Can't bear the thought of leaving your pet behind while you fly off for the holidays? Many pet-owners, me included, find it difficult to relax, knowing our furry friend is locked away in some cramped kennel. Why not spare your pet (and yourself) the agony and bring them along for the holidays?
11 Items to Pack When Traveling with Your Pet
Don't forget to check our handy checklist for traveling with your pet. Below, I’ve included some essential items you’ll need for your trip.
Be sure to check your airline’s policies on pet travel.
1. Mr. Peanuts TSA Approved Pet Carrier
This is probably the most important thing you’ll need in order to take your furry friend with you for the holidays. This pet carrier by Mr. Peanuts is TSA approved and fits easily under your seat. The interior is easily accessible from all sides, with exterior storage pockets and mesh for added ventilation. Carry as a duffle or a messenger bag. Best of all, this carrier is waterproof, important for winter weather.
Amazon User Review: “This carrier worked out great! This was the first time flying with my 9 lb cat so I was a little nervous; but, he liked how comfy the carrier was and especially liked that he could see out without surprises or people coming at him. He curled right up and I never heard a peep out of him for our four hour flight. The carrier fit nicely under the seat in front of me without having the make adjustments. Everything as described. Highly recommend."
Price: $39.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 5
2. NACOCO Folding Pet Bowls
It’s important to keep your pet fed and hydrated while traveling. These collapsible bowls from NACOCO will clip onto your bag, or fold up nicely into a pocket. It’s a 2 piece set made of durable silicone that is both dishwasher safe and eco-friendly, Your cat or dog will thank you each time you fill one of these up with water. Available in 4 colors.
Amazon User Review: “So I've had this for about three days. My daughter's dog is a 60lb Chocolate Lab and a Service Dog and we travel a lot with her. Before we purchased these I was using the steel bowls and there was nowhere to keep them safe. These probably only hold about 1 1/2 cups of water so they are not exactly for big dogs. It is however perfect for feeding time, They are easy to clean out, and Collapse so that they fit into the dog's vest when we are travelling. They are a silicone product and have the carabiners on them so that if you need to clip them to a backpack or something, it's pretty useful”
Price: $9.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
3. Cheerhunting Travel Pet Bed
You want to make sure your cat or dog is as comfortable as possible while away from home. This travel pet bed from Cheerhunting folds up to save space in your suitcase. It’s washable and water resistant with a plush, soft, cushioned surface. The sizing is big enough for most dogs. A travel pouch is also included. It comes in Large and Extra-Large in 3 different colors.
Amazon User Review: “Travel internationally with service dog and found this to be a great product! Can compress and seems to be comfortable. Brought it out on the plane because floors tend to be cool and drafty.”
Price: Starting at $13.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 3.5
4. Petsfit Bird Carrier
Of course, pet travel isn’t limited to just about cats and dogs. This carrier by Petsfit is the perfect bag to take your bird along with you.It comes with a stainless steel bowl and a removable tray for easy cleaning. A small bag and side pocket allow for additional storage. Use as a backpack or shoulder bag.
Amazon User Review: “Totally amazing we take our bird with us everywhere even on planes Best purchase ever.”
Price: $99.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 5
5. Simple Solution Pee Pad
Accidents happen. When they do, you’ll probably want this washable puppy pad. Yes, even if your pet isn’t a puppy. Each pack includes two reusable pads. Easy to fold and store in your carry on!
Amazon User Review: “My puppy started using them right away. Nice not to use the disposable one anymore. I bought four, it will make it convenient when we travel and can't wash every day.”
Price: $24.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
6. Petsfit Portable Cat Litter Box
If your host for the holidays doesn’t have a cat, then you’ll definitely need to pack a litter pan. This portable litter from Petsfit is lightweight and easy to clean. Folds up for easy storage in carry ons or checked bags.
Amazon User Review: “Perfect for travel.....can keep litter stored inside and zippered closed....plastic lining easy to clean.”
Price: $18.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
Related Story: The Best Airline Gift Cards for the Holidays
7. Eco-Clean Dog Waste Bags
An essential for every dog owner, these waste bags by eco-clean are perfect to throw into your dog carrier. These earth-friendly bags are leakproof and easy to tear off the roll. Eco-Clean bags fit all types of dispensers. Available in packages of 16 or 36 rolls.
Amazon User Review: “I do love that they are biodegradable, but most importantly for me is that they rip off the roll and open easily. When walking a dog that is one of the worst things, they are trying to keep going and you're struggling with the damn bag to pick up the poop. So the fact that these are easy to rip off the roll and open, I'll definitely be making more purchases, and soon, since it seems my dogs love pooping on walks.... A lot!”
Price: Starting at $10.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
8. Personalized ID Tag
If, by some strange circumstance, you somehow lose your pet while at the airport or anywhere else during the trip, a proper ID tag can save the day. Customizable with up to 4 lines and 18 characters per line, you’ll be able to have your pets name, your name, phone number and more put on the tag. Available in 7 colors, 5 different shapes, and 2 sizes.
Amazon User Review: “My tag for my puppy came in today (fast shipping) and it is perfect! Will definitely be back to order more. As she grows, her tags will need to grow with her!”
Price: $1.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
9. Travel Pet Food Container
Food is a huge part of holiday preparations, and that holds true when packing for your pet, too. This lightweight pet food container by Petacc is waterproof and can hold up to 5 pounds of food. The container adjusts depending on how much food add. A water dispenser is also available, which can fill once through security.
Amazon User Review: “Finally a PVC free container to carry my dog's food when we travel! Designed like a dry-sack, this carrier carries up to five pounds of food. I like that it has a pocket on the bottom where a collapsible bowl would fit. There are many travel bags out there, but very few that are PVC free. I'm happy to find this one and highly recommend.”
Price: $15.00 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
10. Pet First Aid Kit
This may not be something you’d think of, but a first aid kit for your pet is a smart thing to pack, just in case. This kit is FDA approved and includes 85 items such gauze, first aid tape, surgical gloves, emergency blanket, and bandages. An emergency care instruction book is also included.
Amazon User Review: “Perfect for any trips.”
Price: $29.97 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 5
11. Extra Sticky Lint Roller
If your pet sheds, you should be prepared to clean up after him/her. This extra sticky lint roller will do the trick. Easy to tear, with 2 rollers plus 2 refills, you’ll be able to pack one and leave one at home. It will clean up any seat or surface your pet sheds on.
Amazon User Review: “I love pets everywhere… And unfortunately my favorite clothing color is black. This works great. I keep one in the car, my purse, my office, my closet.”
Price: $6.49 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
