Incredible Pet-Friendly Travel Products from Global Pet Expo 2024
Last week, I attended Global Pet Expo, one of the world’s largest pet industry trade shows.
Held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the show welcomed 1,100 exhibiting companies (including 300 first-time exhibitors), along with retailers, wholesalers, and members of the media.
Of course, I was there with a purpose—to discover the latest and greatest products in pet-friendly outdoor travel and share my findings with you!
So, let’s get down to it. Here are some of the incredible pet-friendly travel products that I was introduced to (or reintroduced to) at Global Pet Expo 2024.
Flea & Tick Solutions
Before heading to the show, I had asked our community what products you were most interested in learning about. A popular answer was options for flea and tick prevention.
So, I made it my mission to find as many different flea and tick products as possible, ranging from more traditional chemical products to innovative new natural solutions just hitting the market.
Here at The Kas Pack, we are firm believers in helping pet parents select the best flea and tick solutions for their situation – and there is no “one size fits all” solution.
While some dogs may do great solely with natural solutions, others are in high-risk areas, and pet parents may feel more comfortable with the level of protection offered by a preventative from their veterinarian.
No judgement from us!
As we have shared previously, we have used K9 Advantix II with our dogs and Advantage II with our cats for several years.
While at the show, I was introduced to a new product that is said to be a direct competitor, Tevrapet Activate II (for dogs) and Tevrapet Actispot II (for cats).
We were generously given samples to try with our pets.
We will be paying careful attention to how well they appear to work compared to our usual products and sharing our thoughts as the season progresses.
A simple yet interesting product I was introduced to at the show was The Original TiCK MiTT.
This mitt is made from microfiber, which will collect and trap any loose ticks in its fibres when you rub it over your pet’s fur or your clothing.
When you’re done, place the mitt in the included mesh bag.
Run the mitt (still in the bag) through the dryer on high for 10 minutes to kill the fleas, eliminating the problem.
The mitt is reusable and offers chemical-free protection for you and your “pack” for all your upcoming adventures.
Note: This product is exclusively for ticks and does not protect against fleas.
Another product that I thought was incredibly innovative was the FleasGone Flea & Tick tag.
The tags use electromagnetic waves to keep these pests at bay. This creates a protective shield around your pet, repelling fleas and ticks without chemicals.
According to the company’s website, the tag is 100% effective at preventing infestations and 95% effective at preventing individual ticks.
You can purchase 2-year, 5-year, or lifetime tags, depending on your budget.
Finally, I had a great conversation with the representatives at the Kin + Kind booth, discussing their natural Flea + Tick Prevent! line of products (Outdoor Shield in Canada).
This brand isn’t new to us, we referenced it as a great option to combat mosquitoes previously on the blog.
But despite having seen the products before, I had to share the incredible passion that they showed in explaining the products and what sets them apart.
Not only are these products vet-formulated and all-natural, leveraging the power of essential oils. They are also cruelty-free and environmentally friendly, carrying the USDA Certified Biobased Product seal.
The passionate minds behind this brand are dedicated to offering a product you can use proudly, knowing you are making the best choice for your pets and the environment that we clearly all love and respect as outdoor adventurers.
Improved Nutrition (Even on the Go)
Of course, one key element of raising healthy, happy, adventure-loving pets is ensuring they get the nutrition they need to support their active lifestyles.
While it’s not new to us, I did make a point of visiting the Carna4 booth at the show.
If you have not heard of Carna4 before, they offer dog and cat food options that make it accessible for pet parents to provide the nutritional benefits of whole food with the convenience of kibble.
The food, which they describe as “whole food nuggets,” is quick-baked and air-dried to preserve the live probiotics and enzymes in a shelf-stable nugget that looks (and travels) like kibble.
This is what all our pets are fed because we are so impressed with their dedication to the best possible nutrition in situations where packing whole food or raw food diets may not be realistic (like backpacking).
Another interesting trend I noticed in the pet food space was the introduction of new protein sources.
As someone who raised a dog with a LIST of food allergies for 15 years (my sweet girl Daviana), the idea of new novel proteins being available was very promising.
Companies like Arch Pet Food introduced food and treats incorporating protein from crickets and copi fish (an invasive fish species in the Great Lakes), creating options that are not only food-allergy friendly but also more sustainable for the environment.
Finally, a brand we’ve discussed in the past has once again pushed the envelope (in a significant way) in terms of hydration on the go.
In a previous product round-up from SuperZoo 2022, I shared a product best described as Gatorade for pets: DoggyRade and KittyRade.
This hydration product was designed to provide the electrolytes needed to keep pets safe. It is an excellent option for those who hike and adventure outdoors, especially on hot summer days.
At Global, the company introduced me to DoggyRade Unleashed.
A step up from the traditional DoggyRade, this product not only works as a hydration and electrolyte solution to prevent dehydration, but it also introduces other benefits like prebiotics for better overall health.
While I haven’t tried this product with my pets yet, I am excited about how this could provide better care and support for active pups like my crazy little man, Lucifer.
Backpack Solutions for Your Pets
One product we often discuss when travelling with cats or smaller dogs is the availability of backpack solutions for when their little legs need a break.
These products also benefit those travelling with senior pets or those overcoming an injury.
K9 Sport Sack was at the show – a favourite of ours here in the pack.
When Lucifer was still healing from his pre-adoption leg injuries, we relied heavily on the K9 Sport Sack PLUS 2 to allow him to join us on our adventures.
With Indiana suffering from an injury to his back leg, we are considering trying the Kolossus.
With the ability to accommodate a wide range of dogs, from 4 lbs to 80 lbs, we recommend K9 Sport Sack to anyone who needs a backpack to comfortably carry their dogs on the trails.
Sherpa (PetWise) shared their line of travel carriers, including:
- Sherpa Deluxe Guaranteed On-Board Convertible Pet Carrier & Backpack: This backpack offers the company’s “Guaranteed On-Board” promise, ensuring your carrier will be accepted by airline companies, or you will be refunded for your ticket.
- Sherpa Trek Tote 2-in-1 Pet Backpack & Tote: This is a daypack tote in their adventure line that focuses on comfort for both you and your pet during your hikes.
Finally, I had the chance to take a close look at the backpacks offered by Travel Cat.
While they had a few options to consider, the one I was most intrigued by as a cat-friendly hiker was “The Navigator” Convertible Cat Backpack.
This pack prioritized comfort for the human adventurer, with adjustable waist, chest, and shoulder straps for guaranteed comfort.
Inside are two adjustable leash clips, allowing you to carry two cats at a time.
Plus, I was impressed to see a water reservoir pocket designed to hold your water bladder for longer hikes where the added hydration is needed.
The company allowed me to try on the backpack while I was at their booth, and I was incredibly impressed with how comfortable it was despite its larger size.
Engagement Toys for Rainy Days
One trend I noticed was the focus on providing more opportunities for mental enrichment for our pets. This included dog enrichment toys and similar products for other animals (including, of course, cats).
From a pet-friendly travel perspective, this means products that can keep pets entertained on a rainy day at camp in the tent, dining shelter, or trailer.
I spoke with several brands throughout the three days of the show. The passion and dedication to helping pet parents improve their pet’s quality of life was evident!
GURU Pet Company was easily one of my favourite booths to visit. I was drawn to it by the wide assortment of bright-coloured, fun enrichment toys and the infectious energy of people like Amy, one of the company’s co-founders.
Some of my favourite products that are currently available from the company include:
But stay tuned! Some amazing new toys are about to hit the market, including the Dog X Cube and the Treat Station, which we will test with our boys in the coming weeks.
Another fun company that caught our attention was Dezi & Roo, which is dedicated to providing entertaining toys for cats.
Their Pop ‘n Purr Candy toys are designed using a simple concept that is also practical, allowing cat parents to keep their furry travel companions entertained.
These are small, brightly coloured calls that can be filled with your cat’s favourite scents, like catnip!
These are easily refillable, making them a great option for providing entertainment when camping with your cats.
We are always searching for small yet engaging toys that we can easily pack to bring along when tent camping with Pippen and Jinx, and these look like they will fit the bill perfectly.
Many dog parents use nylon chew options. However, concerns have been raised about the risks of swallowing pieces of these nylon toys and the potential for obstruction.
This is why I was quickly drawn to BetterBone.
They are introducing a natural chew option, like the nylon bones made from cellulose and vegetable oil, which are 100% natural.
A wide variety of options ensures there are chews for every pup. You can choose from:
- Natural and beef flavour
- Soft, medium, and hard consistencies
- Mini, small, and large sizes
I was given a small, hard, beef-flavoured chew for Lucifer and can confidently say it has been a quick hit.
Following the show, we left for our first big adventure of 2024, and the BetterBone came with us to keep him entertained in the off-grid cabin we stayed at.
Soothing and Managing Travel-Related Anxiety
One struggle many pet parents face when travelling is the anxiety related to travel.
This could include car anxiety while getting to your destination, reactivity when camping in a busy park, or fear of new situations in general.
Luckily, I noticed many companies at the show were increasing their focus on providing products that can help alleviate this anxiety and help our pets relax.
Many plug-in diffuser products use pheromones to calm dogs and cats at home, but these products aren’t feasible when you’re on the road or staying in a non-electrical camp setting.
At Global, Vetality introduced me to their “Harmony Pet Home & On-The-Go Calming Diffusers,” including a diffuser for dogs and a diffuser for cats.
The exciting thing about these diffusers is that they require no plug or battery. This allows the diffusers to be used in the car, tent, or trailer.
Another calming product that seems incredibly simple but has great potential for our pets is the Weighted Calm line from Canada Pooch.
There has been a growing interest in the benefits of weighted blankets for humans, but what about our pets?
Using this same content, Canada Pooch created weighted vests, toys, and blankets to help naturally calm our pets when faced with stressful situations.
For those who have nervous, anxious, or reactive pets during travel, these products help to calm and relieve their anxiety, allowing them to relax and enjoy their outdoor adventures without the use of chemicals or medications.
Pet Treats for Training (and Spoiling)
No adventure is complete without treats to spoil your pet. After all, they are your best furry friends and travel companions!
During the show, I visited several pet treat brands, each offering high-quality treats that will entice your pup and keep their tail wagging.
Of course, I started with Charlee Bear, an obvious choice for anyone who has followed The Kas Pack long enough to be familiar with Lucifer’s addiction to the treat brand.
They offer lines of dog treats, including Bearnola Bites, Grain Free Meaty Bites, Grain Free Crunch, and Original Crunch.
While there isn’t a Charlee Bear treat that Lucifer would turn down, his obsession is with the Bacon & Blueberry Flavour Grain Free Crunch treats.
Another brand I was introduced to at the show was Natoo Pet Foods.
Beginning in Brazil, the company has been creating high-quality pet foods and treats, focusing on sustainability at every level of the process, from products to supply.
In addition to demonstrating their commitment to the environment through their sustainable practice, they also support charitable organizations and products, including:
- Institute for the Conservation of Neotropical Carnivores
- ‘Adopt a Bed’ of Casa Hope
- The Onçafari Association
- Medicina Veternária de Abrigos Project (Veterinary Shelter Medicine Project)
I was given a bag of their Crunchy Biscuits Sweet Potato and Pumpkin treats for dogs and a couple of flavours of food toppers for cats.
We haven’t tried the food toppers yet at the time of writing this, but the dog treats were a big hit!
I also learned about some fun dog chew options for our pups that would keep them entertained and support their joint health for future adventures.
Treatly introduced several dog treats at the show, including their Collagen Mobility Bars.
We were given a bag of these chews, and while I can’t speak personally to the long-term effects of feeding them, I can say there was NO hesitation when giving them to our pups.
Frankly Pet was the other company I was super excited to connect with. They have a wide assortment of chew sticks and collagen wrap chews.
We were given an assortment of treats to try, some of which we haven’t opened yet, but Lucifer took the XL Roll (originally for Indy, who is twice his size), and he’s completely in love!
Everything You Need for Your Pet First Aid Kits
While at the show, I attended a presentation at the Tevrapet booth, which showcased their many Vetality health products.
These spanned many health needs and concerns, including:
- Canine Aspirin Chewable Tablets
- Muscle Relief Massage Gel
- Hot Spot + Wound Ointment for Pets
- “Stop the Runs” Chewables for Dogs & Puppies
Each of these products is a great addition to your pet-friendly camping first aid kit. They help you address common concerns you may face during outdoor travel.
Final Thoughts – Global Pet Expo
While some trade shows and events outside the pet industry still fall short of fully embracing the world of pet-friendly travel, the opposite was true at Global Pet Expo.
There were so many brands and companies dedicated to supporting travel options and finding new and innovative ways to take this experience and bonding time to a whole new level.
While I shared a selection of products above, that doesn’t even scratch the surface.
It’s clear that the pet industry is embracing our desire to include our pets in our travels, both traditional and outdoor adventures.
The good news is that this, I believe, will continue to inspire and drive innovation in this space, offering us new, exciting, and game-changing products in the near future.
It’s an exciting time to be a pet-friendly travel lover!
What products stood out to you the most? Are there products I shared that you are looking forward to trying? I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments!
