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.

outdoor display with a sign for global pet expo | Incredible Pet-Friendly Travel Products from 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.

display of tick mitt products | Incredible Pet-Friendly Travel Products from Global Pet Expo 2024

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.

display of flea prevention products from kin + kind | Incredible Pet-Friendly Travel Products from Global Pet Expo 2024

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).

man feeding a dog a bowl of carna4 dog food | Incredible Pet-Friendly Travel Products from Global Pet Expo 2024
Lucifer enjoying his meal of Carna4 on a recent cabin getaway

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.

display of arch pet food products | Incredible Pet-Friendly Travel Products from Global Pet Expo 2024

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:

dog backpack from sherpa | Incredible Pet-Friendly Travel Products from Global Pet Expo 2024

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.

selection of toys from guru pet products | Incredible Pet-Friendly Travel Products from Global Pet Expo 2024

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.

collage of a dog with a natural chew bone | Incredible Pet-Friendly Travel Products from Global Pet Expo 2024
Lucifer with his BetterBone on our recent getaway

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.

weighted calming vest canada pooch | Incredible Pet-Friendly Travel Products from Global Pet Expo 2024

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)
dog posing with a bag of natoo dog treats | Incredible Pet-Friendly Travel Products from Global Pet Expo 2024
Lucifer posing with a bag of Natoo treats

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:

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.

global pet expo 2024 pin | Incredible Pet-Friendly Travel Products from Global Pet Expo 2024

Experience the Global Pet Expo 2024 Show Floor in Our Event Vlog

Britt: Hey guys! So, I’m at Global Pet Expo, which for those who maybe haven’t seen my previous videos, I will leave the link the description below, I was at SuperZoo last year and we went to the Canadian Pet Expo to check out, kinda, the pet products there.

But what Global Pet Expo is, is it’s a trade show specifically about pet products.

So, it could be new treats, new foods, harnesses, backpacks for cats…  All of the stuff that we use to take care of our pets at home, but also, and the reason that we’re talking about it on here, all of the stuff that we use to go travelling with our pets.

So, as part of that, I am going to make this a nice little round-up YouTube video to share with you guys what I discover.

This is day 1. It is a multi-day event. We’re going to go out on the show floor.

I’m going to show you guys some of the products, some of the companies. What you guys can look forward to. What might help your travels. What might make your adventures more exciting.

What might allow you to bring a pet you weren’t previously bringing on your trip because of a challenge or a complication.

But we’re just going to take a look at what’s going on in the world of pet, which is a world we obviously all love here at The Kas Pack.

So, let’s go hit the show floor. Let’s see what’s happening.

I’ve got Jessica here with me and we’re going to share with you guys what is going on here in Orlando, Florida.

WELLNESS CAT TREATS

Britt: Hey guys! So, I wanted to mention one product here. You’re going to see me talking about a little bit more on Shed Happens (*and The Kas Pack), and that is the Wellness Lickable Treats.

So, we’ve often seen the lickable treats.

They’re highly recommended for active cats, adventure cats, because of the fact they can help with hydration.

But, what Wellness has done that I thought was really interesting is that they have incorporated some health benefits.

So that while they’re getting this treat, it’s not like giving them McDonald’s like some other brands are, they’re actually getting these benefits from it.

You’ve got digestive health support, immune health support. You’re giving your pet the hydration that they need. You’re giving them a special little treat that can be used for leash training.

They can be used just to give them a special snack while you’re out on the trails. Whatever it is that works for you.

But I know that both Pippen and Jinx are crazy over the whole lickable treat style of treats and I can’t wait to try these out with them!

EINSTEIN PETS TASTE TEST

Britt: So, Rumour has it that these, being made from all human ingredients, actually don’t taste all that bad. So, we’re going to try them out…

Cheers!

They actually kinda almost taste like chocolate.

Jessica: It tastes like s’mores. You’re right! Very crunchy.

Britt: That is crazy!  

Jessica: Less messy.

Britt: Okay, Awesome in a bag, Einstein Pets. Not bad if you want to share one with your pet.

Jessica: I ate the whole thing.

DAY 2 KICKOFF

Britt: Alright, here we are, as you see, Global Pet Expo!

We are on Day 2. We’re hitting the show floor again. We have more appointments with some of the brands and companies.

So excited to share with you guys what we find. I hope you’ve liked it so far.

But, let’s head inside…

BREAKFAST AND LEARN

Britt: One of the benefits of some of these early morning appointments is that we get to start with a nice catered breakfast while we sit here and learn about what the APPA’s doing.

Hi Mary! Say “Hi”

Mary: Hi, everybody! I love Britt.

Britt: Jessica’s here, too.

So, let’s enjoy breakfast and learn about what’s going on in the pet industry.

CUSTOM LATTE ART

Britt: Here at this booth, they are doing custom latte art. So, we’re going to go ahead and get this done.

Featuring a couple of adorable pups up there right now.

Okay, so I did show you guys the video of this being created, but look! We have little Lucifer with his devil horns.

The only catch is, now I don’t really want to drink it because he’s kinda staring at me.

But on to our next appointment with a coffee in hand.

GURU TOYS

Britt: Okay, I told you guys that I was going to find stuff to keep your dogs active and busy when you’re stuck in the trailer, you’re stuck in the tent.

You can’t get out. It’s raining. It’s a bad day.

We’ve got so many options here from GURU.

There’s the Duo-Ball. It’s got your treats, and there’s a little ball inside. You put it inside the ball, inside here, so it’s two layers of fun.

The DogXCube. We’re going to be trying this one with Lucifer. I’m so excited to see how he does with this one.

We’ve got the traditional ball here. Once again, you can see here the whole in the second ball, inside. So, they have to get it out of both of those.

Down here, if you have a dog that is a little smarter, a little bit more determined, we have the Treat Station.

So, the treats are actually inside this blue ball. But then it’s got little holes and divots here on the side that you could put some lick treats. If you’re staying in a trailer, you could freeze some stuff into there.

The Bouncer holds a full 2 cups of food. So, it’s a fun way to feed your dog while you’re out and about.

And the Puzzle Jack down here is another one that, because of it’s shape, it’s going to roll a little erratically. It keeps your dog guessing where it’s going to go, what is happening.

But there are just so many options here from GURU.

And this is a great brand in terms of their dedication to quality. They are determined to make products, to make toys, that you can confidently give your pet and know that you’re giving them the best of the best.

We are so excited we are going to be trying out a couple of these items ourselves.

But, I wanted to give you guys a sneak peek here on the show floor and see what GURU is up to.

WEEAWAY DEMONSTRATION

WeeAway Representative: So, our product Aborb It absorbs up to 100x it’s weight.

It only takes a little bit. Sprinkle it on and then you just give it a second. It just sucks it all right up.

Then all you have to do is just scoop it up.

Britt: Oh, wow!

WeeAway Representative: It has an ocean breeze deodorizer in there, so it automatically, immediately kills any odors and encapsulates it.

Britt: Just trying to get the brand there, so I can edit that video!

HONEST TO GOODNESS PET TREATS

Britt: So, here we’re checking out a new company that has just launched. They are plant-based treats for dogs.

But every one of their versions has a purpose.

You can see here chamomile and ginger, Good Vibes. We’ve got Happy Feet for mobility. Golden Years for the seniors.

They’re taking a treat, which obviously your dogs love, and giving a beneficial reason for it to help with their overall well-being and lifestyle.

We love that!

CHARLEE BEAR TREATS

Britt: Of course, we can’t come to any pet show and not visit the Charlee Bear booth.

You guys know Lucifer would have my head!

But, they’ve actually made an improvement to their Meaty Bites. They are now lower calorie and they have probiotics, making them an even healthier choice for you guys to take with you when you go on your hikes.

WESTPAW SEAFLEX

Britt: Those who are curious about Seaflex, which is their recycled ocean-bound plastic, this actually walks through how they collect plastic, they blend it with their Zogoflex material, and the result, which is what you see in the products that the brand sells.

And we’re at the WestPaw booth. For those of you who know WestPaw for their products, their Zogoflex products.

But they’ve also recently released a Feast Mat.

What this is, is it has a slow feeder on one side, but then on the back you can use it as a lick mat.

So, here we’ve got an example. You can see there’s like the slow feeder type dish here. But then you flip it over and it’s got the little indents and grooves that you can put your lickable treats in.

It is a great way to change up their meals, give them some new, fun experiences.

They’ve got it in blue, green, and purple, depending on what you like best.

DAY 3 KICKOFF

Britt: Alright, so this is Day 3. We’re back in the Media Room. You can see all the media kits here in their spaces behind me.

We just dropped off our bags at bag check. We get a bit more time on the show floor before the show is officially closed, which is sad.

But there’s more to see and we’re going to, of course, be sharing it with you.

So, let’s go hit the show floor for one last time.

LORD JAMESON TASTE TEST

Britt: Alright, so, I mean, we ate treats before, so I guess we’re doing it again?

Jessica: Ya, we’re doing it again! Cookie dough. This is a pill masker for dogs, so you normally, it’s a little flat but that’s just because people have squeezed it.

Not this one, just the bag. Nobody’s actually touched it. Sorry, for clarification.

But it’s supposed to hide and mask a pill for a dog. So, we’re going to try it.

Britt: Cheers!

Jessica: Peanut butter cookie.

Britt: Ya. Quite impressive, actually! Lord Jameson. A great way to get  your dog to take their pills without having to worry about them spitting it out, not wanting it, because it actually tastes good.

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!

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2 Comments

  1. I’m officially intrigued by the battery op diffusers. My poor Ryder is a disaster in the car and since he’s meant to be a show cat that’s a problem (he’s fine at the shows and in the hotels and everything, it’s just the car.) we’ve tried medications but so far nothings helped. He doesn’t take treats of any kind (weird cat I know) so calming treats are out. I’m trying out feliway spray this weekend. I might be up for a car friendly diffuser.

    1. We’re interested in trying it out for Jinx for similar reasons, and I brought one home. She is great at the campsite, on the trails, etc., but struggles with longer car rides. We’re hoping it will make the travel to our outdoor adventures easier, and that way, we can include the cats in all our trips. Right now, we limit when we bring them based on how long we’d be forcing her to ride in the car (and Pippen stays home to keep her company).