There’s nothing I love more than exploring new places, but any adventure is somewhat diminished without my favourite eight paws by my side. Luckily, both Winnie and Gertie share my nose for travel, but when it comes to settling in the car Winnie can be a nightmare!
Fondly nick-named Little Miss Nosey, her inquisitive nature means that her preference is to ride shot-gun, with her paws teetering on the centre console. And whilst she’s harnessed in, so perfectly safe, she struggles to relax and not be a bossy back-seat driver!
Just before Christmas last year, Luther Bennett popped up on my Instagram feed. Now if you’ve never heard of this high-end pet brand, they specialise in luxury travel pods for dogs. The moment I laid eyes on their sleek and stylish designs, I was completely smitten!
So when we decided to take the girls on holiday to Austria this summer, I jumped at the chance to put the dog pod to its ultimate test. And test it we did, as our outbound journey ended up taking 19 hours! [Albeit with a few comfort breaks along the way!]
Backseat riders!
Now I get it, many people choose to travel with their dogs in a crate in the boot of the car. And whilst I appreciate some crates are rigorously tested to incredibly high standards, having my girls in the boot is an instant no-go for me. Just the thought of them taking the full impact if another vehicle were to accidentally crash into the back of us, is enough to make my stomach flip. Let alone the fact that I like them to be near me, keeping me company and subjecting them to my questionable car karaoke!
Comfort, durability, and safety
What sets the Luther Bennett dog pod apart isn’t just the sleek, stylish design—although yes, it is absolutely gorgeous—it’s the quality and thoughtfulness behind every element. These pods don’t just look the part; they deliver where it really matters.
Every aspect has clearly been designed with both dog and human in mind. From the plush, fully machine washable cushioning and outer layer, to the safety features that give you total peace of mind when you’re on the road.
You can tell, from the moment you unpack it that this isn’t just some flimsy dog gimmick that’s been designed on a budget. Everything about this product screams quality.
Assembling the pod couldn’t be more straight forward. The cushion inserts slot into hidden zip compartments, whilst a super snuggly fur-covered cushion lines the base to provide a cosy nest.
Luther Bennett strike the perfect balance between comfort, durability, safety, and style. The high sides give Winnie and Gertie the support they need to snuggle down and feel secure, even when we were winding through alpine roads or crawling through traffic on the autobahn. And the padded cushions create a kind of cocoon effect, making it impossible for even the nosiest of passengers to resist hunkering down and switching off!
Peace at Last!
Winnie is now three, and in all the years I’ve had her—and all the miles we’ve clocked up together—I’ve never known her truly settle on a car journey. Even if she is absolutely shattered, she still insists on standing up, eyes wide, ears pricked, reacting the sound of my indicator with comical dedication.
So when I tell you that she literally didn’t move from her cosy Luther Bennett pod for the entire journey – spending the whole time snoozing and resting, it honestly felt like nothing short of a small miracle. And a true testament to just how ridiculously comfy and calming these beds really are.
Safe and Secure
Securing the pod in the car couldn’t be simpler (or more reassuring). It has two adjustable buckle straps which loop neatly around the front and rear headrests, preventing any slipping or sliding about. Plus, what really sold it to me was the ISOFIX attachment. It clips directly into the ISOFIX mounts in your car, so it’s anchored to the chassis. There’s even an extra support strap that fastens around the seat itself for added stability. The whole setup is fully Highway Code compliant, meaning both girls are safe and legal while on the move.
As for the pod itself, it’s built to last, with a durable, scratch-proof and water-resistant outer layer that’s handled muddy paws and alpine showers! [There were plenty of those – jinxed entirely by ordering sunshades for the pods ahead of our travels!]
At each side of the bed is a handy pocket – perfect for storing leads, poo bags or a favourite toy. And despite being such a robust bit of kit, the pod is breathable too—making it ideal for long journeys in all seasons.
From cruising to snoozing!
Not only do the pods provide luxurious comfort on the move, they also double as an indulgent travel bed. So when we finally rolled up at our mountain retreat [nineteen hours and several croissants later!], the pods transformed effortlessly into cosy, ready-to-go dog beds. No lugging extra gear or wrestling with bulky beds that take up valuable luggage space—we just unclipped them and carried them to our apartment using the sturdy carry handles.
The girls not only had an instant perch from which to admire the comings and goings from our balcony, but one with all their familiar scents and smells, which made settling into a new environment so much easier. Luther Bennett have even thought to design the front of the bed with a zip, allowing it to open up so your dog can stretch out fully. Handy if your pup happens to be more long-limbed than my pocket-sized pooches, as there’s still plenty of room to sprawl and snooze in total comfort.
Are Luther Bennett pods worth the money?
Do a little online digging and sure enough, you’ll find a handful of replicas popping up – brands imitating the look of the dog pod and claiming to offer the same level of comfort and functionality, often at a much lower price point. And while I totally understand the temptation of a bargain (especially when travelling with pets already comes with a hefty price tag – don’t even get me started on the cost of the Animal Health Certificate required to travel abroad!), in my experience, you really do get what you pay for.
It’s that rare combination of style and substance that makes the Luther Bennett dog pod worth every penny—and once you’ve experienced it, the difference between the real deal and a copycat becomes pretty obvious.
Travelling in Europe with Dogs
If, like me, you can’t bear the thought of holidaying without your dog, you’ll be pleased to know that travelling around Europe with your four-legged friend is not only possible—it’s actually pretty easy once you know the ropes!
Last year, we travelled to France with the girls and I put together a blog post all about our experience. It includes details of the essential documentation, vaccines, and everything else you need to know to travel smoothly with your pup by your side.
If you’re sticking to a budget I would definitely advise choosing your destination carefully. Unlike France, who didn’t charge a bean for the dogs, countries like Austria have definitely coined in on the dog-friendly demand. Whilst lots of places still don’t accept dogs, those that do charge an exorbitant price for the privilege. We were even charged €16 just to take the dogs in the gondola, so it can quickly rack up!
That said, I wouldn’t have it any other way—there’s no price I wouldn’t pay to have my girls by my side on every adventure. And now, with our Luther Bennett travel pods in tow, I can relax knowing they’re travelling in total comfort. Long journeys have become not only safer and easier, but far more stylish too. These pods have completely transformed the way we travel, making every trip more enjoyable for all of us. And while Winnie might still fancy herself as the next Stig, at least now she can do it from her very own luxury throne!
Prices for the individual Luther Bennett Dog Pod start from £180.
Order directly through our affiliate link and SAVE 10% on the Luther Bennett website where you can browse the full range of colours, styles, and sizes available.
We hope you love your dog pod just as much as we do!
Woofs and Wags
Kate, Gertie and Wins
xox
*We were kindly gifted the dog pods in return for an honest review.
