Best Dog Travel Gear in Canada 2026: Kong and ZippyPaws Crates, Seatbelts and Carriers Compared

Planning a road trip with your dog this year? The right travel gear keeps your dog safe, calm, and secure whether you're heading up to cottage country or just crossing the GTA. As of 2026, Ashario Pets carries a range of dog travel gear including collapsible crates, car seatbelt tethers, carriers, and portable bowls from trusted brands like Kong and ZippyPaws. You can browse dog travel accessories and shop dog supplies to build a complete kit before you hit the road.

Canadian pet owners face specific challenges — long highway drives, cold winter loading, and provincial rules around restraint. Our team at Ashario Pets on Finch Ave gets a lot of questions from customers in the Yonge-Finch area about how to safely secure a dog for the car. This guide breaks down the gear that actually works, compares two of our most-requested brands, and gives you a practical checklist.

Key Takeaway: The best dog travel gear in Canada for 2026 combines a crash-rated or reinforced restraint (seatbelt tether or crate) with breathable comfort. Kong leans toward rugged, chew-resistant durability, while ZippyPaws offers lighter, more affordable options for calm travellers and smaller dogs.

What is the best dog travel gear for Canadian road trips in 2026?

The best dog travel gear for Canadian road trips in 2026 falls into four categories: vehicle restraints (seatbelt tethers), travel crates, carriers, and support items like collapsible bowls and travel mats. The single most important piece is a proper restraint — an unsecured dog is both a safety risk and, in many provinces, a distracted-driving concern.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, restraining pets in vehicles reduces driver distraction and lowers the risk of injury to both pet and passengers in a collision. In our store we see customers who've had close calls with loose dogs jumping between seats — a secured dog is calmer and safer.

Here's how the categories stack up for typical Canadian use:

• Seatbelt tethers — Best for medium-to-large dogs on shorter trips. Clip to a harness (never a collar) and attach to the seatbelt buckle or LATCH anchor. Look for tethers rated for at least 25–45 kg pull strength.
• Travel crates — Best for the safest containment, especially for anxious dogs or SUV cargo areas. A crate roughly 15 cm longer than your dog's body length lets them stand and turn.
• Carriers — Best for small dogs under 9 kg (20 lbs), airline cabins, and quick errands. Soft-sided carriers with mesh panels offer ventilation.
• Support gear — Collapsible bowls, spill-proof water bottles, travel mats, and waste bags round out the kit.

You can shop all dog products in North York or online. Our team recommends fitting any harness or carrier before a long drive so your dog adjusts to it gradually.

Kong vs ZippyPaws travel gear: which brand should Canadian owners buy?

Kong and ZippyPaws are both carried at Ashario Pets, and they serve different travel needs. Kong is the go-to for durability and heavy chewers — its restraint and crate products emphasize reinforced construction. ZippyPaws focuses on lightweight, budget-friendly, comfort-oriented gear that suits calm dogs and smaller breeds.

When a customer comes in with a strong-jawed Lab or Shepherd that destroys everything, we typically point them toward Kong's rugged line. For a mellow Cavalier or a senior dog who just needs a comfy secured spot, ZippyPaws often makes more sense and costs less.

Both brands are widely respected. The American Kennel Club stresses that no single restraint suits every dog — fit and weight rating matter more than brand loyalty. Measure your dog before buying: chest girth for harnesses, and body length plus 15 cm for crates.

How do dog car seatbelts work, and are they required in Canada?

A dog car seatbelt is a tether that clips a dog's harness to the vehicle's seatbelt buckle or LATCH anchor, limiting movement in a crash or sudden stop. While no single national law mandates dog restraints across Canada, most provinces treat an unrestrained pet that distracts the driver as a distracted-driving offence — which can carry fines and demerit points in Ontario.

Never clip a tether to a flat collar; the force in a stop can injure your dog's neck. Always attach to a well-fitted, padded harness that distributes force across the chest. Look for tethers with metal (not plastic) hardware and an adjustable length of roughly 30–60 cm so your dog can sit and lie down but not reach the front seats.

The ASPCA notes that a properly fitted harness-and-tether system reduces the chance of a dog being thrown or escaping during an emergency. Our team at the North York store usually recommends test-fitting the harness in-store so you can check the two-finger rule: you should fit two fingers between the strap and your dog's body.

Ready to secure your dog? You can shop dog travel supplies including harnesses and tethers, or contact our North York team for sizing help.

Travel crates vs carriers: which is safer for your dog?

Travel crates offer the highest level of containment and are safest for anxious dogs, large breeds, and cargo-area travel, while soft carriers are best for small dogs under 9 kg and airline cabin trips. The right choice depends on your dog's size, temperament, and where they'll ride.

A well-sized crate should let your dog stand fully, turn around, and lie down comfortably — measure from nose to tail base and add about 15 cm. For SUVs and wagons, a hard-sided or reinforced crate secured with straps prevents sliding. Wire crates are collapsible and great for camping stops but offer less crash protection.

Soft carriers shine for city dogs and small breeds. Look for mesh panels for airflow, a padded shoulder strap, and a base rated for your dog's weight. Pet owners tell us that a familiar-smelling blanket or a favourite toy inside the carrier dramatically reduces travel stress on the first few trips.

• Choose a crate if: your dog is over 13 kg, gets anxious, chews, or rides in a cargo area.
• Choose a carrier if: your dog is under 9 kg, travels by air, or joins you on short urban trips.

Browse our full range of dog travel accessories to compare options in person at our Finch Ave location.

Road trip dog supplies checklist for Canadian travellers

A complete Canadian road-trip dog kit includes a restraint, hydration gear, food storage, waste supplies, and comfort items. Packing these ahead of time prevents mid-trip scrambles and keeps your dog fed, watered, and calm across long distances.

Here's the checklist our North York team suggests for a weekend or longer trip:

1. Restraint — Crash-tested harness with tether, or a secured travel crate.
2. Collapsible bowls — One for food, one for water. Look for silicone models that pack flat.
3. Spill-proof water bottle — Aim for at least 60 ml of water per kg of body weight daily, more in summer heat.
4. Food portions — Pre-measure meals in sealed bags. If your dog eats dry dog food, portion by kcal — most adult dogs need 25–30 kcal per pound of body weight daily.
5. Travel-friendly treats — Air-dried or freeze-dried options travel well and won't melt. Shop dog treats for the trip.
6. Waste bags — Earth Rated dispensers clip to a leash. We carry these year-round.
7. Comfort items — Familiar blanket, chew toy, and a travel mat.
8. Health items — Copy of vaccination records, and any supplements your vet recommends. Browse dog health and wellness products.

Bottom Line: Pre-portioned food, plenty of water, a secure restraint, and one familiar comfort item cover 90% of what your dog needs on the road. Frequent stops every 2–3 hours for bathroom breaks and stretching keep long drives comfortable.

For dogs on raw dog food diets, remember that raw meals need a cooler with ice packs — plan your stops around meal times and don't leave raw food unrefrigerated for more than about 2 hours.

Final thoughts on choosing dog travel gear in Canada

The right travel gear turns a stressful drive into an easy one. Prioritize a properly fitted restraint first, then layer in hydration, food storage, and comfort items. Kong suits rugged, chew-prone dogs; ZippyPaws works well for calmer, smaller companions. Whatever you choose, fit it before your trip so your dog is comfortable and secure from the first kilometre.

Our nutrition and gear experts at the North York store are happy to help you measure, fit, and compare options in person. Learn more about our commitment to pet care or read verified customer reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Travel Gear in Canada

Is a dog seatbelt required by law in Canada?

No single national law mandates dog seatbelts in Canada, but most provinces treat an unrestrained pet that distracts the driver as a distracted-driving offence. In Ontario, distracted driving can carry fines and demerit points. A harness-and-tether restraint keeps your dog safe and keeps you compliant. As of 2026, always check your specific province's highway traffic rules before a trip.

What size travel crate does my dog need?

Measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail, then add about 15 cm (6 inches) for length. The crate should let your dog stand fully, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A crate that's too large reduces crash protection because the dog can slide, while one too small is uncomfortable. Our North York team can help you match a size to your dog.

Can I use a regular collar with a car seatbelt tether?

No. Never attach a car tether to a flat collar — the force during a sudden stop can seriously injure your dog's neck. Always use a padded, well-fitted harness that spreads force across the chest. Check the fit with the two-finger rule: two fingers should fit between the strap and your dog's body.

How often should I stop when road tripping with my dog?

Stop every 2 to 3 hours to let your dog relieve themselves, drink water, and stretch. Offer fresh water at each stop and aim for roughly 60 ml of water per kg of body weight daily, more in hot weather. Never leave a dog in a parked car — interior temperatures can become dangerous within minutes.

What travel gear brands does Ashario Pets carry?

Ashario Pets carries dog travel accessories from brands including Kong, ZippyPaws, Earth Rated, Petmate, and JW Pet, plus harnesses, collars, leashes, collapsible bowls, and travel gear. Visit our North York store at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, or browse our dog accessories collection online.