For many pet owners, no animal should be left behind wherever they go. If that means lugging around a ton of stuff in their cars and making some space for their pets to sit on, then so be it.
Check out our list of essentials to keep your furry friends safe and happy on your next road trip.
Pet Accessories to Bring on Your Road Trip
Here are some of our must-have car accessories for your pets.
Pet Feeding System
It’s important to bring enough food and drinks for your pet, especially if you’re planning to go on a long drive. You’ll also need a portable pet feeding system that’s easy to clean and store while you’re in the car.
Pet feeding systems can be made from various materials, including stainless steel, plastic, and ceramic.
Stainless Pet Feeding System
Stainless steel is arguably the most recommended feeding system material for pet owners. A stainless steel bowl is easy to clean and sanitize, mainly because the material can’t harbor bacteria.
Stainless steel is also extremely durable, and you’ll be sure to go for years without replacing your pet’s feeding bowl.
Some stainless steel bowls also come with a non-slip bottom, so your pets can lick away while the bowl stays in place.
Silicone Pet Feeding System
A pet feeding system that’s made from silicone is considered to be better than plastic and comes with a few health risks for pets.
Silicone pet feeding systems aren’t expected to match the medical grade of quality, but they should at least be considered food grade products.
Ceramic Pet Feeding System
Some pet feeding systems are made from ceramic, which can be quite heavy to bring along for the ride. If your pet is an aggressive eater, the ceramic bowl can easily crack after getting moved around too much.
Average Price Range: $25-$50
Recommended Brand:
Weathertech Pet Feeding SystemsSeat Protector
Depending on their breed, animals like cats and dogs can shed excessively and cook up a furry storm inside the cabin, causing you to inhale the particles.
You’ll also spend a lot of time scraping away at the carpets and seats. If you’ve had pets for a while, you’ll know that fur isn’t the easiest mess to clean up.
Before letting your cats and dogs hop in your car, you might want to invest in some high-quality seat protectors.
There are dozens of seat protectors in the market, with most of them sharing the same materials as your regular seat covers.
There are, however, some water-repellent protectors that are best for rainy days or for when your pet decides to roll in the mud before hopping in the back seat.
Most of the seat protectors you’ll find are also scratch-resistant, so your furry friends won’t be able to tear a hole in your seats while you’re driving.
There are also hammock-type seat protectors that extend from the back of the front seat all the way to the back seat to keep your pets from falling into the footwell or jumping through the space between the front seats.
Average Price Range: $100-$250
Recommended Brands:
Weathertech Seat Protectors
Aries
3D Mats USA Seat ProtectorsPet Divider
As cute and as adorable as they are, your pets can be quite the distraction when you’re behind the wheel.
Animals tend to be queasy during long car rides, and before you know it, they’ve already made their way to the front seat, trying to hop on your lap for comfort.
A durable pet divider can help keep your pets in the back seat while you focus on the road.
Pet barriers are generally made from durable and lightweight polymers. They’re also fairly easy to install.
Most pet barrier kits already have everything you need, including bars, mounting brackets, and extension loops, among others.
Another benefit of having a pet divider in your car is that it contains the mess your pets make, so it’s easier for you to clean up after them.
Average Price Range: $50-$150
Recommended Brand:
Weathertech Pet DividersPet Safety Harness
After a couple of hours in the car, your pet is going to want to get out immediately, probably to do their business or simply sniff around and enjoy the new environment.
Some pets can get too excited and make a beeline for the door, and you’ll have to chase after them for miles. So spare yourself the trouble and get a durable harness to keep your furry friend in line.
A harness can significantly reduce the tension in your pet’s neck whenever they pull, effectively distributing weight across their shoulders, back, and chest.
Straps, vests, and mesh harnesses are common in the market, and they also come in various configurations.
Harnesses can either have a back-clip or front-clip setup, and they can also come in over-the-head or step-in styles.
Your pet’s size and training will play important roles in choosing the best harness for them, so make sure to keep those in mind before anything else.
Average Price Range: $70-$80
Recommended Brand:
Weathertech Pet Safety HarnessesPet Ramp
A foldable pet ramp makes it easy for owners to assist their furry friends when hopping in the cabin. It also reduces the owners’ risk of getting injured when lifting larger pets.
Another benefit of having a pet ramp stored in your car is that it can reduce the stress on your pets’ joints because they don’t have to jump down to get out. Senior pets will also have an easier time getting in and out of the cabin.
A high-quality pet ramp can be as light as 15 lbs. and still accommodate pets that are over 200 lbs.
Most pet ramps are foldable for a clutter-free space and some with a textured rubber surface to provide extra traction for your pets.
Average Price Range: $130-$200
Recommended Brand:
Weathertech Pet RampsKeep Reading: Related Posts
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
