The 8 Best Dog Dad Gifts
Need help choosing the perfect gift for the dog dad in your life? We've surveyed our team and come up with a list of favorites. From water fun to travel accessories and handy hiking and camping gear, we’ve got everything you need for outdoor adventure with your dog.
GUNNER KENNEL, $399 - $699
Any adventurous and responsible pet parent will enjoy the gift of a Gunner G1 Kennel. When riding in a car, it’s important to either contain your dog in a crash-tested kennel or restrain them with a crash-tested seat belt. These 5-star crash tested kennels are the ultimate in comfort and safety for his dog (and are the only dog crates that have passed crash testing). We love the elevated floor with a drainage system just in case your dog has an accident while traveling. You can also see the quality in the product with stainless steel hardware, extra-strong kayak handles, & the enhanced wall thickness (which is why it’s so safe). They stand behind this quality with a Lifetime Warranty. If you think he doesn’t have enough room for one of these, see our PakMule listing below for a solution! Like us, Gunner is 100% American Made. Available in four sizes.
ORVIS GRIP TIGHT CARGO COVER $129 - $149
If he has an SUV or wagon, he will appreciate this super high quality Orvis Cargo Cover that will protect his cargo area from hair, mud, and gunk. It can be hosed off and good as new. It’s quilted so if the dog rides in the back it’s comfortable for any travel adventure. As its Grip Tight name suggests, it stays in place and does not move around. A waterproof, non-quilted flap can be folded down to cover the bumper so he keeps his clothes clean when loading & unloading. It also makes a nice spot for him to sit to put on his hunting or hiking boots before taking off down the trail. $129 for Large and $149 for Extra Large at Orvis.
Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag $99.95 - $139.95
If your guy takes his best friend hiking, camping, or even road tripping then he and his pup are going to love the Ruffwear Sleeping Bag. This compressible, down-filled sleeping bag has an easy entry so your dog can snuggle in and when zipped it is effective at keeping your pup warm even in cool weather. If he isn’t a hard core backpacker, this sleeping bag also works well as a dog bed while traveling or outside on the porch. It comes in medium and large. As always, Ruffwear gear is covered by a Lifetime Warranty. Medium, $99.95; Large, $139.95 at Ruffwear.
PAKMULE ORIGINAL CARGO CARRIER, $795
If fitting all his gear, a family, and the dog into his rig isn’t possible anymore, your dog dad will love the PAKMULE. It’s a cargo carrier that you attach easily to his hitch and gives 12 square feet of more cargo room (about ½ the size of a truck bed). What’s more his coveted Yeti cooler fits perfectly. Made of aluminum, it will never rust and it can carry 500lbs of cargo even though it only weighs 42lbs. For an extra cost, you can purchase rod holders for it to carry fishing poles while traveling. You can also back up to the beach, cast a line, and put them in the holder until you get a bite. We love it because it’s so easy to install and uninstall, plus it gives us extra room for all our gear. The PAKMULE Original is $795 at PAKMULE. If you have a jeep or vehicle that needs a high clearance, check out their other models.
FIDO PRO: The Airlift Dog Rescue Sling $79-$95
This lightweight, packable dog-carrying sling is great to have in case of an emergency, and easy to add to your backpack. Whether hiking a trail far from home, or walking closer to home, dog injuries happen. From paw abrasion to overheating, puncture wounds or sudden illness, it’s best to be prepared for anything! Despite being handy to have in case of emergency, we hope your pup won’t need to use it! Available here. Another clever option from Fido Pro is the Panza Harness that deploys into a similar emergency dog rescue sling for $129.
OUTWARD HOUND GRANBY DOG LIFE JACKET, $21.99 - $38.49
Protect your pup on the water with this safety jacket for boating, water sports, the beach, the pool or any outdoor water adventure. Even the best swimmers get tired, and in case of an emergency, you want to keep your dog safe. Designed to help dogs keep their head above water, this life jacket also has top grab handles for quick & easy retrieval. The Granby comes in multiple colors and sizes to make sure it fits your dog properly. Available at Outward Hound. Another great option to keep your dog safe is the Adventure Life Jacket from ZippyPaws. Either way, we recommend a bright color or reflective option for easy visibility. And keep in mind life jackets have more buoyancy for better safety while boating or in other uncontrolled situations.
PERCEPTION KAYAKS: HI LIFE 11.0 $859
This dog friendly kayak and stand-up paddle-board all-in-one is super stable, making it easy to kayak or SUP with your pup. While you paddle, your dog can hang out on the SUP portion. It has a lowered back end which also makes it easy to hop on and off, and foam padding to help your dog keep their footing. Plus, if you're an angler, it also has optional fishing mounts.
The SpotOn GPS Fence Also Makes a Great Gift!
Any dog dad will appreciate the freedom of the SpotOn System. The GPS collar + smartphone + app = freedom for your pup. With SpotOn, your dog can run free in the backyard, while you get peace of mind from easy GPS containment. Easy to use and setup - at home and on the go. No buried wires or digging required! Just walk the perimeter to build custom fences & then keep tabs on your dog. Learn More.
