (Sprays, Treats, & Wraps) For particularly anxious travelers, a little extra help can make a world of difference.
- Why it’s essential: These aids can help take the edge off the stress of a new environment or a long car ride, leading to a more pleasant experience for everyone.
- What to look for: Always consult your vet first. Popular options include Feliway spray for cats and Adaptil for dogs, which mimic natural calming pheromones. There are also vet-approved calming treats and anxiety wraps like the ThunderShirt.
Category 3: Hydration & Feeding on the Go
6. Collapsible Water and Food Bowls. This is one of the most useful and simple pet travel accessories you can buy.
- Why it’s essential: They ensure your pet can eat and drink hygienically anywhere, anytime. They fold down flat and can be clipped to a backpack or stored in a glove box.
- What to look for: Food-grade silicone bowls are the best—they are durable, easy to clean, and lightweight.
7. A Spill-Proof Travel Water Bottle. Perfect for hikes, beach days, or long car rides, a dedicated pet water bottle is a game-changer.
- Why it’s essential: It prevents you from having to waste water by pouring it into a bowl your pet might not finish. It keeps the water clean and fresh.
- What to look for: A design that features a built-in trough or bowl. You squeeze the bottle to fill the trough, and when your pet is done, you release the pressure and the excess water drains back into the bottle.
8. A Secure Food Storage Container. Don’t just travel with a flimsy bag of kibble. A dedicated container is cleaner and safer.
- Why it’s essential: It keeps your pet’s food fresh, dry, and safe from pests (and your pet from helping themselves!). It also prevents greasy kibble from making a mess in your luggage.
- What to look for: A hard-sided, airtight container. For shorter trips, a simple screw-top plastic container from Kmart or a similar store works perfectly.
Category 4: Cleanliness & Hygiene
9. A Waterproof Car Seat Cover. If your dog travels outside of a crate, this will be the best investment you ever make for your car.
- Why it’s essential: It completely protects your car seats from fur, muddy paws, scratches, and any potential accidents. It saves you hours of cleaning.
- What to look for: A “hammock” style cover that clips onto the front and rear headrests provides the most coverage. Look for one that is waterproof, machine-washable, and has a non-slip backing.
10. Your Pet’s “Go-Bag” (The Hygiene Kit) This is a small bag filled with all the little essentials you’ll need on the road.
- Why it’s essential: Having everything in one place means you’re prepared for anything.
- What to pack:
- Poop bags (always pack more than you think you’ll need).
- Pet-safe wet wipes for cleaning paws and fur.
- A small, quick-dry towel.
- A basic pet first-aid kit (ask your vet what to include).
- A portable lint roller for your clothes and car seats.
Putting It All Together: Your Printable Pet Travel Checklist
Safety & Security:
- Compliant Carrier
- Car Harness / Crate
- ID Tags & GPS Tracker
- Microchip Details Updated
Comfort & Calm:
- Portable Bed / Familiar Blanket
- Calming Sprays / Treats (Vet-Approved)
Hydration & Feeding:
- Collapsible Bowls
- Travel Water Bottle
- Secure Food Container
Cleanliness & Hygiene:
- Waterproof Seat Cover
- Poop Bags
- Pet Wipes
- Towel
- First-Aid Kit
Helpful Global Pet Travel Resources
Rules and regulations can vary significantly depending on where you are traveling. Always check with official sources before you go. Here are some key resources to get you started:
For Travelers in Australia:
- RSPCA Australia: Offers excellent state-by-state guides and tips for traveling with your pet.
- Australian Government: Check for any specific biosecurity rules if you’re traveling between states, especially to places like Tasmania.
For Travelers in the USA:
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): Provides the official rules and guidance for air travel with service animals and pets. This is an essential resource.
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Offers a comprehensive and easy-to-understand pet travel safety guide covering cars, planes, and more.
- American Kennel Club (AKC): Provides a wealth of articles and checklists for traveling with your dog, including advice on finding pet-friendly accommodation.
For Travelers in Europe & the UK:
- European Union (EU): The official “Your Europe” portal explains the rules for traveling with pets and other animals in the EU, including the “pet passport” scheme. This is mandatory reading for travel between EU countries.
- UK Government: Provides the official rules for bringing your pet dog, cat, or ferret to Great Britain. Post-Brexit rules are very specific and must be followed.
- RSPCA (UK): The UK’s leading animal welfare charity offers practical advice on traveling with your pet abroad, including information on what to do before, during, and after your trip.
Conclusion
Traveling with your pet should be about creating joyful memories, not worrying about what you might have forgotten. Preparation is the key. By building a comprehensive kit with these essential pet travel accessories, you are doing more than just packing a bag; you are creating a safe, comfortable, and predictable environment for your beloved companion. This preparation frees you from stress, allowing you to relax and truly enjoy the adventure together.