2024 Holiday Gift Guide for Adventure-Loving Dogs and Cats
It’s that time of year again; can you believe it? The snow is falling, people are making family holiday plans, and pet parents (like us) are searching for that PERFECT gift for our best friends this holiday season.
This year, we are facing a unique challenge – the Canada Post Strike.
Many Canadian pet parents (ourselves included) were trying to wait it out before completing our holiday shopping. However, that still leaves many of us unsure of where to turn.
Luckily, many incredible brands have stepped up and found solutions for Canadian pet parents.
This year’s holiday gift guide features products, brands, and gift suggestions that are either available to be shipped online (despite the strike) or that we have found in our local pet stores, including PetSmart, Pet Valu, and (our favourite local store) Global Pet Foods.
If you’re still stuck on what to buy for the adventure-loving pet in your life, we’ve got you covered!
Some items included in this gift guide were given to us by the brand for consideration, but the opinions shared about these products are all our own. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, we will make a commission (at no cost to you). See my full disclosure policy for more details.
DuraForce Dog Toys
Earlier in 2024, a representative from DuraForce contacted us about their “super tough stuffed toys that could stand up to a surprising amount of abuse,” and offered to send a sample.
I’ll be honest, I was skeptical. After all, Lucifer is known for his ability to destroy every toy that enters our house.
To say I was surprised is an understatement. It was quickly apparent that we had discovered his new favourite toy for outdoor adventures, especially playing in the water.
The toys are made with a durable webbing material. They have squeakers, float in the water, and (every dog parent’s dream) they are machine washable.
One important note to make is that after a while, they do get waterlogged and have to dry out to keep floating. We learned that firsthand when Lucifer just wanted to play in the lake with his seahorse all day at Haliburton Forest.
We have 3 of their toys already:
- Blue Seahorse (pictured above, Lucifer’s favourite)
- Orange Boomerang
- 3-Way Tug
After seeing how well they have handled this adventure season, we’ll be adding more to our collection.
Canophera Natural Wood Chews for Dogs
Do you have dogs who LOVE chewing? If so, this option is for you.
After adopting Willow, we quickly realized we were facing a new challenge when camping (or at home by the woodstove). Her love of chewing wood had her stealing firewood every chance she could.
The desire to chew is natural. The problem lies in the risks of chewing the rough firewood and its many splinters/pieces that could cause an injury.
Instead, we picked up Canophera wood chews for both pups.
These are made from caffeine-free wood from the coffee tree. This particular wood has fibres that soften and break off in digestible flakes when chewed, making them safer for our pups.
Plus, they can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup by cleaning your dog’s teeth as they chew.
The brands we saw (including Canophera) all have size guidelines on their products, so be sure to pay attention and buy the right size for your dog.
Mia’s Muzzles Custom Vinyl Muzzles
One of the highlights of 2024 for us is the new partnership we have formed with Mia’s Muzzles.
This well-known custom muzzle maker has created quite a reputation for herself due to her high-quality vinyl muzzles in a range of styles to accommodate every pup’s needs.
She has options to accommodate high-bite-risk dogs, scavengers, active pups needing more airflow, and everything in between. Plus, her custom offerings allow her to fit her muzzles for dogs of all sizes, from tiny toy breeds to the biggest XL dogs.
Our partnership is focused on helping to spread the word about the power of muzzles as a tool while also breaking the stigma about muzzle use and reactivity in dogs.
(If you have been around The Kas Pack for long, you already know Lucifer is a fear-reactive pup.)
As part of this, we switched Lucifer from his previous basket muzzle to The Adventurer, a model Mia offers that provides dogs with additional ventilation and drainage for their active lifestyles.
To say this muzzle has been a game-changer is an understatement!
If you’re looking for a functional gift to help give your dog the best quality of life despite their unique quirks or challenges, this is the perfect opportunity!
RC Pets Momentum Control Harness
Finding a harness that properly fits your dog or cat is essential in preparing for outdoor adventures. However, this can be a challenge if your pet has a unique body shape.
We first encountered this struggle with Lucifer’s mixed breed proportions.
After trying many harness options, the first we found that would actually allow him to be comfortable while keeping him secure was the Momentum Control Harness from RC Pets.
With five adjustment points, we found it easy to size it to fit Lucifer like a glove.
In fact, we were so impressed by this harness that we bought the same model for Willow after we adopted her, and it worked amazingly for her, too.
If you’re looking for a gear upgrade this season, we highly recommend checking it out.
NOTE: While the Momentum Control Harness does come in smaller sizes, we recommend adventure cat parents check out the RC Pets Adventure Kitty Harness.
**NOTE: The promo code applies to regular-priced items only and cannot be used on discounted or clearance products (this includes the Walking Kit and the Good Dog Kit, which are already discounted or products that are temporarily offered at a lower price during our upcoming Winter Sale.)
The code cannot be stacked with other promotions, such as special discounts on orders over $100 or in conjunction with smaller discounts offered to new newsletter subscribers.
Kuma Outdoor Gear Lazy Bear Heated Chair & Lazy Bear Dog Bed
This option is for you and your pup, but we are so unbelievably in love with this addition to our camping gear that we couldn’t pass up the chance to share.
Those who have been following The Kas Pack already know our love for the Canadian company KUMA Outdoor Gear. We’ve previously shared the Bear Den Gazebo, our go-to dining shelter.
Recently, we had a chance to collaborate with the company and test a couple of new items that will take your car camping adventures to the next level.
The Lazy Bear Heated Chair is a cozy camping chair with a unique feature – built-in heating.
If you’re planning a getaway in the winter, early spring, or late fall, I promise this will be your favourite spot on the campsite to hang out.
Not only do I find it incredibly comfortable for our cooler weather adventures, but Lucifer has quickly fallen in love, too.
As a cuddly puppy, he loves that the chair’s shape is perfect for snuggling together (and he’s definitely not against the added benefit of enjoying the heat).
The Lazy Bear Dog Bed is perfect for pets not as interested in snuggling by the fire.
This raised dog bed keeps your pup up and off the cold ground during the cooler months. In the summer, it allows for more airflow, helping to cool your dog down.
A detachable sleeping pad in the bed can be removed for easy cleaning.
For those looking for a family gift, I recommend picking up a matching set for everyone in your adventure “pack,” humans and pets alike – you won’t regret it!
P.L.A.Y. Plush Dog Toys
Of course, when choosing holiday gifts for our pets, we want to make sure we’re including something they will love.
We have a rule in our house that every holiday, our pets get one functional gift, like new adventure gear, and one fun gift, like treats and toys.
Pippen and I recently attended a pet industry event called BlogPaws LiVE. While there, we had a chance to connect with some amazing pet brands, including a few of our go-to favourites.
One of the favourites we were excited to see was P.L.A.Y. (Pet Lifestyle and You).
If you are searching for fun, high-quality plush dog toys, look no further! They have a wide assortment of different themes and styles for every occasion – including this adorable hot chocolate toy they sent home for Willow.
They even have an adorable set called the Camp Corbin Collection, featuring:
- A furry campfire with a squeaker and crinkle logs
- A kayak reinforced with t-shirt rope, including two squeakers and crinkle elements
- A camp lantern reinforced with t-shirt rope, including a squeaker and crinkle base
- A smores toy with a squeaker marshmallow and crinkle chocolate
- A crinkle tent that holds little sleeping bag toys, each featuring a squeaker and crinkle elements
For those with adventure cats, they also have some great options for cat toys. Pippen recommends the Feline Frenzy Balls of Furry Toy Set.
SparkPaws Chilltech Dog Cooling Vest
During the winter months, we aren’t usually focusing much on what we will do to beat the heat the following summer. But it could be the perfect gift idea.
As adventure lovers, we often find ourselves outdoors in the sun and heat.
After all, the peak camping season for most adventurers falls during the hottest summer months. Sometimes, the heat can be a little much.
This summer, we partnered with SparkPaws to test and share their Chilltech Dog Cooling Vests.
These vests use evaporative cooling technology. You get the vest wet, and as the water evaporates, it creates a cooling sensation against their bodies.
Plus, they come in some bold, fun tie-dye style patterns to suit your dog’s personality.
While these are a great addition to your summer gear for any pup, they are especially helpful for those who are more susceptible to the heat, like our sweet seniors.
Your pups will thank you as the temperatures climb this summer!
Sherpa 2-in-1 Pet Backpack & Carrier
When discussing hiking adventures with our feline travel buddies, Pippen and Jinx, we often mention the importance of having a backpack.
A comfortable backpack is a great solution for when their little legs tire out or if you have a cat (like Jinx) who simply prefers to be carried on the trails versus being “paws on the ground.”
It’s also a “safe space” if we encounter off-leash dogs or wildlife.
Recently, we upgraded Pippen’s backpack to the Sherpa 2-in-1 Pet Backpack & Carrier. This decision was made both because her old pack was wearing out and because we were preparing for an upcoming flight and needed a carrier she would be comfortable in.
This unique backpack easily converts to a traditional carrier with a shoulder strap. Plus, it’s backed by the Guaranteed On-Board program, which ensures you’ll have no issues flying with it.
The backpack has a padded back and straps, making it more comfortable to carry.
Inside, a removable faux lambskin base liner creates a cozy space for your cat while ventilation panels around the bag allow them to enjoy the fresh air and watch their surroundings.
One word of caution about the bag is that it only comes in one size: designed for pets up to 16” in length, 10” in height, and 16 lbs in weight.
This is ideal size-wise for our petite diva Pippen, but it won’t accommodate Jinx as a larger cat. So, ensure you check your pet’s measurements before purchasing.
RC Pets Baseline Fleece Pullover
This is the only gift on this year’s list that was also included in our 2023 gift guide. Why? Because we think this is easily one of the most versatile pieces in our adventure gear collection.
The RC Pets Baseline Fleece Pullover is a simple fleece sweater available in a wide range of sizes to suit nearly all dogs (and cats).
It’s lightweight, making it the perfect choice for cool spring and summer days when temperatures haven’t dropped enough yet to warrant a full winter jacket.
The sweater has no zippers or buttons, making it comfortable for our pups to sleep in on those cooler nights. It also layers easily with other coats and gear.
There are many colours to choose from. We recently purchased this sharp black sweater for Lucifer while Willow is rocking the beautiful green sweater that Daviana once wore.
It’s a great budget-friendly option we recommend to every adventure-loving pet parent.
**NOTE: The promo code applies to regular-priced items only and cannot be used on discounted or clearance products (this includes the Walking Kit and the Good Dog Kit, which are already discounted or products that are temporarily offered at a lower price during our upcoming Winter Sale.)
The code cannot be stacked with other promotions, such as special discounts on orders over $100 or in conjunction with smaller discounts offered to new newsletter subscribers.
Cabinscape Dog-Friendly Tiny Cabin Getaways
Finally, we are big fans of gifting experiences instead of physical products for the holidays. This is something we do often with our families.
But we can extend that concept to gift-giving for our furry family members.
Why not plan a pet-friendly getaway with your best friend in mind? After all, there is nothing they want more than quality time with their favourite person – you!
We can explore many great places with our pets by our side.
One excellent option is Cabinscape. This tiny cabin rental company has locations in Haliburton, Lanark County, Calabogie, and the Kawarthas.
While not all their cabins allow pets, they have many great dog-friendly cabin options. Plus, they recently announced that two of their more popular cabins that weren’t previously dog-friendly now are, showing they are continuing to add to this selection.
Last March, we stayed at the Mica Cabin with Indiana and Lucifer. This beautiful, remote spot offered stunning views, nearby hiking, and a cozy cabin in the evenings when the temperature dropped.
This is a great way to enjoy the time you have with your best friend and make some unforgettable memories.
Still looking for more gift inspiration? Check out our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Adventure Pets
With so many amazing products, you can ensure your furry travel buddy is ready to conquer any adventure. After all, what adventure is complete without a dog or cat?
But as the holiday season approaches, let’s not forget the true joy of the season – and it’s not the gifts.
For us here at The Kas Pack, 2024 was a difficult year. Both of our “OG’s” took their final adventures over the rainbow bridge this year –Daviana in January and Indiana in April.
We have been reminded of the importance of cherishing every moment with our pets, whether it’s a long walk in the woods, a playful romp in the snow, or simply cuddling together on the couch.
This holiday season, make time to just be present with your pets and create special memories with your best friend(s).
Have you found the PERFECT gift for your adventure-loving dog or cat? If so, we’d love to hear about it in the comments!
