Toys for Traveling

Long trips and strange places can be stressful, but a few creature comforts will make it easier when the fur flies…or rides. (Did that meow sound like “Are we there yet?”)

Travel Bag and Bowls, $40 for a Set
Stow your dog’s dishes and his dinner in one soft-sided container. Perfect for squishing into the overpacked car. Testers preferred this set to lugging around cumbersome hard bowls.
To Buy: ABO Gear Dog Tucker Traveler, www.abogear.com.

Backpack, $20 to $40
Let Max carry his supplies in his own backpack. With two pouches, there’s room for treats, plastic bags, and a toy. In two sizes.
To Buy: Outward Hound Urban Adventure Backpack or Excursion Dog Backpack, www.petsmart.com for stores.

Travel Leash, $12
This short leash clips onto a dog’s collar and wraps neatly around his neck, fastened with Velcro, until you need it. Visiting a rest stop or a roadside attraction? Just undo the Velcro strip to release the leash until you’re back at the car.
To Buy: Ruff Wear Quick Draw Leash, www.ruffwear.com.

Travel Grooming Kit, $9.50
A trip to the lake is great — until Bowser gets covered in pond scum. This to-go toiletries kit includes an all-natural shampoo and conditioning rinse, as well as yummy peanut-butter treats for after the bath.
To Buy: Cloud Star Buddy Sampler Pack, www.cloudstar.com.

Notepad, $14
When you leave your pets at home, list instructions for the sitter, from dietary details to contact info. Because these pads are magnetic, you can post them on the refrigerator, where the caretaker can’t miss them.
To Buy: Waghappy Notes for the Dogsitter and Notes for the Catsitter pads, www.waghappy.com.

Carrier, $120
Your pint-size pet never has to leave your side. This carrier, with patent-leather straps, is stylish enough to pass for a purse, and it has a padded bottom and ventilation to let Princess ride comfortably.
To Buy: Kwigy-bo Nantucket London carrier, www.kwigy-bo.com for stores.

Travel Bed, $119
This bed for cats or small dogs buckles securely into a car. There’s a zip-off dome top and a detachable padded shoulder strap for transporting a pet without disturbing a moment of her precious beauty sleep.
To Buy: Meowme Sleepypod, www.cheengoo.com.

Tip: Get your pet ready for a long road trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, then gradually lengthening the time spent in the car.