May 2, 2024 | Sammy Tran

Tips for Travelling With Your Dog


A Complete Guide to Hitting the Road with Rover

As of recently, more and more people are taking their furry friends along with them on their travels.

In fact, when it comes to which pets, PBS Pet Travel reports that dogs make up 58% of the pets traveling around the world.

Travel With Pets Split

How many people take their pets on vacation?

According to research from Roanoke Times, 78% of pet parents in America travel with their pets each year.

Forbes reported that in 2019 alone, a total of 404,556 animals were transported by airline.

dog in backpack travelingSpencer Gurley Films, Pexels

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How is this number going to change?

New research from Motel 6 reveals that 54% of cat and dog owners plan to travel with their pets in the next year, based on data compiled from 1,000 participants who are planning a trip.

Millennials are the most likely to consider traveling with their pets.

Dog in front of a hotelEminent Luggage, Pexels

Do travelers plan accordingly?

Actually, yes. According to Harvest Hosts, more than half (52%) of all travelers base their travel plans on accommodating their pets, and over one-third of travelers consider pet-friendly accommodation a “must.”

Small dog Maltese sitting in suitcaseMonika Wisniewska, Shutterstock

Do hotels allow pets?

Some do, yes. American Kennel Club says that about 75% of luxury, mid-scale, and economy hotels allow pets. Popular chains like Red Roof, Motel 6, Best Western, Choice Hotels, and DoubleTree by Hilton are among them.

chocolate in front of hotel swimming poolHelena Lopes, Pexels

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22 Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

On that note, let’s dive into 22 tips that can make traveling with your dog easier.

Dog traveling by trainСпиридон Варфаламеев, Pexels

1. Don’t Make Assumptions

The number of people who bring their pooch along on vacation each year is increasing, and many establishments are still trying to catch up.

So, before you assume your pet is/is not allowed, ask.

Woman and dog in pet friendly hotelRossHelen, Shutterstock

2. Always Confirm

Some may not yet have specific pet policies in place, while others might advertise that they are pet friendly, when in fact they are not.

It’s always advised to call and confirm before you bring your furry friend along.

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3. Make Copies of Pet-related Documents

If you’re thinking of crossing borders or traveling internationally, you’ll need your dog’s health records on hand—it’s sort of like their passport. Officials will ask to see them to ensure your pet is healthy and vaccinated before crossing into their territory.

This is also important in the event you need vet care while traveling.

jack russell dog at airportJavier Brosch, Shutterstock

4. Use Dog-Friendly Apps

There’s an app for that. In fact, there are many. There are apps for finding pet-friendly places in the area of your travels, such as hiking trails, campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and even animal hospitals and veterinarian care.

Beautiful Female Veterinarian Petting a Noble Golden Retriever Dog. Healthy Pet on a Check Up Visit in Modern Veterinary Clinic with Happy Caring DoctorGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

5. Find Dog-Friendly Hotels

A lot of hotels will allow your pets, but charge you an extra fee for accommodating them. This fee can be upwards of $50-250 depending on the duration of your stay. These hotels are not pet-friendly, in our opinion.

Find a hotel that welcomes pets without the extra fee, such as Motel 6 or Red Roof Inn.

Red Roof InnCorey Coyle, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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6. Use an AirBnB

Can’t find a pet-friendly hotel in your destination? Try an AirBnB. Many hosts allow pets and may even be more suited for a family with a pet.

Woman traveling with her dogLior Binyamini, Pexels

7. Book and Evening Flight

Traveling by airline can be stressful for dogs as they are thrown from their typical routine, and can be locked up for hours in an unknown environment.

Choosing a late flight can give you the chance to get them lots of exercise beforehand, and lessen the chances of a busy airport.

Dog running with ball in mouthElina Volkova, Pexels

8. Take a Wearable Pet Carrier

For the babies and the suckies, a wearable pet carrier could come in handy on those hiking adventures.

With nearly every option you can think of now available on the market, you can safely carry your little pup along for the adventure.

Dog in pet carrierYta23, Shutterstock

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9. Remember, Not Everyone Loves Dogs

Yikes. But, seriously, it’s true. Not everyone will be as excited to see your dog as you are. As well, human relationships with dogs vary across cultures. Remember to be respectful of others.

Dog running on wooden dockKristina Paukshtite, Pexels

10. Know Your Dog’s Limits

On that note, it’s also important to know your dog’s limits. If your dog is not friendly, be sure to take necessary precautions and make it clear to anyone who approaches.

This is also true if your pup is timid or nervous.

Ruffit Dog CarrierEdgar González, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

11. Triple-Check Airline Pet Policies

When flying, especially internally, it is advised that you confirm, many times, what the airline’s pet policies are. Rules can change at any time and you want to be sure both you and your dog will be welcome on the flight.

Check the website, give them a call, and e-mail for confirmation is all suggested, just to be safe.

Dog at airportmrccos, Flickr

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12. Be Prepared for Extra Costs

Similar to hotels, airlines typically have pet fees as well. Make sure you know ahead of time what those fees consist of. The fees can be different depending on the country, the airline, or even the breed of dog.

Dog at airportDouglas Edric Stanley, Flickr

13. Countries Differ

If you’re taking your dog on an international trip, you’ll have some serious homework to do. Confirm the pet policies in all destinations you plan to visit.

This includes: airlines, transportation services, accommodations, restaurants, parks, beaches, attractions, etc.

The policies change drastically in different countries. Some even have a list of banned breeds.

Woman traveling with her dogPickPik

14. Check Your Pet Insurance Policy

If you have pet insurance, double check the policy so you know ahead of time what may or may not be covered while you’re traveling. Be sure to check about internal travel, or crossing state lines.

Couple traveling by a car with their dogPNW Production, Pexels

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15. Make Dog Friends

While traveling, make friends with other dogs and their owners. Go to pet-friendly parks and chat with other owners. They’ll tell you where the best places to take your dog are, and can share other helpful information.

It’s also a socially beneficial for your pup.

Dogs playingGili Pup, Pexels

16. Pack the Essentials

Your dog is your family, so pack for them like you’d pack for your kids (or yourself). Don’t forget poop bags, a leash and harness, ID tags, food, treats, toys, comfort, etc.

Dog in suitcaseAustin Kirk, Flickr

17. And Then Back Extra

If you’re going somewhere remote, it might be worth it to pack some extras of the important things. You never know if you will have an unexpected extend to your stay, or possibly even lose something.

dog next to pet luggageYekatseryna Netuk, Shutterstock

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18. Don’t Forget Medications

If your dog is on medication of any kind, whether daily or as needed, be sure you bring enough with you for the duration of your trip, plus a few days—just in case.

Dog in a carTim Gouw, Pexels

19. This Includes Flea & Tick Meds

It’s also advised to make sure your dog is up-to-date on their flea and tick medicine. Ticks are now present all year-round and are now in climates they didn’t previously frequent.

Dog playing with ballDominika Roseclay, Pexels

20. Teach Your Dog Manners

If your dog knows basic commands like “sit” and “stay”, it will make it easier to manage them while traveling. If possible, teaching your dog how to control their barking will be an asset as well. No one likes a barking dog in a hotel.

A well-trained dog can also be trusted alone for a few hours while you have a nice dinner or visit a museum.

Dog sittingSimon Robben, Pexels

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21. Plan for Food

If you can’t bring enough food with you for the duration of your trip, it is advised that you make sure your dog’s food brand can be purchased at your destination. Not all brands are widely available.

Most dogs don’t handle food changes well, let alone while on a trip away from home.

Dog foodMART PRODUCTION, Pexels

22. Get Them Used to the Car First

If you’re planning a road trip where you may be in the car for long periods of time, it is suggested that you get your dog used to it first, before the big day.

Take your dog on short car rides that end in positive experiences for them.

Dog in a carJesus Trevizo, Pexels

Sources: 1, 2


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