15 Dog Road Trip Essentials We Never Leave Home Without
- Good Boy Petey

- 4 days ago
- 3 min read

From Big Sur to Santa Cruz - and everywhere in between - these are the products we always pack before hitting the road with our dogs. Whether it's a weekend getaway or your next great adventure, these essentials help make every trip safer, easier, and a whole lot more fun.
1. Comfortable Harness
A quality harness is one of the most important pieces of gear you can own. It helps keep your dog secure in the car and gives you better control when exploring new trails or busy towns.
Why we love it
More comfortable than a collar for long adventures
Better control in unfamiliar places
Safer for car rides and roadtrips
View Petey's Pick: https://amzn.to/4hjMxkT
2. Dog Seat Extender
Long road trips are a lot more comfortable when your dog has room to stretch out. A dog seat extender fills the gap between the front and back seats, creating a larger, more stable surface for your pup to relax. It can also prevent them from slipping into the footwell during sudden stops.
View Petey's Pick: https://amzn.to/4vxyHPv
3. Collapsible Travel Bowl
Lightweight, easy to pack, you'll probably use it more than you expect!
View Petey's Pick: https://amzn.to/4wJTnEM
4. Dog First Aid Kit
Hopefully you'll never need it. But if your dog gets a scraped paw or picks up a thorn on the trail, you'll be glad you packed one.
View Petey's Pick: https://amzn.to/3TnySPO
5. Favorite Toy
Travel can be exciting - and sometimes overwhelming. Bringing a familiar toy helps your dog relax in hotels, Airbnbs, and campsites.
View Petey's Picks:
Kong balls: https://amzn.to/3Rlv8h1
Westpaw Flying Disc: https://amzn.to/44CHnJd
Mental Stimulation: https://amzn.to/4w6j8z9
6. High-Value Treats
Great for rewarding good behavior during long drives, restaurant patios, and hiking breaks.
View Petey's Picks:
Stewarts: https://amzn.to/4puJXe7
Purebites: https://amzn.to/4pprv6m
7. Poop Bags (Bring More Than You Think)
You'll never regret packing extras. Trust us - dogs always seem to choose the most inconvenient places to go.
View Petey's Pick: https://amzn.to/4vHSdJ3
8. Long Training Leash
Perfect for beaches, parks, and open spaces where local rules allow. It gives your dog more freedom while keeping everyone safe.
View Petey's Picks:
Mendota: https://amzn.to/4whjG5C
Biothane: https://amzn.to/4wczVkh
9. Travel Dog Bed
A familiar place to sleep makes hotels and vacation rentals fee more like home.
View Petey's Picks:
Ruffwear: https://amzn.to/4aUbWOg
Kurgo: https://amzn.to/4vEENxt
10. Updated ID Tag
Before every trip, double-check that your dog's ID tag has your current phone number. It's a simple step that can make all the difference if you get separated.
Petey Tip: Snap a quick photo of your dog's ID tag before you leave so you always have the information handy.
11. Sunscreen for Dogs
Dogs with light-colored fur or exposed skin can get sunburned, especially after long days at the beach or on the trail. Use a pet-safe sunscreen on sensitive areas like the nose, ears, and belly when spending time outdoors.
View Petey's Pick: https://amzn.to/4vGA3aL
12. Quick-Dry Towel
Beach. Lake. Rain. Mud. You'll be thankful you packed one.
View Petey's Pick: https://amzn.to/4yyM3Oe
13. Cooling Gear
Adventures can get hot!! A cooling towel or cooling vest can help keep your dog comfortable during warmer months.
View Petey's Picks:
Cooling Vest: https://amzn.to/4fGbFku
Cooling Mat: https://amzn.to/4wMyYie
14. GPS Tracker or AirTag Holder
Technology can provide extra peace of mind when exploring somewhere new.
View Petey's Pick: https://amzn.to/4faElly
15. Good Boy Petey
Our final road trip essential isn't something you pack - it's something you care with you. Good Boy Petey keeps your dog's vaccination records, emergency contacts, medications, documents and adventure memories all together in one lifelong Pet Passport. Because adventures are a lot more enjoyable when you know everything important is right at your fingertips!!
Petey Says
The best road trips aren't about checking destinations off a list.
They're about watching your dog stick their head out the window, discovering a beach you've never seen before, stopping for ice cream in a tiny coastal town, and ending the day tired, sandy, and smiling.
Because one day, these won't just be road trips.
They'll be the memories you'll treasure forever.
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