Whether you're road-tripping across the country or flying with your pup, the right travel gear makes the difference between a stressful ordeal and an enjoyable adventure. We've broken this guide into categories: crates, carriers, travel bowls, and car accessories.
Best Travel Crates
1. Petmate Sky Kennel
Petmate Sky Kennel
The Petmate Sky Kennel meets IATA airline requirements and is the most widely accepted crate for air travel. The heavy-duty shell with wire ventilation on all sides keeps your dog comfortable during flights. The "Live Animal" sticker kit is included. Metal bolt-together assembly means it won't pop open during handling. If you're flying with your dog, this is the crate airlines want to see.
✓ Pros
- Meets IATA airline requirements
- Heavy-duty shell construction
- Wire ventilation on all sides
- Metal bolt assembly — secure closure
✗ Cons
- Bulky for home storage
- Heavy in larger sizes
- Not collapsible
2. MidWest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate
MidWest iCrate
The best-selling dog crate on Amazon. The iCrate folds flat in seconds for transport, sets up without tools, and includes a divider panel so you can buy one crate that grows with your puppy. The double-door design (front and side) makes placement flexible. The slide-out plastic pan catches accidents. At 65,000+ reviews with a 4.7 rating, this is the crate most dog owners end up buying — and keeping.
✓ Pros
- 65,000+ reviews at 4.7 stars
- Folds flat for transport
- Includes divider panel for puppies
- Double-door design
✗ Cons
- Not airline-approved for cargo
- Wire can bend with aggressive chewers
- Pan can slide out if not secured
Best Carriers
3. Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier
The Sherpa is the gold standard for in-cabin airline travel with small dogs. The patented spring wire frame allows the carrier to conform to under-seat spaces. Mesh panels on all sides provide ventilation, and the top and side openings make loading easy. Guaranteed on most major airlines when used with the correct size. The faux lambskin liner is machine washable.
✓ Pros
- Guaranteed on most major airlines
- Spring wire frame conforms to under-seat space
- Multiple mesh ventilation panels
- Machine-washable liner
✗ Cons
- Small dogs only (up to ~22 lbs)
- Fabric can absorb odors
- Zippers can be tricky under stress
Best Travel Bowls
4. Bonza Collapsible Dog Bowl (2-Pack)
Bonza Collapsible Dog Bowl
These silicone collapsible bowls flatten to the size of a hockey puck and clip onto your leash, belt, or backpack with the included carabiner. BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and they hold 24 oz — enough for a good drink on a hot hike. At under $15 for a 2-pack, there's no reason not to have a set in every bag, car, and jacket pocket.
✓ Pros
- Collapses flat with carabiner clip
- BPA-free food-grade silicone
- Dishwasher safe
- Incredible value at under $15 for 2
✗ Cons
- Can tip over on uneven surfaces
- Silicone can stain with colored food
- Not ideal for aggressive eaters
Best Car Accessories
5. Kurgo Dog Seatbelt Tether
Kurgo Dog Seatbelt Tether
The simplest way to keep your dog restrained in the car. The Kurgo tether clips to any harness on one end and plugs into your seatbelt receiver on the other. The adjustable length lets your dog sit, stand, or lie down while preventing them from climbing into the front seat or becoming a projectile during sudden stops. Crash-tested to 75 lbs. Pair it with a crash-tested harness for maximum safety.
✓ Pros
- Crash-tested to 75 lbs
- Universal seatbelt receiver fit
- Adjustable length
- Under $15
✗ Cons
- Requires a harness (not for collars)
- Single tether point can allow some movement
- Not a substitute for a crate in serious crashes
The Bottom Line
For flying: Petmate Sky Kennel for cargo, Sherpa Deluxe for in-cabin. For road trips: MidWest iCrate folds flat and grows with your puppy. For hydration on the go: Bonza collapsible bowls are a no-brainer at under $15. For car safety: Kurgo's seatbelt tether paired with a crash-tested harness is the minimum every dog owner should have.