Summer holidays are synonymous with travelling with families, but they also increasingly involve travelling with pets.
A recent survey shows that around half of pet owners will be travelling with their pets this summer, so our animal expert Steve Wilson and his little four-legged helpers are here with some gizmos, ranging from doggie life jackets and car seats to hands free leads and cat cams, to help you and man's best friend travel in style this summer.
Products featured
1. WHEELED PET CARRIER, £44.99 PETPLANET.CO.UK
For short trips you can carry it using the handle or shoulder strap, and for longer trips attach it to the trolley to save you discomfort and muscle pain. Perfect for trips away or just out and about with your favourite pet.
2. HANDS FREE DOG LEAD, £25.99, BOW-WOW-PETS.CO.UK
This hands free dog lead has got everything you need - whether you enjoy 'dog jogging' or just like to walk your dog hands free. It consists of an elasticated belt worn around the waist with a detachable lead. The lead is attached to the waist band with a specially designed hook which prevents the lead from getting twisted. The lead is expandable which, along with the elasticated waist band, softens any sudden tugs by your dog.
3. EZYDOG DOG LIFE JACKET, £27.95, DFORDOG.CO.UK
Made to the same standards as human life jackets. Unique ultra buoyancy foam is positioned within the life vest to keep your dog in a natural swimming position at all times. Adjustable straps at the front and back. The neoprene straps encircling the chest and abdomen are double width for maximum comfort and the fabrics and strapping used are rot-proof in both salt and fresh water.
4. HAPPY TRAILS STROLLER (PUSH CHAIR FOR DOGS), £68.22, VIOVET.CO.UK
Dog owners agree that dogs should have fresh air on a daily basis. For some pets, age or illness may prevent them from walking around on their own. Whether you are going on a short walk around the block or a long walk through the park or woodland, the Happy Trails Pet/Dog Stroller gives you the freedom to take your family pet anywhere you go. Ideal for puppies, kittens, small dogs, small animals, and older pets.
5. SOLVIT MEDIUM TAGALONG BOOSTER SEAT, £24.99, EASYANIMAL.CO.UK
Provides a comfy ride for your favourite four-legged passenger. Other booster seats sit too low, or they are supported by straps that attach to the front of the basket, making it difficult for pets to see out or move around. This design supports the seat from below, providing an unobstructed view and more comfortable ride for pets - with no clumsy straps to get in the their way.
6. DOG CAR SAFETY HARNESS, £11,99, DOGGIESOLUTIONS.CO.UK
The softex car harness is a completely padded harness for added comfort and safety when travelling
7. SLING-GO PET SLING, £29.99, DOGHAUS.CO.UK
Carry pets just like babies with the comfortable, safe and convenient hands free pet sling carrier. For use with dogs, cats and other small animals. Slips on and off easily, just like a handbag, and folds up to a small size, handy if not needed all of the time. Pets are secure, happy and comfortable.
8. EYENIMAL PET CAMERA, £79, DEBEN.COM
Just the gadget for anyone who wants to know what their pet gets up to when they are away. Free-roaming cats have a great time. But wouldn't you love to know what adventures they have, who they meet? Here's the ideal gadget for anyone who's curious about what their pet gets up to when they are out and about. This tiny camera weighs only 35 g and fits on most pet collars. It has a 4 GB flash memory that can record up to 2 1/2 hours of footage and has an integrated microphone.
9. CAR BOOT GIFT BOX, £32, WOOFWOOFHAMPERS.CO.UK
Keep this in the boot for your canine companion. Includes a Frisbee, a water bottle with drinking tray, a ball on a rope, animology stink bomb refreshing dog spray (just in case!), a tub of Coachies treats for being good, a poo torch - torch that holds poo bags (brilliant) with clip, and a hand towel for wipe down.
10A. PORTABLE PET WATER BOTTLE, £4.99, MUDDYPAWS.CO.UK
The Petgear water bottle is a bottle and bowl in one! Perfect for use in the car or out on walks it is the quick and easy way to give your dog a fresh, clean drink while on the move. Designed to prevent leaks and spills, simply flip the bottle out, squeeze and allow the water to flow down into the bowl.
10B. RUFFWEAR QUENCHER FOLDING TRAVEL BOWL, £16.99, MUDDYPAWS.CO.UK
Take the clunk out of the traditional dog bowl with a lightweight, portable and collapsible travel bowl. Designed to provide your canine companion with water when out and about, this handy collapsible bowl makes travelling a breeze. Perfect for use on the car or when our walking.
10C. KURGO COLLAPS-A-BOWL, £9.99, MUDDYPAWS.CO.UK
Everyone needs water and nourishment while travelling, especially your dog. If you're always on the go then you know how important a little thing like a travel dog bowl can be. Kurgo's Collaps-A-Bowl is barely an inch thick when collapsed!