Traveling with a pet can be exciting, but the cost of travel gear, accessories, and essentials can quickly add up. Carriers, travel bowls, harnesses, beds, seat covers, grooming supplies, and emergency items all seem necessary—and often come with premium price tags. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to ensure your pet is safe, comfortable, and happy on the road.
The key is knowing which travel items are genuinely worth purchasing, which ones can be replaced with budget-friendly alternatives, and which ones you can skip entirely. With the right strategies, you can pack everything your pet needs while still keeping your trip affordable.
Here are simple, practical ways to save money on pet travel gear and essentials.
Start by Using What You Already Have
Before buying anything new, check what items you already own that can be repurposed for travel. Many pet owners spend money on “travel versions” of items they already have at home.
Look around your home for:
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Regular blankets that can double as travel bedding
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A tote bag or backpack that works as a pet travel bag
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Food storage containers you already use in the kitchen
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Water bottles that can serve as makeshift travel bowls
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Old towels for cleaning messes or drying your pet
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Extra leashes, collars, or harnesses you rarely use
Most pets feel more comfortable traveling with familiar items anyway, so using what you already own is both budget-friendly and comforting for your pet.
Borrow Gear for One-Time or Rare Trips
If you don’t travel often with your pet, you don’t need to invest in a full set of gear. Borrowing can save you significant money—especially on big-ticket items.
You can borrow:
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Hard-shell carriers
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Pet travel crates
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Car seat covers
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Travel beds
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Airline-approved carriers
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Cooling or heating mats
Ask family, friends, neighbors, or local pet groups. Many pet owners are happy to lend unused pet travel gear.
Buy Multi-Purpose Items Instead of Single-Use Gear
Pet stores often advertise “specialized” travel accessories for almost every situation, but many of these items duplicate functions you can get from simpler, cheaper gear.
Multi-purpose items save space and money. For example:
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A foldable, non-slip blanket can serve as a bed, car seat cover, and picnic mat.
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A collapsible silicone bowl works for both food and water.
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A sturdy harness doubles as a walking harness and car seatbelt hookup.
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A soft-sided carrier can double as an indoor resting crate.
Choosing a few versatile items prevents overspending and keeps your packing list minimal.
Shop Secondhand Whenever Possible
Pet travel gear is rarely used for long periods, so many items still look new when offered secondhand. You can often find carriers, beds, bags, and accessories in excellent condition at a fraction of the original price.
Look for deals at:
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Online marketplaces
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Local classifieds
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Pet owner Facebook groups
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Garage sales
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Thrift stores
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Pet organizations or shelters holding donation sales
Just make sure items are clean, secure, and damage-free before using them.
Compare Prices Before Buying Anything New
Pet travel gear is one of the most marked-up categories in pet retail. The same item can vary wildly in price across different stores. Take a few minutes to compare:
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Big-box pet stores
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Online retailers
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Local pet shops
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Discount or warehouse stores
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Seasonal clearance sections
Comparing prices ensures you never pay more than you should—especially on high-demand items like carriers, bowls, and harnesses.
Skip Brand Names—Choose Quality, Not Labels
Many pet owners assume that only well-known brands offer safe or comfortable travel items. But the truth is that lesser-known brands often use the same materials and manufacturing standards—without the brand-name premium.
Focus on:
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Strong stitching
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Safe, durable materials
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Comfortable padding
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Secure closures
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Stable structures
A high-quality no-name item can perform just as well (or better) than a pricey branded version.
Take Advantage of Seasonal and Clearance Sales
Pet travel gear tends to be most affordable during seasonal shifts, especially:
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End of summer (pet cooling gear, carriers, outdoor travel sets)
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End of winter (beds, jackets, portable warmers)
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Holiday clearance (gift sets, bundles, travel kits)
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Even basic items like leashes and bowls get marked down during off-season sales. Stocking up during these periods helps you save long-term.
Invest in Items That Truly Matter—and Skip the Extras
Some pet travel items are necessities; others are convenience items you can safely skip.
Worth investing in:
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A safe, comfortable carrier
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A strong harness and leash
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Travel-friendly bowls
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A soft blanket or mat
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Waste bags
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A basic first-aid kit
Not necessary:
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Pet-specific water bottles
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Designer carriers
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Fancy travel beds
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High-tech feeders or cooling bowls
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Single-use wipes when a towel works fine
Focus on what your pet actually needs to stay safe and comfortable.
DIY Your Pet Travel Essentials
Some pet travel gear is incredibly easy to make yourself. With simple household items, you can create budget-friendly solutions that work just as well as store-bought versions.
Easy DIY ideas include:
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A travel bed: Use an old pillow inside a washable pillowcase.
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A travel blanket: Cut a soft fleece blanket into a smaller size.
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A portable treat pouch: Use a small cosmetic or pencil bag.
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A waterproof mat: Use a plastic tablecloth folded into sections.
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A first-aid kit: Combine pet-safe items you already have at home.
DIY items reduce costs and let you customize based on your pet’s needs.
Pack Smart to Avoid Buying Extra Supplies During the Trip
Many pet travel expenses happen because owners forget essentials and are forced to buy overpriced replacements at gas stations, airports, or tourist areas.
Prevent overspending by packing:
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Enough food for the entire trip
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Extra waste bags
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A backup leash
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Extra water bottles
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Towels for muddy or wet paws
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Cleaning wipes or cloths
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Medications and preventatives
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Extra zip bags for storing snacks or leftovers
Proper packing ensures you avoid emergency purchases—and keeps your trip running smoothly.
Use Travel-Safe Food Storage Instead of Buying Small Packs
Instead of buying miniature, travel-sized bags of food or treats, portion your own pet food into airtight containers or resealable bags. Small packs are convenient but cost far more per ounce.
Bulk food at home + smart packing = huge savings.
Bring Familiar Items to Reduce Stress (and Costs)
An anxious pet can require extra purchases on the road—new toys, calming sprays, anxiety supplements, or emergency bedding. Bringing familiar comfort items reduces stress and saves money.
Pack items such as:
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Favorite toys
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Familiar blankets
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A well-loved bed
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Your pet’s usual food
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A piece of clothing that smells like you
A calm pet is far less likely to need additional products or sudden care.
Consider Multi-Pet Solutions if You Have More Than One Pet
If you have multiple pets, don’t buy everything twice. Some items can be shared, including:
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Travel crates (if your pets coexist well)
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Water bowls
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Bed blankets
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Grooming supplies
You’ll only need to double up on personal items such as leashes, harnesses, and food bowls.
Saving money on pet travel gear and essentials doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or comfort. With strategic planning, smart shopping, and a willingness to repurpose what you already have, you can create a safe and enjoyable travel setup for your pet without overspending.
The best part is that many of these savings come naturally—simply by focusing on essentials, choosing multipurpose items, packing carefully, and avoiding unnecessary impulse buys. Your pet doesn’t need expensive gear to enjoy the journey. They just need comfort, familiarity, and a stress-free environment by your side.
Traveling with your pet should feel joyful—not expensive—and with these simple tips, you’ll be ready for your next adventure without stretching your budget.