Published on 13th Aug 2026
Summer means staycations, weekends away and road trips to the coast – and for many pet owners, the dog is coming too. That makes holiday season a great opportunity for independent pet retailers to help customers get ready for their adventures while driving valuable add-on sales.
Creating a dedicated “Doggy Road Trip” feature in-store makes it easy for customers to find everything they need in one place. Focus on compact, travel-friendly and problem-solving products that customers may have forgotten - or not even realised they needed before setting off.
Here are five key categories to consider when creating your summer road trip display.
1. Travel Safety & Car Protection
Start with the essentials for getting dogs from A to B safely and comfortably.
Consider stocking:
• Crash-tested harnesses and seatbelt restraints - practical solutions for keeping dogs secure while travelling.
• Boot liners and waterproof car seat covers - helping protect interiors from muddy paws, wet coats and fur.
• High-visibility gear - useful for evening walks, unfamiliar locations and roadside stops.
Merchandising tip: Position these products together with a simple message such as "Safe Travels Start Here" to encourage customers to think about their dog's journey, not just the destination.
2. On-the-Go Feeding & Hydration
Keeping dogs fed and hydrated while travelling can be tricky, making portable feeding accessories an easy addition to the basket.
Products to consider:
• Collapsible bowls - lightweight, compact and easy to keep in the car or a day bag.
• 2-in-1 travel water bottles - convenient for quick drinks during walks, motorway stops and days out.
These are particularly good impulse products, so consider displaying them near the till as well as withing your main road trip feature.
View all KONG dog water bottles.
3. Cleaning & Waste Management
Muddy walks, sandy beaches and wet dogs are all part of a UK summer getaway! Help customers prepare with quick-grab cleaning essentials.
Products to stock:
• Microfibre towels and drying mitts - super-absorbent, fast-drying options that don't take up valuable room in a packed boot.
• Pet-safe wipes - ideal for cleaning muddy paws and coats before dogs jump back into the car.
• Odour-neutralising sprays and poo bags - including travel-sized coat refreshers, practical dispensers and scented bags.
Retailer tip: Group these together as a "Muddy Dog Clean-Up Kit" to turn several relatively small purchases into a higher-value solution.
View all towels and dog drying products.
4. Health, First Aid & Comfort
Being away from home means owners need to be prepared for the unexpected - as well as making sure their dog has somewhere comfortable to settle.
Consider stocking:
• Compact dog first aid kits
• Travel-size calming products
• Roll-up travel mats.
These solution-led products can add value to your display while reminding customers about things they might otherwise overlook when packing.
5. Entertainment & Boredom Busters
Long journeys, pub gardens, holiday cottages and camping trips can mean plenty of downtime for dogs. Toys and chews give retailers another strong cross-selling opportunity.
Long-lasting chews such as Pawtential collagen sticks, yak cheese chews and other durable options can help keep dogs occupied when owners stop for lunch or settle into their accommodation.
For more active moments, durable rubber and travel toys are ideal. Bright, high-visibility fetch products such as Chuckit! launchers and balls are perfect for helping dogs burn off some energy during a break in the journey, while compact toys can provide entertainment when they reach their destination.
Create a One Stop Doggy Road Trip Shop
The secret to making this feature work is not merchandising these products in isolation.
Bring together products that would normally sit across several areas of your store - travel, toys, treats, grooming, walking and accessories - and merchandise them as one complete solution.
An end-cap, promotional table of FSDU with signage such as "Going Away With Your Dog?" or "Doggy Road Trip Essentials" can immediate communicate the theme. By making it easier for customers to prepare for their trip, you can provide genuinely useful advice while encouraging them to discover products they may not have originally come in to buy.
One road trip, plenty of opportunities to add to the basket!