Travel & Transport
What do you need for travelling and outings with your dog?
Whether it's a weekend trip, camping holiday, or daily car journey: with the right equipment, your dog travels more safely and comfortably. The products you need depend on the mode of transport, duration of the journey, destination, and your dog's individual needs.
At WOLTERS, you will find practical travel accessories for dogs. These include travel blankets and travel beds, protective covers for the back seat and boot, pet seat belts, travel bowls, treat bags, and cooling and swimming products. Absorbent travel pads and dog drying coats also help to keep your car and accommodation clean after shared outdoor activities.
How do you safely transport your dog in the car?
During the car journey, your dog must be secured in a way that does not obstruct the driver and prevents the dog from moving around the vehicle uncontrollably. Depending on the size of the dog and the type of vehicle, appropriate restraint systems or transport solutions may be necessary.
A seat belt for dogs can limit movement on the back seat. Attach such a belt only as directed in the respective instructions and to a suitable dog harness – never to the collar. In the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre, the forces involved would otherwise act directly on the neck.
Pay attention to the weight limit, the prescribed attachment type, and compatibility with your vehicle. Not every everyday harness is automatically approved as a restraint system for road traffic. A seat belt, transport box, or other securing method should always be considered as a complete system.
Protective covers for back seat and boot
Dog hair, dirt, and moisture are hard to avoid during shared car journeys. A back seat cover protects the seat area and can prevent wet paws from touching upholstery or synthetic leather directly.
For dogs transported in the boot, suitable boot covers or boot beds are ideal. They protect the interior from dirt and create a more comfortable sleeping area. Keep an eye on the dimensions and compare them with the usable area of your vehicle.
Protective covers and boot beds contribute to comfort and cleanliness. They do not replace suitable restraint for the dog. Also, check that the cover does not slip and does not obstruct any seatbelt buckles, air vents, or important vehicle components.
Travel blankets and travel beds for dogs
A dedicated travel blanket provides your dog with a familiar resting place on the go. It can be laid out in a hotel, holiday home, restaurant, office, or when camping. The familiar scent helps many dogs recognise the spot as a resting area.
Rollable and foldable travel blankets can be transported in a space-saving manner. Some models can be folded into a bag and transformed into a padded travel bed when needed. This is particularly handy when you're travelling with little luggage.
Choose the size so that your dog can lie down comfortably and stretch out. For longer rest periods, the blanket should be sufficiently padded and protect against cold or hard floors. A non-slip underside can provide extra grip on smooth surfaces.
Travel bowls and drinking water on the go
On longer walks, during car journeys, and on trips, your dog needs regular access to fresh water. A travel bowl can be compactly stored and quickly set up when needed. Models with two separate bowls allow you to offer water and food separately.
Take enough water from home, especially if there is no reliable drinking source at your destination. Unfamiliar standing waters or heavily contaminated sources are not suitable substitutes for fresh drinking water.
Clean the travel bowl after each use and allow it to dry completely. Food residues and moisture should not remain in the closed bowl for an extended period.
Treat bags and accessories for walks
A treat bag ensures that you can quickly access rewards during walks or training. Models with a snap hook or attachment loop can be worn on a belt, waistband, backpack, or bag.
Additional compartments provide space for waste bags, keys, or other small items. A well-sealing snack bag prevents treats from falling out while walking. Regularly clean the interior to avoid food residues.
An address tag on the collar or harness can hold additional contact details. Before a trip, check that the saved information is current and clearly legible.
Cooling products for summer travel
On warm days, cooling mats, cooling vests, or cooling collars can provide your dog with a comfortably tempered surface or additional cooling. Depending on the model, the products are activated with water or react to body contact.
Cooling accessories do not replace shade, drinking water, or breaks. Monitor your dog closely and let them decide whether and for how long they want to use a cooling mat. Remove a cooling vest if it becomes too warm or your dog feels uncomfortable wearing it.
Never leave your dog alone in a parked car. The interior can heat up quickly, even in seemingly mild outside temperatures. Plan breaks in shaded areas and offer water regularly.
Life jacket and swimming lead for water excursions
A dog life jacket provides extra buoyancy and can be useful during water outings. It is particularly suitable for less confident swimmers, older dogs, or shared activities on a boat. The vest must fit snugly enough to prevent slipping but should not restrict breathing or movement.
A swimming lead remains more visible and reachable on the water surface than a traditional lead. Ensure it does not get caught on plants, branches, or other obstacles. Never leave your dog unattended in the water, even with a life jacket and lead.
Rinse swimming accessories thoroughly with clean water after contact with salt, lake, or chlorinated water and allow them to dry completely.
Keeping clean after outings in rain and mud
An absorbent travel pad protects the transport box, car, or accommodation from moisture and dirt. After a walk in the rain, your dog can lie on it while the material absorbs moisture from their coat.
A dog towel, drying glove, or dog drying coat complements the travel gear. These can be used to dry off paws, belly, and coat immediately after the walk before your dog gets into the vehicle or accommodation.
Do not permanently store wet textiles in a closed bag. Allow them to dry completely and follow the care instructions for each product when cleaning.
How do you acclimatise your dog to longer car journeys?
Start with short, quiet journeys and gradually extend the duration. Your dog should have the opportunity to relieve themselves and stretch before the journey. A familiar blanket can help them settle into their place in the vehicle more quickly.
Plan regular breaks on longer journeys. Secure your dog before opening the car door to prevent them from jumping out uncontrollably. During breaks, they should have access to water and be able to move in a safe area.
Do not feed an unusually large meal immediately before a longer journey. If your dog regularly shows strong restlessness, nausea, or anxiety, you should discuss the next steps with your veterinarian or a qualified dog trainer.
Well-prepared for holiday with your dog
Your travel gear should include not only a lead, harness, and collar but also food, water, bowls, waste bags, a familiar sleeping mat, and drying products. Don't forget any necessary medications, vaccination certificates, and contact details for a veterinary practice at your holiday destination.
Before travelling abroad, check the entry requirements of your destination country and the countries you will be passing through in good time. Regulations regarding identification, vaccinations, pet passports, leash or muzzle laws may vary depending on the destination.
With a safe transport solution, a comfortable resting place, and practical accessories for feeding, cooling, and grooming, you will be well prepared for day trips and longer journeys with your dog.