How we chose the best dog travel beds
Your desired properties may depend on where you are going, your dog’s personality and how they like to sleep so it can be hard finding the right balance. But in general, we considered everything below.
It is good to try and find a balance between waterproof material and comfort. Whether the bed will be on the plain ground, or your dog will be muddy, they still need to sleep well. Many travel beds are made from some sort of nylon or polyester which gives a good balance. This is why a home dog bed won’t suffice, as they aren’t made for the great outdoors.
There are beds made from more plush fabrics or which are completely waterproof if necessary, though. All of those on our list are washable, either by hand or by washing machine. Perfect for when you get home and are already getting everything ready for the next trip.
There is no point in buying something which is small and space-saving during transportation if your dog can’t fit on it when going to sleep. Most of those on our list come in varying sizes so you can opt for the best.
If you do need a larger bed for your huge breed, look out for portability properties such as it being foldable/rollable or coming in a carry bag with handles. Some will roll into the size of a human sleeping bag so aren’t too bulky to carry.
But don’t get one that is too big, for your sake – when space is limited, you don’t want to be struggling. Something like a raised bed could work well here.
Most travel dog beds will either roll or fold up, with buckles or ties to keep it all together and handles for easier carrying. Think about just how you will be carrying it, though. If you’re just going from the car to a campsite or beach, carry handles are fine, but if you are off on a hike with a large rucksack, you may want something which can fasten to this like your human sleeping bag.
There are also different types of dog travel beds available. Do they want a sleeping bag? Just a foam mat? A very cushioned almost-good-enough-for-human-use bed? While they can’t answer your question, think about how they sleep at home. If they’re always under a blanket, a sleeping bag could be good. They will still be able to just sleep on top of it if it is warm.
If you will be staying in a car or have a long drive, dedicated dog travel beds are available. They can still be used in a tent or outside, but are usually more plush and able to safely secure to a car seat.