Happy Tails on the Road: The Best Toys and Gear for Traveling Dogs

Traveling with a dog means bringing the energy, the cuddles — and sometimes the chaos. The right toys and gear can keep them happy (and out of trouble) on the road. Here are some of our top picks to make your next adventure smoother for both of you.

Photo: Amazon

This sturdy, airline-friendly bag fits all the essentials—food, toys, treats, meds, you name it—without the chaos. It’s got pockets galore, two food containers, and collapsible bowls for on-the-go meals. Basically, it’s your pup’s weekend getaway bag (and your sanity saver).

This Amazon reviewer is a fan:

“Great for road trip for your dog. Holds all we need for our dog.”

Photo: Amazon

This dog shower head gives you over a minute of rinse time with a 2-liter bottle, making it super convenient for camping, hiking, or after play at the beach.

This Amazon reviewer is a fan:

“This is such a simple product but it works great and we are glad we bought it. We hike and swim with three small dogs, making this a crucial item to pack on our trips. No more muddy paws and bellies in their travel crates!”

Photo: Amazon

This portable pet playpen is the perfect travel companion for your pup! It doubles as a pet tent, crate, and kennel, and comes with a carrying case. It has a removable zipper top, and is available in a rectangle shape and different color options.

This Amazon reviewer is a fan:

“I bought the large for my 2-25lb boston terriers who go to hotels with us. They love this cabin. They fit with plenty of room to move around. I will always have one now. Easy to travel with!”

Photo: Amazon

Made with non-toxic natural rubber and pure cotton, this toy collection is perfect for keeping your pup entertained.  It comes with fun textures to explore and a little puzzle challenge.

This Amazon reviewer is a fan:

“I really liked this toy set! The materials feel durable and well made — soft but strong. My dog especially loves the rope and the triangle toy. And surprisingly, even my cat plays with the balls — total win! Everything came neatly packed, and I appreciate the eco-friendly touch with the mesh bag. Great quality and happy pets!”

Photo: Amazon

We love this squeaky octopus—he’s bright, floppy, and seriously fun. With eight legs to tug, fetch, or fling around the backseat, it’s easy for dogs of all sizes to carry and play with. Bonus (but fair warning): the squeaker keeps them entertained, though it might test your patience a little. And those googly eyes? They spark some serious zoomies—perfect for burning off energy during pit stops.

This Amazon reviewer is a fan:

“My dogs love these and I love that they don’t have stuffing. I have 3 large breed dogs and these last the longest out of every toy I’ve bought.”

Photo: Amazon

This handy little bottle is like a snack-and-sip station for your pup. It’s got a built-in water dispenser and a spot for treats or kibble.

This Amazon reviewer is a fan:

“This is a godsend. I love it. So does my Cavapoo. This goes with us every where we go. Easy to use and easy for my puppy to get a drink.”

Photo: Amazon

The Kong has been a lifesaver for so many of us—whether it’s boredom, teething, mealtime, or sneaking in some medicine. And yep, it’s a travel hero too. Small enough to toss in a crate, the backseat—wherever—but roomy enough for kibble, treats, or meds. Like our Amazon reviewers, we’re big fans.

This Amazon reviewer is a fan:

“The old one was still useable for our 50 pound red heeler, but I needed one for the RV when we travel. Knew I would not be disappointed in this product!”

Photo: Amazon

Wherever you’re off to—catching flights, road-tripping, or just exploring a new city—chances are your hands are already full. Toss a pet into the mix, and things can get a little hectic. That’s where this clever little travel companion comes in. The dog leash attaches to a fanny pack and adjusts to fit waist sizes from 27 to 48 inches, so you can stay hands-free. It’s got a built-in traffic handle for a little extra control when things get busy, and comes in over a dozen colors—so you can pick one that matches your travel style.

This Amazon reviewer is a fan:

“I am carrying this in our RV. It is perfect for keeping my high-spirited dog safe when traveling in new places with lots of distractions for both of us. My fur baby is not that large but she is strong and impulsive. I feel secure with her attached to my waist. The padded handles are great!”

Photo: Amazon

Long road trips can be boring for everyone—pets included! This interactive feeding game is perfect for entertaining your pup while giving them a chance to hunt around like they would in the wild. It also doubles as a treat dispenser and is great for helping with stress relief.

This Amazon reviewer is a fan:

“A good way to engage and entertain your small dog or pup. I still take it when I travel even though my girl is no longer a puppy.”

Photo: Amazon

If you’ve got an anxious travel pup, they might just need a little travel buddy of their own. This plush toy isn’t just cute—it mimics a real heartbeat to help your dog feel safe, calm, and comforted.

This Amazon reviewer is a fan:

“Bigger than expected but our puppy loves it. He fell asleep on an airplane as soon as we placed it in his travel crate. He snuggles with it and it was sweet dreams. He plays with it all the time and seems to be his fav toy.”

Photo: Amazon

The Henkelion Small Pet Carrier keeps your pet safe and comfy during travel. It’s airline-approved with breathable mesh sides and a soft fleece pad. Plus, it’s collapsible for easy storage when you’re not using it.

This Amazon reviewer is a fan:

“Worked as needed flew my pup from OH to CA and he was comfortable and quiet the entire time with plenty of room to adjust as well.”

A car seat cover showing a girl and a dog, and two dogs.
Photo: Amazon

Getting ready for a long roadtrip? This foldable car bed turns your back seat into a safe, comfy hangout. It adds 40% more space, supports up to 400 lbs, and keeps your dog from sliding around. Mesh window for comfort, side flaps for safety, and a handy pocket for treats or toys.

This Amazon reviewer is a fan:

“bought this for my 4Runner since my dog likes to jump around the seats on road trips. The material is sturdy and can withstand heavy pet use, it wipes clean, is odor resistant, and looks like a premium product (great style & color). Easy to use and set up, very functional and modular – you can easily secure and modify it to your specific needs. The addition of a pocket is a great feature for extra pet items (snacks & cleaning materials). It folds quickly and easily into a small square that you can toss in the trunk when not in use.”

Did we miss your favorite item? 
Please let us know at connect@localgetaways.com.

Let Us Plan Your Ultimate Maui Vacation!

Close the CTA
Scroll to Top