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Best Pet Travel Gear from Global Pet Expo 2025: Our Top Picks
- AlizaBodzin
- Apr 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 3
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love and believe will help you travel safely and comfortably with your pet.
At this year’s Global Pet Expo, we had the opportunity to check out dozens of innovative pet travel products designed to make journeys with your dogs and cats safer and more comfortable. After experiencing full product demos and getting our questions answered by company reps, we've carefully selected some of the travel essentials that most impressed us in quality, versatility and design. In this article, we’ll share the products that we believe will make a real difference in the way you travel with your pet, from everyday car safety to carry-on-approved carriers.
Why we love it: Crash-tested and available in different sizes.
These heavy-duty crates are designed for use in the trunk or cargo area of SUVs and hatchbacks. They come in a variety of sizes (typically between 5–10, depending on the market) and include features like multiple openings and a built-in crumple zone for safety in case of an accident. Thule crates come at a cost, but the peace of mind they provide is priceless. At PadsPass, we believe your pet’s safety is always worth the investment.
Why we love it: Functional, multi-purpose design, built-in litter box.
This is one of the most practical carriers we’ve seen for traveling cat parents. It’s well-ventilated, and once you arrive at your destination, it easily converts into a temporary litter box. There are built-in compartments for storing a scoop and small litter bag, making it ideal for road trips or long-distance moves with cats.
Sky Pack K9 Sport Sack (available this summer)
Why we love it: Lightweight and multi-purpose.
We got an in-depth demo of this soon-to-launch pet travel carrier and backpack by K9 Sport Sack. We were impressed by how easy it is to convert between a traditional carrier and a backpack-style bag. It’s designed for air and train travel but would also work well for hands-free trips for local adventures and on public transit. At a confirmed weight of 3 lbs (1.5 kg), it won’t add much to your carry-on weight, and the mesh helps keep pets cool while providing structure. A little learning curve with the straps—but once you’ve done it once, it’s a breeze.
Our team is looking forward to testing out the final version of the Sky Pack this summer. Until then, check out their full range of carriers, backpacks, and accessories and save 10% off your purchase here—we're big fans of their innovative designs and pet-first approach to travel gear!
Why we love it: Rental car friendly, carry-on bag compatible, and an everyday safety essential.
This simple but effective strap makes buckling in your dog fast and frustration-free. It’s especially handy when using rental cars thanks to its compatibility with most vehicles. Installation takes under a minute. The hardest part? According to our Head of Barketing, Peru, it was figuring out that those mysterious hooks in the back seat—meant for human car seats—are also perfect for clipping in the KONG strap.
Kurgo Car Seat Covers & Hammocks
Why we love it: Waterproof, easy to install, and pet-parent friendly.
These Kurgo seat covers and hammocks are made to protect your car from muddy paws, shedding fur, and accidents. We love that they allow access to seatbelt buckles—so you can keep your pet secured while also using the KONG strap or another car harness. An excellent upgrade for any pet-traveling vehicle and a great way to protect rental-car seats.
Why we love it: Expandable and different sizes available at a great price point.
This soft-sided carrier comes in three sizes and features an expandable mesh siding, giving your pet extra room to stretch out mid-journey. It has two doors, is foldable, lightweight, and makes a fantastic first carrier or reliable backup. It’s well-ventilated, available in multiple colors, and comes in under $100.
A Paws for Final Thoughts
Our team at PadsPass believes that investing in the right travel essentials helps keep your pet safe and comfortable while in transit. We'd love to know which product you're most interested in or are excited to try out before your next trip with your pet!
Want personalized travel product recommendations? The PadsPass team helps pet parents like you to plan and prepare smarter for every journey while we build our app. For one-on-one travel support services, we encourage you to inquire about our VIPP (Very Important Pet Parent) services, especially if you're seeking product recommendations based on your trip itinerary, country of residence, travel budget, and pet’s preferences.
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