14 Road Trip Essentials I actually use as a dog mom and traveling dog photographer

If you’ve ever fantasized about hitting the road with your dog (and camera), let me be the first to say: do it. But also, pack smart.

I’m currently 21 days into a cross-country trip from Virginia to the Oregon Coast with Cedar. We've driven over 3,800 miles through 11 states, and let me tell you, not all travel checklists are created equal.

So instead of a Pinterest-perfect “dog road trip” list, here’s a no-fluff roundup of the 14 essentials I actually use, outside of the normal. . . from field-tested dog gear to the random little things that have saved my sanity more than once.

Oh, there are links in here for ease of sourcing things. . . I get zero commission if you purchase anything.

The love of my life.

🐾 7 things I use for Cedar

1. Dogtra Arc E-Collar with hands-free button

Discreet remote, 127 levels, waterproof. Everything I want for off-leash play in big open spaces. Cedar’s working level is an 8, and I love that I can fine-tune it that precisely. The best thing about this collar, the hands-free button. This means I can pop that remote in my backpack and use the button (that you can customize to vibrate, nick, or continuous) as needed.

Will this replace my Garmin Alpha TT25? Absolutely not, but her hunting collar with 9-mile GPS range is a bit overkill when we’re around town or romping in the surf at Cannon Beach.

2. Long Line

When we can’t go fully off-leash (National Parks, stealth van parking), a long line gives her freedom to explore without the risk.

3. Hands-Free Biothane Leash

This thing has been a game changer for balancing camera gear, trail snacks, and dog wrangling all at once. Mine is from Reign Outdoor Company, and so comfortable. I can wrap it around my waist while walking and use the shorter traffic handle if I need to pull Cedar in closer.

4. Wondercide Peppermint Bug Spray

Non-toxic, effective, and smells great. We use this daily, especially in tick-heavy zones. It’s also quite useful and effective against mosquitoes and other flying bugs on hikes for people, too.

5. Gunner Kennel + Fan

Rock-solid safety for long drives and rest stops. The fan keeps her cool while I pop into a store or shower at a campground.

6. Blink Camera

If I leave her in the van or an Airbnb, I can check on her in real time. Honestly, more for my peace of mind than hers. The camera also has a temperature monitor on it, but I prefer to use the Govee one. It’s WiFi and Bluetooth, and it also monitors humidity.

7. Oversized Blanket for Airbnb Furniture

Because “pet-friendly” doesn’t always mean “dog-on-the-couch friendly.” And in my experience, I’ve never found this out until after we get the check-in information.

Cedar admiring the sunset over Hug Point, Oregon Coast.

🚐 3 things I use for me (and my sanity)

8. Thermacell Mosquito Repeller

No buzzing. No bites. Works like magic. I use it every night I sit outside.

9. Zivo Flying Insect Trap 

Because no matter how careful I am, some flying thing will make it into the van. This gets them without buzzing in my ear all night.

10. RinseKit Cube (with hyper heater shower)

Portable shower, muddy dog rinsing station, beach cleanup tool—this thing is multipurpose magic.

🧠 Bonus: 4 things that keep me functioning

11. Keen Water Sandals

Because you will end up walking farther than you planned and encountering stream and river crossings. These sandals are comfy both wet and dry.

12. Dometic Fridge/Freezer Combo

I couldn’t do this trip without the fridge, but oh man, the freezer function is what makes this cooler! I vacuum seal and freeze meats and ready-to-go meals so all I need to do is heat them up when I get to the campsite for the night. Plus, it fits a nice 7lb bag of ice so I can make iced coffees right next to Cedar’s frozen raw meals.

13. Electrolytes

Specifically LMNT. More specifically, the lemonade, grapefruit, and mango chilli flavors. (If you like tequila, any of those flavors pair extremely well.

14. Low Expectations + A Sense of Humor

Because nothing ever goes fully as planned, and that’s part of the story. Flexibility makes the best travel companion (besides your dog, of course).

Cedar at sunset - Hug Point, Oregon Coast

Cedar in Eastern Washington

Being a traveling dog photographer isn’t always glamorous, but it is 100% worth it. Whether you’re headed out for a weekend getaway or a full-blown cross-country trip, I hope this list gives you a real look at what makes it doable (and more fun).

Got a favorite piece of gear I should try? I’d love to hear from you! Drop it in the comments or shoot me a message over on Instagram.

And if you’re dreaming of a photo session in the wild with your dog, let’s talk. I still have a few open sessions left on my return trip back to Virginia.

PS: Obvious essentials that still need to be listed

• Food & vet records

• Meds & first aid kit

• Download Google Maps for offline use

• Download song playlist for offline use

• Pay for iOverlander2. Seriously, it’ll pay for itself the first time you find a spot other than a KOA.

• A camera. Doesn’t matter the kind, the best kind is the one you have with you.