How to Prep a Dog Travel Kit for Short Trips: Essentials Every Pet Parent Needs

When it comes to traveling with dogs—even if it’s just a quick overnight visit or weekend road trip—being prepared makes all the difference. A dog travel kit keeps all your pup’s essentials in one place, reducing stress for both of you and ensuring nothing important gets left behind.

Below, we'll break down the key categories to include in your travel kit, along with product recommendations you can prep the night before!

Food & Water Essentials

Keeping your dog on their normal feeding schedule helps them stay comfortable while traveling. Pack enough for the trip plus a little extra (just in case).

Must-Haves:

• Pre-portioned meals in resealable bags or containers

• Portable food storage container (IRIS USA Airtight Pet Food Container)

• Collapsible food & water bowls (Dexas Popware Collapsible Travel Bowl)

• A small bag of extra treats

💡 Tip: Freeze a water bottle the night before so it slowly melts throughout the day—keeping water cool for your pup.

Safety & Containment

Safety should always come first when traveling with pets. Even for short trips, dogs should be secured in the car.

Options:

• Travel crate or soft-sided carrier (Best Weekend Travel Crates)

• Crash-tested harness (Sleepypod Clickit Sport Harness)

• Dog seat belt tether (Kurgo Dog Seat Belt Tether)

Tip: For weekend getaways, bring a small foldable crate to set up at your destination. It gives your dog a familiar “safe zone.”

First Aid & Health Items

Accidents happen, especially outdoors or in new environments. Having a dog first aid kit on hand can make all the difference.

Must-haves:

• Dog-safe wipes (Earth Rated Dog Wipes)

• Tick remover tool (TickCheck Tick Remover Kit)

• Styptic powder for small cuts (Kwik Stop Styptic Powder)

• Copies of vet records & vaccination info

• Medications in labeled containers

Tip: I recommend building a compact Glove Box Dog Emergency Kit (see our full blog here) to keep in your car at all times.

Comfort & Familiarity

Dogs feel more secure when they have familiar smells and textures with them. Bringing comfort items can reduce travel anxiety.

Pack:

• Your dog’s favorite blanket or towel

• A familiar toy or chew (KONG Classic)

• Travel bed or crate mat

• Calming aid (if needed) like Adaptil Calming Spray

Tip: I recommend building a compact Glove Box Dog Emergency Kit (see our full blog here [link]) to keep in your car at all times.

Enrichment on the Go

Downtime on trips is inevitable—whether you’re at a hotel, campsite, or family home. Having quick enrichment activities helps your dog relax and prevents boredom.

Ideas:

• Pre-stuffed puzzle toys (Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel)

• Frozen KONGs with peanut butter or yogurt (prep the night before and freeze)

• A portable snuffle mat (PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat)

Tip: Check out "Our Favorite Puzzle Games" for more on-the-go enrichment!

Travel Clean-Up Kit

Because… let’s be honest, messes happen.

Pack:

• Waste bags

• Paper towels or travel-size roll

• Pet-safe carpet/seat cleaner (Nature’s Miracle Travel Spray)

• Small trash bags

• Lint roller

Tip: Keep this in a separate container so it’s easy to grab during pit stops.

Final Packing Checklist for Your Dog Travel Kit

• Food & water supplies

• Safety harness/crate

• First aid kit

• Comfort items (blanket, toy)

• Enrichment toys

• Clean-up supplies

Related Posts to Explore

• Best Weekend Travel Crates for Dogs

• Top 5 Easy Mental Enrichment Activities for Dogs

• Glove Box Emergency Kits for Pet Owners