Everything you need to know about traveling with pets - from packing essentials to hotel etiquette. We've got expert tips to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
Bring your pet's favorite toy to reduce travel anxiety
Don't forget anything! Print this checklist and tick off items as you pack.
Expert advice tailored to how you're traveling with your pet.
Always use a secured carrier or crash-tested seatbelt harness. Never let your pet ride with head out the window.
Stop every 2-3 hours for bathroom breaks, water, and short walks. Research pet-friendly rest areas beforehand.
Never leave your pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Cars can heat up dangerously fast.
Give a light meal 3-4 hours before departure to prevent car sickness. Bring their regular food to avoid stomach issues.
Ensure collar tags have current info. Consider a GPS tracker for added peace of mind on road trips.
Talk to your vet about calming treats or anxiety wraps if your pet gets nervous during car rides.
Avoid these common travel mistakes!
Learn from others' errors. These mistakes can ruin your trip or worse - put your pet in danger.
Always read the fine print. Some hotels have size limits, breed restrictions, or pet fees you didn't expect.
Even for road trips, some states require documentation. Flying almost always needs one. Don't get caught without it.
Travel is stressful enough without an upset stomach. Bring their regular food and stick to their normal diet.
If your pet hasn't been in their carrier before travel day, they're in for a stressful surprise.
Hotels may ask for vaccination records. Keep digital copies on your phone AND physical copies in your bag.
Quick answers to common pet travel questions.
For domestic travel, you typically need proof of current vaccinations (rabies), and a health certificate from your vet issued within 10 days of travel. For international travel or Hawaii, requirements vary significantly - research your destination well in advance. Always carry digital AND physical copies.
Costs vary widely: Hotel pet fees range from $0 to $200+ per stay. Air travel fees typically range from $100-$200 for in-cabin, or $200-$500+ for cargo. Additional costs may include health certificates ($50-$150), special carriers, and higher food/treat budgets. Budget an extra $100-$500 depending on your travel method.
It depends on your pet's temperament and hotel policy. If leaving them, keep it brief (under 2 hours), leave the TV on for comfort, ensure they have water, and use the "Do Not Disturb" sign. Some pets do better than others - be honest about your pet's anxiety levels. Consider doggy daycare at your destination if you'll be away often.
Most US airlines allow small pets in-cabin (typically under 20 lbs including carrier). Frontier, American, Delta, United, and Southwest all have pet programs. Each has different fees ($75-$200), and limited spots per flight. Some breeds are restricted. Cargo options exist for larger pets but have seasonal temperature restrictions. Book directly with the airline and confirm policies before booking.
Use our search tool to filter for pet-friendly hotels! We partner with Priceline to show you verified pet policies, fees, and restrictions upfront. You can also check hotel websites directly, but always call to confirm policies as they can change. Look for pet-specific filters on booking sites to save time.
Generally, no - sedation during air travel can be dangerous due to altitude effects on respiratory systems. For car travel, consult your vet about calming aids. Some pets benefit from natural calming options like thunder shirts or pheromone sprays. Never give your pet sedatives without explicit vet approval, and test any new calming aids at home before travel day.
Now that you're armed with expert tips, it's time to find the perfect pet-friendly hotel for your adventure together.
