Nowadays, our puppy Georgie goes pretty much everywhere I go. A quick trip to the pharmacy, a Walmart run, or a Saturday morning at the farmer’s market? She comes along with me, traveling in my Jeep inside the safety of her Sleepypod mobile pet bed.
It’s been a long time since I had a baby (a human one, that is), but I can assure you that I never left the house without a well-stocked diaper bag. Be prepared; that was always my motto as a mom. And now that Georgie is with me nearly every time I leave the house, I feel the same way.
I just never know what kind of situation may arise with my puppy while we’re out and about, and because I believe it’s always better to be safe than sorry, I never leave home without my “doggy diaper bag” filled with on-the-go essentials for dogs. Take a look.

On-The-Go Essentials for Dogs
1) Travel food and water bowls, because you just never know when your mutt is going to get hungry or need a drink of water;
2) Pee pads. These are always good to have on hand.
3) Toys. Georgie loves stuffies that she can cuddle with, as well as chewy toys that she can gnaw on.
4) Collar and ID tag, and make sure the ID tag has your current contact information. Outdated information will do you no good if your dog becomes lost.
5) Poop bags, because, you know, it happens.
6) Soft harness, like this one from Puppia. I really love using soft harnesses with my dogs, and there are so many pretty colors and patterns to choose from.
7) Small blanket or towel because you just never know when you might need them.
8) Tote bag to put all your on-the-go essentials inside.
I feel so much more prepared to travel with my dogs when my on-the-go bag is well-stocked and in the Jeep.
You’d never leave home with small children without being fully prepared, so why would you do it with your dogs?
Do you have some on-the-go essentials that you always take with you and your dog?
I’d love for you to share them in a comment below, or visit our Facebook page and join the conversation!
Edited to add: before taking your dog into a store, restaurant, or other public place, be sure to verify that your pet is indeed allowed to be there. Many stores, restaurants, and businesses are very pet-friendly and will welcome your well-behaved, leashed, and vaccinated pet.
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Those are some great essentials! Cute tote bag to carry it all too.
She is not a service dog so can you please explain why you are taking her into Walmart? Being a person with a disability who uses a highly trained service dog , people who bring pets in stores that has food goes against health code. Indiana does not allow public access to emotional support animals.
I have never had anyone at Walmart (or anywhere else) ask me not to bring her in, and there’s nothing on the doors at my local store that indicates she isn’t welcome (I ALWAYS check before taking her in a store). I don’t take her on the food side of the store, and in fact, I don’t think she’s ever gone anywhere other than the pharmacy and health & beauty aids. If there is ever any question, and a store employer were to tell me that she can’t be there, I would immediately leave with her.
I have two different lists. One for “about town” or “weekend away” travel versus … our trips overseas! I do have bug repellent in both cases. A natural tick and flea spray. A much smaller bottle for the “short” travel and an airline approved spray bottle in the “long term” bag. AND… because I have a long hair Chihuahua, the little man sometimes gets amessy bottom so I have eco wipes as well.
This is a great layout of items. I have Earth Rated as my fave poop bag ever and that Puppia harness is too cute for words.
I remember after my children had grown I thought it was so nice not to have to pack a bag anymore – then I got Edie and I still pack a bag! I always keep a bag with towels, paper towels and wipes in my trunk and before I leave to ge anywhere, I add fresh water, treats and bowls for her to drink out of.
I have to admit, my diaper bag wasn’t always well stocked by the time I got to #3 (and I mean ZERO diapers. oops). I have found wet wipes to be extremely helpful when out with my corgis. Most of the other things on your list, too. LOVE the harness; Lele has one in ocean blue; I love the plaid more! (I’ts been fun shopping for a little FEMALE dog with her; I bet you’re enjoying it with Georgie, too. I’m sure she’s a doll!
Love Puppia harnesses, though I don’t use them much. Nola can slip them, sigh. Big Earth Rated fan, too!
I always bring treats (never know when there may be a training or photo shoot opportunity!), usually the Nikon, puppy wipes, and collapsable bowls/water bottle.
The toy next to the teddy bear, the dental chew looks exactly like one of Bella’s favorites , but I can’t find any refills any place? Does this one come with round chews that you screw in the sides? ?