My Top Picks for Stylish Mom & Dog Travel Gear
What my Albie might look like, riding shotgun with goggles. Photo courtesy: Depositphotos.com
Visiting new places, tasting new foods, staying in charming hotels. Sounds like fun, right? Spring and summer travel plans are in the works and, no matter where you’re going, you want to look good! I know it’s always better when I can travel with my dogs (four is tough these days, but we can usually take one or two along). If you book the flights or Google Maps the driving and find a great hotel (BringFido.com), I’ll make sure you have the most stylish mom and dog travel gear out there, ok? Are you ready? Let’s go!
Airline Approved Carrier Bag
If you’re starting your trip via air travel, lead with a crisp, cozy and conscious choice. I love Bark n Bag’s organic denim. The chic black denim is made from pesticide free, organic cotton, with bamboo rafters and an organic cotton absorbent liner. Red accents pop. It’s smart and stylish. Comes in 3 sizes:
Small: 16″W x 9″H x 9″D. For pets up to 14″L x 7″H. Maximum weight: 8lbs
Medium: 18″W x 10″H x 10″D. For pets up to 16″L x 9″H. Maximum weight: 16lbs
Large: 20″W x 11″H x 11″D. For pets up to 18″L x 10″H. Maximum weight: 22lbs
Crash Tested Car Seat
The Pupsaver is my go to for safe car travel for my dogs. It looks like no other car seat you’ve seen and it operates very differently, too. I love that it’s crash tested by the same company that crash tests infant seats for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In a head-on collision, the Pupsaver, triggered by what’s called the pretensioner which launches the airbags, causes the Pupsaver to fold over your dog like a baseball mitt, protecting it from glass, debris. In the newest model, the Pupsaver lifts up and back, flush against the seat back to protect the dog. An ingenious concept.
Cozy blankets
A favorite cozy blanket to cuddle up in is a must have for a happy puppy. Get one big enough, and you can cuddle up together. I like Puppy Hugger‘s because they’re luxurious, so soft and come in great colors and patterns. It’s easy to be stylish while traveling! They also make pet carrier inserts, so your baby can be sitting pretty as you carry them around. What a life, right?! All pieces are custom made and there are 190 different fabrics to choose from, so the sky’s the limit!
I love this brand so much, I’ve included them in the Bark & Swagger Boutique.
Rain & visibility gear
There’s a new brand I discovered at Global Pet Expo that makes the perfect gear for everything from a camping or hiking holiday to seeing the sites. Corky’s Reflective Wear is a great-looking jacket that comes in gorgeous colors, is completely water proof and has smart technology reflective tape that is visible for 1000 feet. I’ve tried them on all my dogs and love them. They’re lightweight, the fabric is soft and the coats are very functional. Stay tuned, as Corky’s will be available in the Bark & Swagger Boutique very soon!
Beachwear
Protecting our pups by the water is a critical part of any successful beach vacation. Bringing along the sunscreen and a light tank or tee, as well as having a great life vest and beach lead are all must have’s. Here are some of my faves for this season.
I love New Zealand-based Camp Cloon‘s Hello Sailor Striped Tank in navy and white, as much for its name as its classic style. 100% cotton and very comfy. Dog + Co., a wonderful destination for cool dog clothes and gear, has its own label and makes a great quilted hoodie, perfect for a windy or chilly day in look at me bright pink. Or, for a more subdued look, go cozy grey french terry, both made in Brooklyn, NY.
The leash for beach has to be by Found My Animal, the three-strand, hand-spliced and whipped rope leash just about everyone now knows. Started by two design school animal rescue advocates, each leash’s brass tag says Found with its own unique number which the company records, showing how many animals you’ve helped. From the early, neon orange style to the fantastic colors they now have, a Found My Animal leash looks right at home, whether you’re beachside or land locked.
All of these items can be purchased at Dog + Co, shop by designer.
Ruffwear makes a great life vest that is also great looking. The K-9 Float Coat is a sturdy flotation vest that comes in sizes small enough to fit my Chihuahuas and big enough to fit a dog with a 42″ chest. Love this brand because theirs are quality made gear that function really well and look good. What more could you ask for?
When the sun goes down and you’re having a delicious dinner outdoors with your pup, he or she will look so smart in a The Worthy Dog striped or madras seersucker sun dress or shirt. They are 100% cotton, expertly styled with great detailing. So cute! I fell hard for these at Global Pet Expo; stay tuned as they’ll be in the Bark & Swagger Boutique soon!
Site seeing in style
Another favorite brand that’s a great travel companion is Chicago-based Heavenly Beasts. Their comfy wrap harnesses come in great colors and patterns, and are great for summer travel. They also have a unique feature. A handsome brass charm contains an aromatherapy “cloud” as HB calls them, which calms your dog, which can come in very handy in a strange environment. I love that you can close the wrap in different ways to create cool looks, like this one…a neck tie. You can find the Heavenly Beasts comfy wraps in the Boutique soon.
Travel clothes for you!
One of my favorite brands of travel clothes is Anatomie. Why? They’re timeless chic, don’t wrinkle, despite rolling up, folding, squishing into overstuffed luggage. They are machine washable and dryer safe. And, they’re perfect for being active with your dog, whether that means site seeing, boating, hiking. The newest spring/summer styles will be in the Bark & Swagger Boutique shortly, so stop by and discover them!
5 Helpful apps for any traveling pet parent
We love talking style, but when you travel with your pet, just like you don’t want to be caught without that favorite tee or blanket, you also don’t want to be caught unprepared for any unexpected health issue. Here are some apps I’ve found, that can make life a lot easier for you on the road.
CamScanner – scan all your pet’s documents into one place on your mobile device with this app. Vet records, microchip info, medication schedule, everything is easy access at the touch of your finger.
VetFinder – Want to make sure you’re never without a vet, no matter where you go? Get this app and locate vets in the area of your stay, even if you’re traveling abroad.
Red Cross Pet First Aid – this app will tell you what to do in an emergency for a whole host of situations, with step-by-step instructions on how to deal with allergic reactions, blood-sugar emergencies, breathing problems, burns, drowning, electric shock, and frostbite, along with other pet health problems you might encounter. You’ll also find information about what’s normal for your dog or cat, so you’ll be able to quickly assess whether they’re in trouble. A must have.
BringFido – if you’re looking for pet friendly hotels, this app is the go to, without a doubt. From upscale to relaxed, BringFido brings it.
DogPark – if you’re traveling in the U.S. or Canada, this app gives you dog parks in your area, a lifesaver for those with park-obsessed fur kids. There’s nothing like some great exercise to make Fido extra calm during afternoon site seeing, right?
Summary
If you’re planning a trip, it’s always more fun with your pet. To be prepared, safe and look great takes a little legwork, but is well worth it as you breathe deeply and relax into your beach, woods or city getaway. Can’t wait to hear all about yours!
What’s the most favorite getaway you’ve ever taken with your pet?
I’m so glad my daughter’s Heavenly Beasts product line is associated with your site! She’s worked very hard to get her line off the ground and it IS happening and your site is one of the reasons. Keep up the good work by finding interesting Pet Products including those for travel with pets. JLL.
Thanks so much, Jerry! Love Laura; she’s good people and love her collection. Heavenly Beasts is exactly the kind of brand I look for to include on Bark & Swagger! 🙂