How to Plan a Trip with Pets (and Dogs)

Should You Bring Your Pet?

Before planning a pet-friendly trip, honestly assess whether bringing your pet is the right choice. Some pets travel well and genuinely enjoy new environments. Others find travel extremely stressful. Consider:

• Your pet's temperament: Is your pet generally calm and adaptable, or anxious and routine-dependent?
• Your pet's health: Age, health conditions, and fitness level all affect travel suitability
• The trip type: A road trip to a pet-friendly cabin is very different from an international flight with a 6-month quarantine requirement
• The alternative: A trusted pet sitter or boarding facility may be less stressful for your pet than travel

If you decide to bring your pet, here's how to plan it well.

Step 1: Research Pet Entry Requirements for Your Destination

This is the most critical and most time-sensitive step — do it first, before booking anything else.

Domestic Travel (Within Your Country)

• Most domestic travel has minimal pet entry requirements
• Some states, provinces, or regions have specific rules (Hawaii has strict quarantine requirements even for domestic travel)
• Research any destination-specific rules before booking

International Travel

International pet travel requirements vary enormously by destination and can be extremely complex:

• Microchip: Most countries require ISO-standard microchipping before entry
• Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination is required by virtually all countries. Many require specific timing (not too recent, not too old)
• Health certificate: An official veterinary health certificate issued within a specific window before travel (often 10 days). Must be signed by an accredited veterinarian and often endorsed by a government authority
• Titer test: Some countries (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hawaii) require a rabies antibody titer test to prove vaccination effectiveness. This test must be done at an approved laboratory and results take 30–60 days
• Quarantine: Some countries (Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, UK) require quarantine periods of days to months. This is a major factor in deciding whether to bring your pet
• Breed restrictions: Many countries ban specific breeds (often bully breeds). Research breed-specific restrictions for your destination

Start this research 6–12 months before international travel with a pet. The documentation requirements have strict timing windows that can't be rushed.

Step 2: Choose a Pet-Friendly Destination

Most Pet-Friendly Countries and Regions

• Most of Europe: Dogs are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, hotels, and public transport in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and most other European countries. The EU Pet Passport system makes movement between EU countries relatively straightforward
• Most of the United States: Pet-friendly accommodation, parks, and outdoor dining are widely available. National parks allow pets on many trails
• Canada: Very pet-friendly, especially for outdoor destinations

Least Pet-Friendly for Travel

• Australia and New Zealand: Extremely strict biosecurity. Quarantine required. Not practical for most travelers
• UK: Post-Brexit requirements are complex. Titer test required
• Japan: Strict requirements and potential quarantine
• Many Asian and Middle Eastern countries: Limited pet-friendly infrastructure and complex entry requirements

Step 3: Decide: Fly or Drive?

Driving with Pets

Driving is almost always the better option when possible. It's less stressful for pets, more flexible, and avoids airline restrictions and cargo hold risks.

• Use a crash-tested pet restraint or secured crate — unrestrained pets are dangerous in accidents
• Stop every 2–3 hours for bathroom breaks, water, and exercise
• Never leave pets in a parked car — temperatures rise dangerously fast
• Keep the car cool and well-ventilated
• Bring water and a portable bowl for every stop
• Keep your pet's routine as consistent as possible — feed at normal times

Flying with Pets

Flying with pets is more complex and carries more risk. Understand your options:

In-Cabin

• Small pets (typically under 20 lbs / 9 kg including carrier) can fly in the cabin under the seat in front of you
• The carrier must fit under the seat and the pet must stay in the carrier for the entire flight
• Book early — airlines limit the number of in-cabin pets per flight
• Confirm the airline's specific size and weight limits before booking

Cargo Hold

• Larger pets travel in the temperature-controlled cargo hold
• This is significantly more stressful for pets and carries more risk
• Research the airline's safety record for pet cargo transport
• Avoid cargo travel in extreme temperatures (summer heat, winter cold)
• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds: many airlines ban them from cargo due to respiratory risk. Some ban them from in-cabin travel as well
• Consider whether the trip is worth the stress and risk for your pet

Airline-Specific Rules

• Every airline has different rules for pet travel. Research your specific airline's policy before booking
• Some airlines don't allow pets at all on certain routes
• Fees vary from $95–$200+ each way for in-cabin pets

Step 4: Visit the Vet Before You Go

• Schedule a pre-travel vet visit 4–6 weeks before departure
• Confirm your pet is healthy enough to travel
• Get all required vaccinations and documentation
• Discuss anxiety management if your pet is a nervous traveler — your vet may recommend calming supplements or medication
• Get a health certificate if required (timing matters — most must be issued within 10 days of travel)
• Confirm microchip is registered and readable
• Get copies of all vaccination records

Step 5: Book Pet-Friendly Accommodation

Always confirm pet policies before booking — never assume.

• Pet fees: Most pet-friendly hotels charge a pet fee ($25–$150/night or a flat fee per stay). Factor this into your budget
• Weight and breed restrictions: Many hotels have weight limits or breed restrictions. Confirm your pet qualifies
• Number of pets: Some properties limit the number of pets per room
• Pet-friendly rooms: Request a ground-floor room for easy outdoor access

Best Accommodation Types for Pet Travel

• Vacation rentals (Airbnb/Vrbo): Often the best option. Many are pet-friendly, have yards or outdoor space, and feel more like home for your pet
• Pet-friendly hotel chains: Kimpton Hotels (no pet fees, no size limits), La Quinta, Motel 6, and many others have pet-friendly policies
• Cabins and cottages: Excellent for dogs — outdoor space, relaxed environment, away from crowds

Step 6: Pack for Your Pet

• Food: bring enough for the entire trip plus extra. Don't rely on finding your pet's specific food at the destination
• Water and portable bowl: bring water from home for the first day (sudden water changes can cause digestive upset)
• Medications: enough for the trip plus extra. Keep in carry-on
• Vaccination records and health certificate
• Collar with ID tag including your cell phone number and destination address
• Leash and backup leash
• Familiar bedding or blanket — familiar smells reduce anxiety in new environments
• Favorite toys
• Waste bags (more than you think you need)
• Pet first aid kit: antiseptic wipes, bandages, tweezers for ticks, emergency contact for local vet
• Crate or carrier if your pet is crate-trained — familiar crate = familiar safe space

Step 7: Keep Your Pet Safe and Comfortable

• Maintain routine: Feed, walk, and sleep at the same times as at home. Routine reduces travel anxiety
• Exercise before travel: A well-exercised pet is calmer during transit
• ID and microchip: Ensure your pet's ID tag and microchip information are current with your travel contact details
• Never leave pets in hot cars: Even with windows cracked, temperatures rise to dangerous levels within minutes
• Research local hazards: Unfamiliar plants, wildlife, insects, and water sources can be dangerous. Research destination-specific pet hazards
• Know the nearest vet: Research emergency veterinary clinics near your accommodation before you arrive

Final Thoughts

Pet travel is most successful when you plan around your pet's needs, not just your own. Research entry requirements first (especially for international travel), choose a pet-friendly destination, drive when possible, book pet-friendly accommodation in advance, and maintain your pet's routine throughout the trip. The extra planning is worth it — there's nothing quite like exploring the world with your dog by your side.