The Complete Guide to Traveling with Your Dog: Car, Air, and Accommodation

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Traveling with your dog can transform a good trip into an unforgettable adventure. There is something special about exploring new places, hitting the road, or relaxing at a dog-friendly hotel with your best friend by your side. And for many dog owners, the alternative — leaving their dog behind — simply is not an option.

But traveling with a dog, whether by car or plane, requires careful planning. From safety restraints and airline regulations to finding pet-friendly accommodations and packing the right gear, the logistics can feel overwhelming.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to travel safely, comfortably, and responsibly with your dog.

Road Trips with Your Dog

Road trips are the most common and often the easiest way to travel with your dog. You control the environment, the pace, and the stops. But car travel with a dog requires more preparation than simply opening the back door and saying “hop in.”

Car Safety: Restraints Are Non-Negotiable

An unrestrained dog in a car is a safety hazard — for the dog, for you, and for other passengers. According to the AVMA, an unrestrained 60-pound dog in a 35 mph crash becomes a 2,700-pound projectile. Beyond the crash risk, a loose dog can distract the driver, interfere with pedals, or escape through an open door after an accident.

Restraint options:

• Crash-tested crate or carrier: The safest option. A properly sized, crash-tested crate secured in the cargo area or back seat protects your dog like a car seat protects a child. Wire crates are not suitable for car travel — use plastic airline-style crates or crash-tested brands like Gunner or Sleepypod.
• Dog seat belt/harness: A harness that clips into the seatbelt system. Look for harnesses that are crash-tested (Sleepypod Clickit is one of the few that passes independent crash testing). Standard harnesses with a seatbelt clip are better than nothing but do not provide the same crash protection.
• Car seat (for small dogs): Booster-style seats that elevate small dogs and clip into the seatbelt. Provides visibility for the dog and security in a stop.
• Cargo area barrier: For SUVs and wagons, a barrier separates the cargo area from the passenger cabin. Used in combination with a crate for the safest setup.

Never let your dog ride in the front seat. Airbags are designed for adult humans and can seriously injure or kill a dog.

Planning Your Route

• Map out stops every 2-3 hours. Dogs need regular breaks for water, bathroom, and stretching. Plan stops at rest areas, parks, or pet-friendly establishments.
• Research pet-friendly restaurants and attractions along your route. See our dog-friendly restaurants guide for tips on dining out with your dog.
• Identify emergency veterinary clinics along your route. The AAHA hospital finder (aaha.org) can help you locate accredited clinics anywhere in the country.
• Avoid leaving your dog in the car. Even on a 70-degree day, the interior of a car can reach 100+ degrees in minutes. Never leave your dog unattended in a parked vehicle, even with windows cracked. This is illegal in many states and can be fatal.

Managing Motion Sickness

Some dogs experience motion sickness, especially puppies whose inner ears are not fully developed. Signs include drooling, whining, panting, and vomiting.

Prevention tips:

• Limit food for 2-3 hours before travel
• Keep the car cool and well-ventilated
• Face your dog forward (crate position matters)
• Start with short drives and gradually increase duration
• Ask your vet about motion sickness medication (Cerenia is commonly prescribed for dogs)

The Road Trip Packing List

• Restraint system (crate, harness, or barrier)
• Collapsible water bowl and bottled water
• Food measured out for the trip, plus an extra day’s supply
• KONG Classic or chew toy for rest stops and quiet car time
• Waste bags
• Leash and collar/harness with current ID tags
• Vaccination records and health certificate (if crossing state lines)
• Any medications your dog takes
• First aid kit
• Blanket or bed for comfort and familiarity
• Paper towels and cleaning supplies (for accidents)
• Recent photo of your dog (in case of separation)

Flying with Your Dog

Air travel with a dog is more complicated than car travel and requires significantly more planning. Rules vary by airline, change frequently, and can be restrictive.

In-Cabin Travel (Small Dogs)

Most major airlines allow small dogs to travel in the cabin in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Key requirements:

• Size limits: Most airlines require the dog and carrier to fit under the seat (approximately 17” x 12” x 8”, but check your specific airline). This typically limits in-cabin travel to dogs under 20 lbs.
• Carrier requirements: Soft-sided carriers with ventilation on at least two sides are standard. The dog must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down inside the carrier.
• Fees: Expect $75-$200 each way, depending on the airline. This is in addition to your ticket.
• Advance booking required: Airlines limit the number of pets per flight. Book early and confirm your reservation.
• No sedation: Both the AVMA and most airlines advise against sedating dogs for air travel, as sedation can affect breathing and cardiovascular function at altitude.

Cargo Travel (Large Dogs)

Dogs too large for in-cabin travel must fly in the pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo hold. This is significantly more stressful for dogs and carries higher risks.

Important considerations:

• Not all airlines offer cargo pet travel, and those that do may restrict it during extreme temperatures (summer and winter embargoes)
• You will need an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate large enough for your dog to stand, turn, and lie down
• Airlines require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
• Acclimation certificates may be needed for certain temperatures
• Direct flights are strongly preferred — layovers increase stress, risk of mishandling, and temperature exposure
• Research airline safety records for pet transport (the DOT publishes annual data on pet incidents)

Breed Restrictions

Many airlines restrict or ban brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds from air travel due to their higher risk of respiratory distress at altitude. Breeds commonly restricted include French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers. Always check your airline’s current breed restrictions.

Preparing Your Dog for Air Travel

• Crate training well in advance. Your dog should be comfortable spending extended periods in their travel crate before the trip. Read our puppy crate training guide for positive crate introduction methods.
• Visit your vet 10 days before travel. Obtain a health certificate and discuss any travel-specific concerns.
• Exercise before the flight. A tired dog is a calmer dog. Give your dog a good walk or play session before heading to the airport.
• Withhold food 4-6 hours before the flight to prevent motion sickness, but provide water up to departure.
• Attach identification to both your dog’s collar and the crate, including your name, phone number, destination address, and a photo of your dog.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Finding Dog-Friendly Hotels

Not all “pet-friendly” hotels are created equal. Some welcome dogs enthusiastically. Others charge hefty fees, impose severe restrictions, and treat your dog as an inconvenience.

Hotel chains known for being dog-friendly:

• La Quinta: One of the most dog-friendly chains. No pet fee at most locations. Two pets allowed.
• Kimpton Hotels: Boutique chain with no pet fee and no size limit. They often provide pet beds, bowls, and treats.
• Best Western: Most locations accept dogs, though policies and fees vary by property.
• Red Roof Inn: One pet stays free at most locations.
• Marriott properties: Many accept dogs, but fees and policies vary. The Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites are generally the most dog-friendly Marriott brands.

Vacation rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo): Many vacation rentals are pet-friendly and provide more space than a hotel room. Filter for “pets allowed” and communicate with the host about your dog before booking.

Hotel Etiquette with Your Dog

• Never leave your dog alone in the room if they are prone to barking. A barking dog in a hotel room is the fastest way to get a complaint. If your dog experiences separation anxiety, consider doggy daycare or bring them with you.
• Bring your dog’s bed or crate. This prevents your dog from getting on hotel furniture and provides a familiar sleeping spot.
• Keep your dog leashed in common areas. Hallways, lobbies, and elevators are shared spaces.
• Clean up immediately. If your dog has an accident, clean it thoroughly and notify housekeeping.
• Bring a lint roller. Remove dog hair from bedspreads and furniture before checkout.
• Use the “do not disturb” sign when your dog is in the room to prevent housekeeping from entering and potentially allowing your dog to escape.

International Travel with Your Dog

International travel adds layers of complexity. Each country has its own import requirements for animals, and these can take weeks or months to fulfill.

General Requirements

• Microchip: Most countries require an ISO 15-digit microchip. Some countries require the microchip to be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
• Rabies vaccination: Required by virtually every country. Some require the vaccination to be administered at least 30 days before travel and no more than 12 months before arrival.
• USDA-endorsed health certificate: Required for departure from the US. Must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian, then endorsed by the USDA APHIS office.
• Country-specific requirements: Some countries (UK, Australia, Japan, Hawaii) require rabies titer tests, quarantine periods, or additional treatments (such as tapeworm treatment for the UK).

Start Planning Early

For international travel, begin the process at least 3-6 months before your departure date. Some destinations (Australia, for example) have quarantine requirements that take months to arrange. The USDA APHIS website has country-specific requirements for pet travel from the United States.

Health and Safety While Traveling

Veterinary Preparation

• Schedule a vet visit before your trip to ensure your dog is healthy enough to travel
• Update all vaccinations
• Discuss preventative medication (flea, tick, heartworm) appropriate for your destination
• Obtain copies of vaccination records to carry with you
• Ask about motion sickness prevention or travel anxiety if relevant

Maintaining Routine on the Road

Dogs thrive on routine, and travel disrupts that. Minimize stress by maintaining as much normalcy as possible:

• Feed at the same times each day
• Maintain the same exercise schedule
• Bring familiar items: their bed, a favorite toy, a familiar blanket
• Stick to the same food (do not introduce new foods during travel, which can cause digestive upset)

Emergency Preparedness

• Save the number and address of emergency vet clinics at your destination
• Carry a basic pet first aid kit
• Ensure your dog’s microchip information is up to date
• Have a recent photo of your dog on your phone in case of separation
• Consider a GPS tracker on your dog’s collar for peace of mind

Hiking and Outdoor Activities While Traveling

One of the best parts of traveling with your dog is exploring new outdoor spaces together. Many national forests, state parks, and beaches welcome dogs on trails and in designated areas.

Before heading out:

• Research dog policies for specific parks and trails (many national parks restrict dogs to paved paths and campgrounds)
• Check for local hazards: venomous snakes, toxic plants, extreme weather
• Pack adequate water and a portable bowl
• Bring poop bags and pack out all waste

For a complete guide to trail etiquette, safety, and gear, read our dog-friendly hiking trails guide. And make sure your dog is getting enough exercise for their breed — read our exercise requirements by breed guide.

When to Leave Your Dog at Home

Travel with your dog is wonderful, but it is not always the right choice. Consider leaving your dog at home (with a trusted sitter, boarding facility, or friend) if:

• Your dog has severe anxiety in unfamiliar environments
• The destination or activity is not dog-friendly
• Extreme temperatures or hazardous conditions are expected
• Your dog has a health condition that makes travel risky
• The airline restrictions or logistics are too stressful for your specific dog
• Your itinerary involves long periods where your dog would be left alone in a hotel

A well-chosen pet sitter or boarding facility can provide a comfortable, stress-free experience for your dog while you travel. This is often the kindest option for dogs that do not travel well.

You Might Also Like

• Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails — The best outdoor activity to enjoy with your dog while traveling
• Dog-Friendly Restaurants Guide — How to dine out with your dog at your destination
• KONG Classic Review — Essential travel enrichment toy for car rides and hotel rooms
• Separation Anxiety Guide — Managing anxiety in unfamiliar environments
• Exercise Requirements by Breed — Keep your dog active even while traveling
• Essential Supplies for Your New Puppy — The same essentials you need for travel packing
• Puppy Crate Training Guide — Crate training is essential for travel

Frequently Asked Questions