Travelers who own dogs have their own specific types of travel problems that are hard to understand unless you've got a pet of your own. Here are a few ideas for gifts that will make their lives a little easier. Got a cat too? Also see our 21 Gifts for Cat Owners Who Travel.
For The Home
Unfortunately you can't take your pup with you on every trip, and your friends and family aren't always available for every feeding and bathroom break. These items can help with the imperfect timing that comes with traveling.
Petnet Automatic Pet Feeder (See Price)
For times that you can't be there for every meal, this can be a lifesaver. The Petnet Automatic Remote Pet Feeder lets you remotely schedule mealtimes, dispense food, and control portion sizes from your smartphone. It even sends you notifications for peace of mind that the meal was served as planned. You can store up to 7 pounds of food, which should buy you at least a few days worth of meals. It also has a rechargeable backup battery to ensure your dog gets feed even if the power goes out. No more having to go home early to feed your dog or rely on the kindness of friends.
PetSafe Microchip Doggy SmartDoor (See Price)
If you've got a fenced in backyard, this is a must-have for your backdoor. The PetSafe Microchip SmartDoor lets your dog in and out of the house using radio-frequency technology, while keeping other animals and unwanted intruders out. The kit includes one SmartKey for your dog's collar that wireless unlocks the battery power-driven flap as your dog approaches, and then automatically relocks itself after your dog enters. You can program up to 5 SmartKeys for each door if you have multiple pets that need entry. The SmartDoor is battery operated (4 D-Cell Batteries) and has 3 programmable modes: locked, unlocked, and automatic (access only for pets wearing a SmartKey). No more having to run home to let your dog out to use the bathroom. Plus, a way for your dog to come and go without the worry and security risks that come with typical doggy doors.
Portable Indoor Pet Potty (See Price)
Not everyone has a fenced in backyard, or even a yard at all. But that doesn't stop your dog from having to use the bathroom when you're out of town. The PetSafe Portable Pet Potty takes some of the burden off your friends and family from having to be there for every bathroom break. A built-in drainage system with synthetic grass drains urine away from the surface and a spunge absorbs it on contact and traps the odor. A tray lines the bottom of the device for easy cleanup and disposal. It's probably not your ideal solution to have your dog use the bathroom in the house, but it sure beats poop on the floor.
Getting To And From
For all the wonderful times when you do get to travel with your dog, these items will help make getting to and from your destination easier when you travel together.
Saddlebag Dog Bookbag (See Price)
If you're going to travel with your dog, you don't always have to carry everything yourself! Dogs are strong loyal companions who love to lend a helping hand. The Bingpet Dog Saddlebag is perfect for backpacking trips, hikes, or local trips to the park. Made from weatherproof nylon material, these sturdy detachable saddlebags can carry food, water, supplies, and even toys. And according to owners who have purchased this saddlebag, dogs don't hate it! Some people even mentioned that their dogs enjoy carrying their bag – just like mommy and daddy.
Dog Travel Bag & Organizer (See Price)
Traveling on a plane? The Dog Travel Bag by Overland Dog Gear provides you with an organized luggage system that meets airline carry-on requirements and even includes a luggage ID tag. It includes two 5 cup collapsible bowls, a built-in placemat, two lined carriers to store 30 cups of dog food or treats, and zippered inside pocket for additional storage. This is a great option for doggy travel bags that's highly reviewed by users and perfect for airline travel.
Premium Airline Dog Carrier (See Price)
Now that you've got a good carry-on bag for your dog food and supplies, how about carrying your dog? The Premium Dog Carrier by Pawfect Pets is airline approved and fits perfectly underneath airplane seats. It's made from a durable mesh that is resistant to dog claws and includes two comfortable fleece pads that are removable and washable. It's built with mesh on all four sides so it's lightweight and your dog has plenty of ventilation and airflow. Openings on both ends and a small opening on the side allows for easy entry and exit of your dog, and a convenient way to drop in treats. Perfect for airline travel with small dogs.
Dog Luggage Carrier on Wheels (See Price)
If that carrier isn't your style and you're looking for something to carry your dog in that you can strap on your back or roll through the airport, check out the Rolling Luggage Carrier Backpack by Harbo. This bag has large mesh windows for ventilation and fresh air, two side pockets with plenty of storage, book bag straps so you can wear it on your back, and wheels so you can roll it. Perfect for flying, traveling, and hiking with your small dog.
Wag'nRide Doggie Car Organizer (See Price)
You're all set for airplane rides with your dog. Now let's take a look at some things that will help you stay organized on road trips starting with the Wag'nRide Doggie Car Organizer by High Road Organizers. This heavy-duty polyester organizer straps to the back of your driver or passenger seat for easy access to food, water, treats, poo bags, toys, and leashes. It has 3 side pouches and a lined interior compartment that holds up to 24 cups of dry food or treats. Built for easy access but hangs elevated and out of the way of passengers in the backseat.
Waterproof Dog Car Bed (See Price)
Sometimes there is no-one in the backseat – it's just you and your dog. And if you're into hiking and outdoor sports, you know that getting back into your car after a long day outside isn't always the cleanest experience. This washable Waterproof Car Dog Bed will keep your backseat dry and smelling fresh on days like that. Perfect for both road trips and local visits to the dog park.
HomeoPet Travel Anxiety Relief Natural Homeopathic Remedy (See Price)
Some people are better travelers than others. And the same goes for dogs. A few drops of these natural travel anxiety drops help reduce motion sickness and fear of travel. Just drop some on your dog's tongue or mix them in with food. Made from natural homeopathic ingredients in water/alcohol base.
Eating On The Go
I love trying exotic foods from all over the world when I travel, but dogs are creatures of habit and require more stability in their diets. Since carrying food and water are inevitable when you travel with your dog, these items will help make mealtime easier on the go.
Gulpy Water Dispenser (See Price)
I've tried pouring water from a plastic bottle into my thirsty dog's mouth. And it seems that only a few ounces actually make it while the rest of the water ends up mixed in a pool of saliva on the ground. The Gulpy Water Dispenser solves this problem with an easy way to carry and dispense water for your dog. All you have to do is flip it open and squeeze the bottle to fill the tray. Your dog gets a quick drink of water and you've still got plenty left for the day since no water went to waste. Clip it to your belt or book bag and enjoy the rest of your day outside with your dog.
Food and Water Collapsible Travel Bowls (See Price)
Who wants to waste space in your travel bag with big stainless steel bowls? These Collapsible Food and Water Bowls by Expawlorer are the perfect solution to meals while you travel. Each bowl holds about 4 cups of food or water. When you're finished with mealtime, rinse them out, zip it up, and clip it to your bag. Made from waterproof nylon fabric that's durable, light, and easy to pack and carry.
Vittles Vault Pet Food Travel-tainer Kit (See Price)
If you're looking for a sturdier portable food container system for your dog, try the Vittles Food Vault, a three piece storage and feeding system with airtight seals that keep your dog's food fresh while you travel. Two bowls, one for water and one for food, attach to the ends of the container and lock in place by a C-connector which doubles as a handle. Waste no space from unnecessary bags and containers with the Food Vault.
Once You're There
Your dog may not be as good at adapting to new surroundings as you, and not all places are as dog friendly as your home. These items allow you to bring a piece of your home with you so that your dog feels comfortable and safe wherever you go.
Foldable Dog Crate (See Price)
If your dog is crate training or simply prefers his or her own little home when you travel, try the Petsfit Collapsible Dog Crate. This crate is lightweight and folds up to the size of a briefcase. A patented metal frame locking system lets you set up and take down the crate in seconds. And a removable washable interior pad creates a soft floor for your dog. Mesh walls provide ventilation and airflow when closed, or roll them up for easy entry and exit. Comes in four sizes for small to large dogs.
Portable Doggy Playpen (See Price)
If you're looking something bigger than a crate, check out the Doggy Playpen by Fabulous Pet. This portable pet home is a great way to contain your dog while allowing room to exercise and move around. It's a place where your dog can feel safe and at home even when you travel. It's easy to setup and take down without tools, folds flat for easy storage and travel, and is water resistant for indoor or outdoor use.
Portable Dog Bed (See Price)
Maybe you don't need an entire crate or playpen to take with you, but you'd like to carry something with you when you travel for your dog to feel at home. If that's the case, try the Coofone Portable Dog Bed. Made from waterproof cloth on one side and soft fleece on the other side, this pet blanket/bed works well both indoors and outdoors. It has a built-in storage bag with handle that zips up so you can easily store and carry the blanket. It's machine washable and fast drying.
Motorola Wireless Fence (See Price)
The Motorola Travel Fence is a great way to keep your dog from straying both at home and while traveling. This system uses a small wireless transmitter that creates a circular boundary to protect your pet and keep him from wandering. You can set the device to tone only or one of fifteen levels of static correction, from very gentle to firm. You can set this up at your house, take it with you when you travel, or just travel with the included remote trainer which allows you to provide additional training to your dog using voice to dog's collar, tone, vibration, or static correction.
Keeping Clean
Last but not least, you've got to keep your dog clean when you travel and are miles away from your local groomer. These items will help you keep your dog clean and fresh wherever you are.
Dog Bath in a Pack (See Price)
Use these large, wet towelettes as a bath alternative when you travel. Dog Bath in a Pack wipes are specially designed to clean pets' dirty paws, undercoat, and dirty bottoms when soap and water are not available. They contain no animal by-products, are Paraben and alcohol free, and contain a shine-enhancing coat conditioner. They're safe for daily use and perfect for showers on the go.
Kurgo Mud Dog Shower (See Price)
This unique product screws into most water bottles and creates a convenient on-the-go shower wherever you and your dog happen to be. The Kurgo Mud Dog Shower is a quick, easy, and effective way to clean off sand, mud, and dirt. And it's small and lightweight so it won't take up too much space in your doggy bag. Customers say it works great for such a simple product!
Reusable Puppy Training Pee Pad (See Price)
Is your dog still potty training? No worries – we all go through it. But no-one likes cleaning up dog mess from hotel floors or friend's houses. Get your dog familiar with using the bathroom on these durable pee pads, and bring the habit with you when you travel. These durable pads are ultra-absorbent allowing fluid to be absorbed and held until laundering. Certainly it's not ideal when your dog uses the bathroom indoors, but it's all part of the puppy process.
One Other Gift For Dog Owners
If you're in the market for a gift for a dog owner, there's one other gift I'd like to show you, whether they travel or not. It's a book I co-authored called Crazy Dog Owner by Funterventions.
Crazy Dog Owner Book (See Inside)
Crazy Dog Owner showcases the hilarious characteristics of dog owners who take “pet parenthood” to a new (and sometimes crazy) level! The book begins with an introduction to the reader that their friends and family are concerned that the reader is displaying warning signs of being a crazy dog owner. The intro is followed by 50 humorous warning signs that anyone with a dog will relate to. This book makes the perfect gift for your friends and family who absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their dogs (maybe TOO much).
And that concludes my list of items that will make the lives of traveling dog owners a little easier. If there's anything I missed that you and your dog use when you travel together, drop me a comment below with the link or e-mail me.