While it is possible to carry all your pet’s provisions in a standard backpack a dog travel bag provides you with compartments and pockets that are specifically designed for items like leashes, treats, and food. And many of the bags available come with their own folding or collapsible bowls. Bag designs range from tote bags to backpacks, with the ideal choice depending primarily on how much stuff you need to carry, whether the bag needs to be stowed during transport, and whether you need collapsible bowls.
Below are reviews of 10 of the best dog travel bags that you can buy to help make your next trip with your dog more comfortable and convenient.
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The 10 Best Dog Travel Bags
1. PetAmi Dog Travel Bag – Best Overall
| Bag style: | Tote organizer |
| Material: | Polyester |
| Dimensions: | 14.5 x 8 x 12 inches |
| Collapsible bowls: | 2 |
While backpacks tend to offer more comfort and convenience when carrying them, they don’t offer as much space, compartmentalization, or stability as handled tote organizers like the PetAmi Dog Travel Bag.
The PetAmi comes in a good range of colors and designs and has two main compartments within the bag. One holds the two food containers that are included with your purchase, and the other similarly sized compartment can be used to hold blankets, coats, and other larger items. Multiple pockets also provide space for leashes, toys, and more. As well as the food containers, the bag also includes two collapsible bowls. The whole bag has a capacity of 22 liters (6 gallons), which should include enough room to hold food for a few days, but you may need something larger if you’re going away for a week or more.
The reasonable cost, decent size, and convenient and intelligent compartmental design of the bag make this the best available dog travel bag, but the cloth food containers are a challenge to clean, and the mesh pockets tend to leak their contents when you open the top.
- Compartmental design keeps everything in place
- Includes two food storage containers and two bowls
- Plenty of pockets and compartments
- Food containers are tricky to clean
- Top pockets could do with being zippered
2. Bundaloo Dog Travel Bag – Best Value
| Bag style: | Tote organizer |
| Material: | Polyethylene terephthalate |
| Dimensions: | 13.25 x 7 x 10.25 inches |
| Collapsible bowls: | 2 |
The Bundaloo Dog Travel Bag has a very similar design to that of the PetAmi above, but it does have a smaller capacity of approximately 16 liters (4 gallons), compared to the 22 of the PetAmi. However, it is very competitively priced, being one of the cheapest options on this list, and it has some good features.
The main section of the bag holds the included food storage containers and can be used for coats or blankets and leashes. There are also multiple pockets and the top pocket of the Bundaloo is zippered so everything stays in place. This bag also includes two collapsible containers.
It is small and is best suited to small breed dogs for day trips or, at a stretch, a weekend away. If you’re traveling any longer than this, you will need to take additional food in separate containers or use Ziplock bags. However, the low cost and the well-laid-out design make the Bundaloo the best dog travel bag for the money.
- Very competitively priced
- Plenty of pockets, including a zippered pocket at the top
- Includes two storage containers and two collapsible bowls
- Very small
3. Mobile Dog Gear Dog Travel Bag Deluxe – Premium Choice
| Bag style: | Backpack |
| Material: | Polyester |
| Dimensions: | 16 x 7 x 13 inches |
| Collapsible bowls: | 2 |
Backpacks are more convenient for carrying, which makes them ideal for hiking or camping trips, and also if you have a number of bags to carry. The load is spread across the bag and your hands are left free to carry other bags or to hold your dog’s leash. Although they tend to be smaller than handbags, this isn’t true of the Mobile Dog Gear Dog Travel Bag Deluxe. Its 24-liter capacity means it can carry more than the PetAmi and the Bundaloo above. It includes two food carriers and two collapsible bowls, and it also includes a placemat and is made from heavy-duty polyester to prevent damage and prolong its life.
It does have one large pocket, but if you want something with compartments this deluxe bag may not be the best choice. The design won’t be to everybody’s taste, either, plus the Mobile Dog Gear Dog Travel Bag Deluxe is expensive.
- The backpack is easy to carry
- Includes two food containers and two collapsible bowls
- Hardwearing design
- Expensive
- Only one pocket
4. ARCA PET Travel Bag
| Bag style: | Backpack |
| Material: | Polyester |
| Dimensions: | 14 x 6 x 13 inches |
| Collapsible bowls: | 2 |
If you’re traveling with a puppy, you don’t necessarily need as much storage space as you do for an adult dog, but you do still need plenty of space for food and bowls, while also having your hands free to be able to walk or, more likely, carry the puppy.
As such, a backpack design is your best option, and this ARCA PET travel bag, with 18 liters of carrying capacity, has enough room for puppy provisions while also being easy and comfortable to carry around. As well as the main compartment, it has pockets on either side, a double pocket on the back, and a pocket and poop bag or wipe dispenser on the front. It also includes one food storage container and two collapsible bowls.
The pockets are convenient, but because there are so many, they do reduce the amount of space in the main compartment of the bag and because you end up packing the main bag itself, there can be a problem with the stitching of the seams bursting. For a small dog or puppy with limited carrying requirements, though, it is a good quality bag for convenient carrying.
- Plenty of pockets for organization
- Includes a poop bag dispenser pocket
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Main compartment feels small
- Seam stitching can burst if the bag is overfilled
5. Higher Level Airline Approved Dog Travel Bag
| Bag style: | Tote organizer |
| Material: | Polyester |
| Dimensions: | 16 x 14 inches |
| Collapsible bowls: | 2 |
Taking your dog on a plane means you will need provisions for the journey, and ideally, these need to be on hand so that you can give your dog food and water when required. An airline travel bag needs to be big enough that it can hold everything you need but not so large or awkwardly shaped that it won’t be allowed on as hand luggage.
The Higher Level Airline Approved Dog Travel Bag measures 16 x 14 inches so it will fit under airline seats and should be accepted by all airlines. It includes two waterproof food containers and two collapsible food bowls. It has a large pocket on the front, pockets on either side, and a poop bag dispenser, which can be very convenient when you take your dog for a toilet break outside the airport.
The bag can also sit conveniently over extended baggage handles so it can be stacked on the trolley or while walking. It is a little more expensive than some of the alternatives, and although it can be worn as a backpack it isn’t comfortable to do so, but it is a well-sized bag that is very well suited for taking on airplanes.
- Airline-approved bag fits under plane seats
- Include two food containers and two collapsible bowls
- Can be stacked and carried with other luggage
- Not comfortable as a backpack
6. Lekesky Dog Travel Bag
| Bag style: | Tote organizer |
| Material: | Polyester |
| Dimensions: | 16.5 x 7.9 x 11.8 inches |
| Collapsible bowls: | 2 |
The 25-liter (6-gallon) Lekesky Dog Travel Bag is also airline compliant, fits under airline seats, and can be hooked around luggage handles. It has multiple pockets and side pockets, a poop bag dispenser, and includes two food containers and two collapsible bowls. It can be worn as a backpack and its dimensions mean that it is comfortable to do so. This one also comes with a placemat which can be rolled or folded and stored inside the bag when not in use.
If you opt for the gray design, it costs less than the purple bag, too. It is a sturdy bag, rather than one with collapsible sides, and because it retains its shape it is convenient for storing and moving, but something softer might prove more comfortable on the back.
- Airline compatible
- Decent price for the gray backpack
- Includes food storage containers and collapsible bowls
- Sturdy design not the most comfortable for carrying on the back
7. Tidify Dog Travel Bag
| Bag style: | Tote organizer |
| Material: | Polyester |
| Dimensions: | 16 x 8.5 x 12.5 inches |
| Collapsible bowls: | 2 |
Dog travel bags need to be portable, so they are easy to carry, while still offering enough room to carry whatever you need. The size of the bag you need will ultimately be determined by how many accessories and items your dog takes away, but also by the amount it eats and the length of time you’re going away for.
The Tidify Dog Travel Bag is large, with a 33-liter (8.5-gallon) capacity, and it offers plenty of pockets so that you can organize the items you take, but it is quite cumbersome. It comes with two food containers and two collapsible bowls, and a large front pocket that opens out to provide a feeding mat. It is also reasonably priced, considering what it includes and the size.
The bag includes a first-aid pouch, but this doesn’t include any first-aid items and is really just a pouch with first-aid written on it and a checklist of items to include.
- Large capacity
- Includes two food containers and two collapsible bowls
- Good price for the size
- First-aid pouch doesn’t include any first-aid items
- May be too large for some
8. Unique Dog Travel Bag
| Bag style: | Tote organizer |
| Material: | Polyester |
| Dimensions: | 14.96 x 8.66 x 11.81 inches |
| Collapsible bowls: | No |
The Unique Dog Travel Bag is something of a luxury travel bag and does cost a little more than most of the alternatives. However, rather than the silicone folding bowls, it has two stainless steel bowls. It also has an elevated dog bowl stand located in the front pocket, and it comes with a first-aid pouch and two food storage containers.
Although stainless steel bowls are better quality than silicone folding bowls, they are very small, and your dog will likely need multiple bowls. Because they are made of metal and don’t fold, they also take up more room than collapsible bowls. The elevated feeder is a unique touch, but it won’t be suitable for aggressive eaters who will easily topple the bowl and cause a mess.
The product is a good idea and has some good features, but it may be more convenient to replace the metal bowls with collapsible ones and ensure that the bag is full when using the elevated feeder.
- Stainless steel bowls are sturdier than collapsible silicone ones
- Elevated feeder is good for some dogs
- Bowls take up more room
- Bag can fall over when your dog is eating from the elevated bowls
9. Modoker Dog Travel Bag
| Bag style: | Tote organizer |
| Material: | Oxford |
| Dimensions: | 16 x 8 x 14 inches |
| Collapsible bowls: | 2 |
The Modoker Dog Travel Bag has nearly 30 liters (8 gallons) of capacity and multiple pockets, including one bag dispenser. It also has an internal Velcro divider and includes two food storage containers and two collapsible bowls. The travel bag is a little expensive for its size, although you do get all the accessories you need.
Although the bag is sturdy and seems well built, the Velcro divider is prone to moving around and the magnetic pocket sealer also tends to pop open, especially if the bag is full.
- Includes a poop bag dispenser pocket
- Includes food containers and collapsible bowls
- Magnetic pocket catches are prone to popping open
- Velcro divider is prone to coming loose
10. The Original Doggy Bag Backpack By Rubyloo
| Bag style: | Backpack |
| Material: | Polyester |
| Dimensions: | 17 x 6 x 11 inches |
| Collapsible bowls: | 2 |
If you enjoy taking your dog on day trips or out hiking with you, you will want a backpack that is lightweight and easy to carry. It doesn’t necessarily need the huge capacity that some of the travel bags offer but you can still benefit from the portability of the bag and the convenience of being able to carry food, treats, and other items.
The Original Doggy Bag Backpack by Rubyroo is a backpack with just 18 liters (4.5 gallons) of capacity so it won’t be suitable for weekends away, even, but the single food bag can be used to carry enough for one or two meals, and the two collapsible bowls can be used for water and food. There’s also a treat bag and the backpack has a poop bag dispenser at the bottom, making it easy to grab and go.
The backpack is comfortable and handy for days out, but it is a little expensive for its size and you will want something larger for anything longer than a day out.
- Easily accessible poop bag dispenser
- Includes a treat bag
- Small capacity only suitable for a day out
- Expensive for its size
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Travel Bags
A dog travel bag is really just a tote bag or a backpack, but it typically includes multiple pockets and maybe an internal wall or compartment that can be used to enhance organization. In most cases, dog travel bags also include collapsible bowls and dog food storage containers, and you can find some that have features like poop bag dispensers or even an elevated feeding platform. Although many of the bags look similar, there are some important features to consider to ensure that you get a bag that is best suited to your requirements and those of your dog.
Bag Type
There are many types of dog travel bags and general bags available, but the two most common and beneficial are the tote organizer and the backpack. These offer decent storage while still being easy to transport.
- Tote Organizer: The tote organizer tends to be square or rectangular and has a large internal compartment that is used to store the majority of provisions and items. The design of the bag means that it is typically carried in the hand using two handles, although some do include a shoulder strap and may also have backpack-type straps. These usually offer the most carrying capacity and are especially convenient for putting the trunk or sliding under the seat of a plane.
- Backpack: Backpacks are convenient because they can be slung over one shoulder or strapped over both shoulders, spreading the weight and making them easier to carry. However, what they offer in convenience and comfort, they tend to lose in capacity and organization. Best suited to day trips and if you need to keep your hands free, for example, to carry a puppy or to hold a dog leash, these are portable and convenient.
Dimensions & Capacity
Whatever style of bag, you will need to consider the dimensions and capacity of the bag to ensure that it will carry everything you need. At the very least, a dog travel bag will usually be used to carry food, leashes, and a toy or two. It may also carry a dog coat, blanket, water bottle, and food bowls, according to your activities and how long you are packing for. Up to 30 liters (8 gallons) can be considered a good size for a weekend, or perhaps a few days for a smaller dog breed, and if you need more space than this, you might need to consider alternative arrangements or having an additional storage bag for extra food and supplies.
Bowls
The vast majority of dog travel bags include collapsible bowls. These are silicone and they concertina down to a frisbee shape. They take up very little room in the bag, but they can be small and they won’t last forever. If you do find a bag that includes stainless steel bowls, these bowls are stronger but they don’t fold down, so they take up a lot more room in the bag. They also have to be quite small to fit in the bag so they won’t hold too much food.
Food Storage Containers
As well as food bowls, many of the bags include food storage containers. These enable you to store dry food, are usually waterproof, and negate the need to use plastic bags and other storage methods. Many of the bags on our list above include two containers, which means that you can fill one for a short trip and use the rest of the space for additional storage or fill both if you are away for a few days.
Poop Bag Dispenser
While food bowls and containers are quite commonplace, one feature that is less prevalent is a poop bag dispenser. These take the place of a small pocket. You can put a roll of poop bags inside and then pull a single bag from the dispenser, as needed, so you don’t have to open the bag and search for the roll every time.
Pockets
While most of the bags have large central bags that can be used to hold a selection of items, you will usually find at least one external pocket as well. External pockets are handy for keeping items that you need quick access to, like a leash or treats. And, you can even put your car keys in one of the pockets, as long as it has a zipper or other secure fastening.
Do You Need a Dog Travel Bag?
A dog travel bag is really just a standard bag with compartments and other storage solutions, as well as the usual inclusion of travel bowls. If you have a decent backpack or another bag that offers enough room, you don’t really need to buy a separate, dedicated dog travel bag. However, in the same way that a lot of new parents have dedicated changing bags, having a go bag for your dog so that it is ready to travel or head out with you whenever you want, is a good idea.
Conclusion
There are a surprising number of dog travel bags available, including both tote and backpack designs, and with a wide variety of dimensions and volumes. There are those with travel bowls and even one or two with permanent stainless-steel bowls.
Above, we have included reviews of 10 of the best dog travel bowls and found the Petami Dog Travel Bag to offer the best compromise of capacity and portability at a reasonable price. For value hunters, though, it is the Bundaloo Dog Travel Bag that appeals, although it is quite a small bag and may only be suitable for dogs with small appetites.
Featured Image Credit: Phuttharak, Shutterstock
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