Must-have products for dog lovers and cat lovers, curated by pet owners who've tested what actually works and what pets actually use.
Whether you're shopping for a new pet owner or just want to spoil your own dog or cat, these are the things I would put on the list. It's a mix of everyday favorites and a few fun extras, from GPS collars and puzzle toys to cat fountains and scratchers.
See also: Best GPS Dog Collars · Best Kids Toys · All Top Picks · Dog Beach Day Essentials
By BestFindsOnly Editors · Updated October 2026
Cats are drawn to moving water, which is why a fountain gets most cats drinking a lot more. This stainless steel model is easier to keep clean than plastic and resists bacteria buildup, so it is a smart pick for cat lovers who want to support their cat's kidney health.
Shop Now, $80 →
The cone of shame is stressful for pets and owners alike. This recovery suit is a comfortable alternative that stops licking and chewing at wounds while your pet walks, sleeps, and moves normally. It is a useful gift for new pet owners and comes in multiple sizes.
Shop Now, $36 →
Cats can be picky eaters, but this gravy variety pack is one that most cats love. The gravy adds moisture to your cat's diet, which is good for kidney health, and the rotating flavors keep mealtime interesting instead of repetitive. A simple, easy gift for any cat lover.
Shop Now, $20 →
Chuckit! balls are a staple in dog households because they simply work. They are high bounce, easy to spot, and durable enough to handle enthusiastic chewers. They are made to be used with the Chuckit! launcher for extra throwing distance, which is great for high energy dogs.
Shop Now, $11 →
This puzzle toy slows down fast eaters and makes your dog work for their food or treats. Mental stimulation is just as important as exercise, and this is an affordable way to give it. It has two difficulty levels, so it grows with your dog. A great gift for dog owners.
Shop Now, $25 →
A treat toy that keeps dogs busy for 30 minutes or more. It opens in the middle for easy filling and cleaning, and it comes with a silicone tray for making frozen treats from wet food, broth, yogurt, or peanut butter. It is made for dogs 25 to 75 pounds, so check the size guide.
Shop Now, $30 →
Cats need to scratch, and a dedicated scratcher protects your furniture while giving them a cozy place to lounge. This XL size fits most cats comfortably, and the dual surface design lets them choose their favorite scratching texture. A great gift for any cat lover.
Shop Now, $39 →
An automatic feather wand that mimics prey movement and keeps indoor cats active even when you are not playing with them. Indoor cats need stimulation to stay healthy and avoid boredom. It has multiple speed settings, so you can match it to your cat's energy level.
Shop Now, $25 →
For indoor cats who never go outside, a stroller is a fun way to give them new smells, sights, and mental stimulation. Mesh windows give full ventilation and visibility, and the suspension handles uneven sidewalks. Your cat gets fresh air with no escape risk.
Shop Now, $97 →
You can walk a cat on a leash with the right harness. This padded, adjustable set is designed to prevent the backward slip that cats are known for, and it is one of the best ways to give indoor cats safe time outside. Thousands of cat owners swear by it.
Shop Now, $45 →
Made for dogs who live in the water and the mud. The rubber coated webbing repels water and dirt and stays stink proof, so it rinses clean after every swim or trail run. It adjusts to fit and comes in small, medium, and large. A great pick for adventure dogs.
Shop Now, $32 →
A GPS collar that tracks live location, daily steps, and sleep, and sends instant escape alerts through a clean app. The battery lasts weeks and the collar is waterproof. The data gives dog owners a useful window into their dog's health and habits.
Shop Now, $91 →
A life jacket built for dogs who love the water, from beach days to boat rides. Foam panels support a natural swim position, and a strong handle on the back lets you lift your dog out of the water. I have this one for my dog, and the handle is a lifesaver for getting her back on the boat.
Shop Now, $100 →
A good pick if you head to a lake, dock, or pool. This inflatable ramp gives dogs an easy way to climb out of the water, which helps puppies and dogs with limited mobility. It has a non slip surface, bright colors that are easy to spot, and rings for tying it to a dock or boat.
Shop Now, $120 →
A paw balm made for beach hazards like hot sand, sharp rocks, and salt. It also moisturizes paw pads, and it is lick safe. It can also be a better choice than booties, since sand can still get inside them, and it works for dogs who will not wear booties at all. You just apply it before you go.
Shop Now, $22 →
A cooling vest for hot days. You soak it in water, put it on, and the evaporation helps keep your dog cool while the fabric blocks the sun. It has an inner mesh lining and side buckles that make it easy to put on and take off. It can also be worn over a harness.
Shop Now, $43 →
A travel water bottle that doubles as a food container. Press to dispense water into the lid and release to pour the extra back, so there is no spilled water in your bag. The food compartment is handy for a full day at the beach, so you do not need to pack a separate container.
Shop Now, $14 →
A 20 foot leash that floats, so it will not sink or get heavy in the water. It has a padded handle and a clasp that rotates to avoid tangles. It is made for small and medium dogs, so it is not recommended for extra large dogs, and you should keep an eye on dogs who chew leashes.
Shop Now, $12 →
A throw toy with a rope handle that makes it easy to toss far, on land or in the water. It has a foam core so it floats, and it is soft on teeth and gums. This is my dog's favorite toy to play with in the water, and it is a great pick for dogs who love fetch.
Shop Now, $18 →
A flying disc that floats and flies far, which makes it great for catch on the sand or in shallow water. It has soft rubber edges that are gentle on teeth and gums. It is not meant for chewing, so it is not a fit for aggressive chewers. A good pick for a day at the beach.
Shop Now, $13 →
A soft, buoyant disc that stays afloat and is easy to spot in the water. The big ring shape is simple to pick up, even for flat faced breeds, and it dries quickly. It is a great pick for dogs who are still learning to fetch, and it is gentle on their mouths.
Shop Now, $25 →
A floating tug toy with grab handles for you and a center pad for your dog. It is a good choice for dogs who love tug of war, on the sand or at the water's edge. The floating design means it will not sink if it ends up in the water, so it is easy to grab and keep playing.
Shop Now, $25 →
A set of four floating toys in different shapes, each with a squeaker. It is a fun way to keep your dog busy with a variety of toys, and the squeakers make them extra exciting for fetch in the water. They are hollow, so they are not meant for destructive chewers.
Shop Now, $23 →
A soft, absorbent fleece robe that helps dry your dog faster. Once it is on, your dog can shake off without sending water everywhere. It closes with an adjustable hook and loop strap, comes in five sizes, and is machine washable, so it is easy to use after every bath or swim.
Shop Now, $17 →
A large microfiber towel and seat cover in one. It absorbs a lot of water, has headrest openings so it stays in place, and covers a back seat or trunk to keep sand and wet fur contained. It is machine washable and dries quickly, which makes it easy to use again and again.
Shop Now, $109 →