When traveling and on longer trips with a dog, it becomes clear over time that spontaneity has its limits and a responsible approach simply requires preparation. The list of gear we carry with us didn’t come together all at once – it was assembled gradually based on experience, specific situations and small problems we no longer wanted to solve by improvisation.
Below is a list of items we commonly take with us on longer trips. It’s not a universal guide, more a practical overview of our gear.
Table of Contents
Walking and exercise
This category forms the foundation of every trip – without it you won’t get far, not even out of the parking lot.
- Classic collar – simple and reliable. We use it always when we are 100 % sure that we are in a safe environment where the dog is mostly on a leash.
- Training collar (with vibration and electric shock) + remote control – a tool we carry almost always and use whenever the dog is off-leash (which in our case is most of the time). This collar gives us significantly greater control over the dog even in situations when it moves away from us. Not everyone will approve of using this device, but it has helped us in many cases to prevent injury, fights with other dogs, or more serious accidents. That said, it’s important to add that the use of this device is banned in some countries – we always verify this information before traveling.
- Leash – a classic urban leash for short transfers. The one we use has several metal rings in different places and carabiners on both ends, which significantly increases its versatility. The length of the leash can be adjusted, it can be attached to another leash or, if necessary, used to walk two dogs at once.
- Long hiking leash – invaluable in nature where the dog needs more freedom but still must remain under control. We use a light yet sturdy textile version – a strap approximately 15 meters long. We’ve used it many times on high mountain hikes where a dog running off could mean the risk of falling from a rock.
- Hiking harness – an alternative to a regular collar that offers better control over the dog, especially in difficult terrain. Unlike a collar, it distributes the dog’s weight across multiple straps. With a harness it’s possible to lift the dog with one hand without the risk of choking. At the same time there’s a smaller chance the dog will slip out of the harness. The harness has proven especially useful in less visible forest terrain and on exposed sections during high mountain hikes.
- Spray for stray (other) dogs – safety equipment we prefer to carry and never use, rather than the other way around.
- Light-up collar – increases the dog’s visibility at dusk, at night or in the woods. We use simple glowing rings that can be easily attached around the neck. Rechargeable versions with USB batteries have proven effective. When traveling don’t forget to pack the correct cable – the battery usually lasts only a few walks.
- Dog coat – we use it in bad weather, cold or wind. We recommend packing it for any trip to colder countries or in situations where overnighting outdoors is expected (tent, car, etc.).
- Paw protection – a relatively recent addition to our gear are protective socks for dogs. They are useful for short walks in freezing weather, but also on trips to areas where the surface is made up of sharp or prickly objects (sharp stones, dry grasses, etc.).
Transport
Safe transport of the dog is important not only for the dog, but also for other passengers.
- Dog car tray – protects the car interior and at the same time creates a stable and familiar space for the dog during the ride. In case of an accident it can reduce the risk of injury.
- Dog crate – we mainly use it for longer transfers by plane or ship if transport rules require it. As part of getting the dog used to the crate, we also used it during car transfers. We cover the importance of the crate in more detail in a separate article about flying with a dog.
Food and hydration
Although the schedule may change, the dog’s basic needs remain the same.
- Travel bowls – compact, lightweight and always on hand.
(Items in this category will be added later.)
Health and comfort
This gear is not used daily, but at the right moment it can save a lot of stress.
- Nail clippers – practical especially on longer trips where there’s no possibility to take care of trimming elsewhere.
- Trimming knives / brushes – basic coat maintenance even away from home.
Conclusion
Dog travel gear is not about having everything. It’s about bringing what allows you to handle common and less common situations calmly and without unnecessary stress.
We will gradually expand and adjust the list based on further travel experiences.