by Choosing the right travel crate accessories for your dog can be challenging, and without the proper setup, things can quickly become chaotic. It’s essential to ensure your pup is safe and comfortable in their travel crate so you can enjoy travelling together.
As a dog owner with four very different dogs, I understand these challenges well. I have Charlie, my enthusiastic English Springer Spaniel; Ellie, my loyal German Shepherd; and my two mischievous mixed-breed puppies, Murphy and Archie.
I’ve had to find a travel crate setup that keeps them all safe, calm, and comfortable on the road. Over time, I’ve experimented with various accessories and discovered what works best for each of them.
In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned through my real-life experiences and explore some other travel crate accessories that may help fellow dog owners with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
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My Travel Dog Crate Accessories – What I Use and Why
With four dogs in my vehicle, preparation isn’t optional—it’s essential for survival! Each of my dogs has different needs while we’re on the move, and I’ve learned how to make their crates both comfortable and functional. Here’s how I set things up for Charlie, Ellie, Murphy, and Archie.
Charlie’s Travel Dog Crate Accessories
– English Springer Spaniel and Experienced Traveller
Charlie is all about fun and new adventures. Although he is an experienced traveller, his travel crate needs to be set up properly.
A cooling mat is essential because his excitement causes him to heat up quickly, especially during the warmer months. To help him stay hydrated without making a mess, I use a clip-on water bowl. Charlie also enjoys having a ball and his favourite soft toys, which help him feel settled.
In the past, I used to put blankets in his crate, but he would just kick them aside. Now, I rely on a non-slip crate pad that stays in place and provides some cushioning. On warmer days, a crate fan ensures consistent airflow and helps him settle down more quickly.
Ellie’s Travel Dog Crate Accessories
– Sweet-Natured German Shepherd Rescue Dog
Ellie has been travelling with me since December 2024, and she is loving her new life. Ellie is my calmest traveller, but being a large dog, she needs her space. My husband, Austin, built her a heavy-duty crate that provides both structure and durability in our camper van.
To accommodate her height, Ellie has a raised water bowl attachment. She enjoys her comfort, so she has a large travel bed that makes her feel cosy, and she loves cuddling up with her favourite dog toy.
Murphy and Archie’s Travel Dog Crate Accessories
– The Growing Mischief-Makers
At five months old, Murphy and Archie are full of energy and curiosity. Their crates are equipped with chew-resistant crate pads and safe, durable chew toys to keep them entertained. Since they are still growing and sometimes have accidents, I line the bottoms of the crates with absorbent pee pads as a backup.
To help Murphy and Archie relax, I use a breathable crate cover that protects them from overstimulation while still allowing airflow. They associate their crates with calmness and safety because I regularly use the crates at home. This familiarity really helps Murphy and Archie settle down when we’re on the road.
Don’t miss my guide to choosing the right travel crate for your dog.
Practical Lessons and What I’ve Learned About Travel Dog Crate Accessories!
Travelling with four dogs has taught me a lot—mostly through trial, error, and the occasional disaster. Here are the lessons that have helped me streamline our travel crate setups and keep my dogs safe and comfortable while we’re on the road:
1. One Size (or Setup) Doesn’t Fit All
What works for one dog often doesn’t work for another. Ellie and Charlie have completely different crate needs, and the puppies bring an extra layer of unpredictability. Tailoring each crate has helped reduce stress for both them and me.
2. Water Management Is Critical
Spilt bowls and soggy crates are a thing of the past now that I use clip-on, no-spill bowls. For longer trips, I pack a portable bottle with a pop-out bowl to provide them with water during breaks.
3. Less Is Sometimes More
Too many blankets or toys can clutter the space and become a hazard. I’ve learned to stick to the basics: a good mat, water, and a familiar toy. The goal is comfort and safety, not over-packing.
4. Routine Makes a Difference
Dogs thrive on consistency. We follow the same pre-trip routine—quick walks, a water check, and settling into their crates—and they know what to expect. Even the puppies respond well to a consistent rhythm.
5. Upgrade Before Problems Arise
I’ve learned to anticipate changes, especially with the growing pups. I now look ahead to the next size crate or adjust the setup before issues arise, rather than reacting after a messy or stressful trip.
6. Breaks Are Essential
During longer journeys, I like to take my dogs out of their travel crates at regular intervals so they can stretch their legs and go potty. This also gives me a chance to tidy up their crate before we continue our journey.
Useful Travel Dog Crate Accessories for Different Breeds and Sizes
While my travel crate setup is tailored specifically for my four dogs, I’ve discovered several fantastic accessories that may benefit other dogs, taking into account their breed, age, and temperament. Here are some other additions to consider for your dog’s travel crate:
Cooling Mats, Cooling Vests, Bandanas, or Crate Fans
These products are essential for dogs like Charlie that heat up quickly; they are especially useful during hot weather or while travelling. Cooling mats offer a cool surface for your dog to lie on, while cooling vests and bandanas help maintain your pup’s body temperature. Additionally, I use crate fans as they help circulate air and keep my dogs cool and comfortable during summer travels.
Travel Crate Covers
An excellent choice for dogs with anxiety, crate covers create a den-like atmosphere that promotes a sense of security. By blocking your dog’s view from distractions and offering privacy, these covers can help your dog settle down and relax, especially in new places or noisy areas. Plus, they work well with my puppies and make them feel cosy.
Calming Sprays, Tablets, or Diffusers
These calming products can significantly ease the stress of nervous travellers or first-time crate users. Calming sprays infused with pheromones or natural ingredients can reduce anxiety, while calming tablets and diffusers provide longer-lasting effects. I find these are particularly beneficial for long journeys. They allow my dogs to feel more at ease in their crate.
Treat Holders and Collapsible Bowls
Collapsible bowls are practical and space-saving, making them ideal for travel. They allow me to easily provide my dogs with food and water on the go. Additionally, treat holders ensure that I always have my dog’s favourite snacks on hand, which makes it easier to reward good behaviour during our trips.
Just for fun, see if you can spot my water bowl in the photos on this site. How many can you find?
Travel Dog Organisers
I love keeping all my dog’s belongings well organised while travelling. I use travel organisers specifically designed for leashes, waste bags, and treats. They also provide a convenient place to store paperwork, keeping everything organised and easily accessible. This way, I don’t have to rummage through my bag to find what I need when my dogs require it the most.
Travel Crate Dividers
For those who are training puppies or need to keep dogs separated during travel, crate dividers can be invaluable. They allow you to adjust the internal space of the crate according to your dog’s size, ensuring that puppies feel snug and secure while older dogs have enough room to lie comfortably.
Whether you have a toy breed, a working dog, or anything in between, experimenting with different accessories will help you discover the ideal setup that caters to your pet’s unique needs. Each dog is different, and finding the right combination of accessories can enhance both their comfort and your peace of mind during travel.
Check out some great travel crate opinions here.
My Final Thoughts on Dog Travel Crate Accessories
Every dog has its own quirks and comfort needs, so finding the right travel crate accessories involves some trial and observation. For me, the key has been customising each crate setup to match the personality and physical requirements of my four dogs. For example, Charlie benefits from a cooling mat, Ellie needs a heavy-duty crate, and the pups require chew-proof toys.
Wrapping It Up!
To wrap things up, I hope my experience has helped you feel more confident about setting up your dog’s travel crate. Whether you’re preparing for a big road trip or just want to improve your daily travel routine, the right accessories can make a significant difference. Here’s what you’ve learned:
- How to choose crate accessories that suit different breeds, sizes, and personalities.
- What’s worked (and what hasn’t) for my four dogs: Charlie, Ellie, Murphy, and Archie.
- Tips for avoiding common issues like spills, restlessness, or overcrowded crates.
- Why routines, comfort, and individual setups matter more than one-size-fits-all solutions.
- A few extra accessory ideas to explore if your dog has specific needs, like anxiety or overheating.
With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can transform your dog’s travel crate into a space that feels safe, familiar, and even enjoyable—no matter where the road takes you.
Now I’m curious about your travel dog crate accessories:
What travel crate setup do you use with your dog? Do you have favourite travel dog crate accessories? Let’s make a community and share your experiences in the comments.
