Roadtrip Essentials with a Dog: My Dog's Ultimate Travel Kit
- Belinda Guy
- Aug 9
- 6 min read
If you have ever taken a dog on a road trip, you will know it's not just a case of grabbing the lead, some kibble and heading off. Your dog's comfort and safety is paramount, but getting the right set-up can be tricky. As an avid Yaris driver, my car has been the main vehicle for roadtrips and holidays with our dog, despite having a BMW 1 Series with a large boot space. Road trips with my black Labrador, Pommy, have taught me the value of packing smart.
Plus, it's not just her we pack for. We have some essential items we must take with us too!
From winding lanes to Corris in Wales, mountain passes in Snowdonia, and the gentle countryside of Farringdon-Gurney in Somerset, every journey has been better for having the right gear. Pommy is not just my passenger; she is my adventure companion, my back-seat comedian and the reason the boot is always half-full before I have even packed my own things.
8 Roadtrip Essentials for Your Dog
Before we start, I should remind you to check and consult the laws about transporting dogs and animals before you go. Some cars have ample boot space, whilst others offer more comfort on the rear seats. You should always prioritise your dog's safety over style or cute photos.
So, if you're planning a roadtrip with your four-legged friend, I've compiled my top 8 roadtrip essentials that every dog owner needs. These have been tried, tested and wholeheartedly approved by Pommy herself.
1. Secure Seat Belt Extension for Dogs
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Keeping Pommy securely tethered while still giving her room to lay down is essential. Now, these items will always go with a full body seatbelt harness, but they're small and easy to misplace. I recommend always carrying a few with you and even a couple in each car your dog may travel in.
A secure seat belt extension clips to her harness and slots into the car’s seatbelt buckle, keeping her safe during sharp stops and sudden braking. It also keeps her tethered, and, for dogs who find sitting hard in a car, it allows her to lay down comfortably. Dogs can get super excited about car journeys, so you always want to prioritise their safety first. They can get excited safely, when the car is turned off, as they get in the car or when you reach your destination. In the UK, it's also a requirement to keep dogs suitably restrained in the vehicle, minimising driver distraction and ensuring your dog is safe on every journey.
2. Full-Body Seatbelt Harness
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A full-body seatbelt harness is not just for comfort, it is for safety too. A chest-support harness spreads impact force evenly if you brake suddenly, whereas strapping harness can be uncomfortable, cutting or irritating your dog.
It also keeps Pommy from leaning out of open windows on those scenic Welsh-countryside drives. The harness we use is padded and adjustable, and Pommy eventually settles into it. Once she has calmed down, she can comfortably wear the harness as she falls asleep in the car!
3. Seat Cover or Hammock
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Word of advice before buying a cover, make sure there are slots for the seatbelts. I've purchased one before that was just a cover, meaning Pommy would not have been safely secured if we had put her on the backseat with that cover. With seatbelt holes, you can ensure your dog is properly secured on your journey, alongside your seatbelt extenders and harness.
After a beach walk in Somerset or a muddy hike in Snowdonia, I am always grateful for a waterproof back-seat cover. It protects the Yaris seats from mud, slobber and those tufts of Labrador fur. If you get the right ones too, it can also catch dog sickness, making them easy to wipe down and clean up when it's safe to stop.
I still remember one particular Corris trip where Pommy, fresh from a dip in a mountain stream, launched herself into the back seat before I could grab a towel. Of course, I don't mud muddy footprints on the seats, because they're easy to clean. However, when you don't have your cleaning supplies on you, it can get quite smelly. That seat cover more than paid for itself that day, and it's multi-use too.
4. Cuddly Comfort Toy
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Pommy’s monkey and dinosaur toys have been on every trip. Her dinosaur is oversized, allowing her to rest her head on it when she wants to sleep, and her monkey is her special toy she has had since 8 weeks old. They are her portable sense of home and they help her settle when the car stops for lunch or an overnight stay. They're also a bit of reassurance on long journeys when I need to focus on the road, or when we're navigating some complex single-track lanes. There is something lovelt about watching her curl up with then on the back seat, eyes half-shut.
It's also not really an essential, but if you have an anxious or nervous dog, it's a little drop of support and reassurance for them.
5. Collapsible Water Bowl
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A lightweight water bowl is a must for hydration stops, particularly when you don't know how long water has been standing in metal bowls left for dogs. If it's green, got flies in has bits at the bottom, it's no good. Whenever we go out, I pack a water bottle for each of us, so we all have fresh water to drink.
Collapsible bowls fold flat, can clip to Pommy’s harness (though she finds this distracting) and can be easily transported on backpacks or walking belts. The best part is that I can fill it from my own water bottle, if we run out, and she knows it's safe to drink out of. On a sunny day near Farringdon-Gurney, she happily enjoyed a break, with her water bowl placed in front of her.
6. Portable First Aid Kit
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From tick removers to antiseptic wipes, a compact pet first aid kit shouldn't be forgotten. Especially in rural areas where you might not see anyone, it is reassuring to have one to hand. A portable first aid kit for you dog also means you have the right tools to treat them, if they need it. Plus, some items in our first aid kits can be too harsh for a dog's skin, sometimes toxic. Besides, if it's a big hike, you'd rather have enough supplies for everyone rather than sharing one kit.
7. Cooling Mat
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On warmer days, Pommy sprawls on her cooling mat while we are parked for a picnic, or staying at someone's BnB. It keeps her comfortable and helps prevent overheating, which is something every dog owner should be aware of. Plenty of ventilation and a cool place to lie down are essential, especially if this is your dog's first holiday. When the temperature climbed last June, I laid the mat out on the grass, in the shade and she flopped onto it.
8. Pet Travel Kit
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Wipes, poo bags and a quick-dry towel make clean-ups easy. Similarly, it's worth grabbing a kit bag that lets you carry food, grooming equipment and treats. Mine lives in the boot, so it is always ready to go. I can also top it up for whenever she goes for sleepovers at someone else's house.
Other Items Worth Packing
Portable crate for safe containment in hotels or B&Bs, particularly great if your dog is a chewer, a puppy or simply needs a safe space to call their own.
Reflective GPS collar for peace of mind on off-lead walks, particularly great when there is low light.
Dog boots in case your dog damages or injures its paw. It provides a barrier for it to heal without lots of licking.
Travel Tips For Your Dog's First Car Ride
Prepare before the trip – Start with shorter drives so your dog gets used to travelling in the car
Schedule breaks – Stop every 2 to 3 hours for water, toilet breaks and a stretch or sooner if you need it
Keep secure and calm – Always use a harness and avoid feeding just before you set off to reduce the risk of travel sickness
Check the forecast – Knowing if rain is coming can help you plan your walking stops and avoid soggy Labradors in the back seat
Pack extra treats – Long journeys are more fun with a few rewards along the way
Bring a familiar blanket – Great for roadside picnics and helping your dog relax in unfamiliar settings
Taking Pommy on the road is one of life’s greatest joys, but it is also a responsibility. With the right roadtrip essentials, you are not just making the journey safer, you are making it more enjoyable for everyone in the car. If you have your own favourite travel tips or dog essentials, I would love to hear them. Tag me in your road trip photos and let me know where you and your four-legged friend are heading next.
@belinda_automotive
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