The ultimate guide to planning a pet-friendly vacation

By Lauren Rey

Planning to take your four-legged friend on vacation? You’re not alone. According to statistics from Dogster, 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year. And these traveling pet parents are happy to find that more public places allow pets than ever before. Whether you’re going hiking and brewery-hopping with your dog or making your way to wine country with your cat (if your feline friend is into that sort of thing), you’ll find plenty of pet-friendly accommodations along the way. Let’s dive into the details of planning a tail-wagging trip!

Preparing for your pet-friendly vacation

Vacationing with pets may be easier than ever, but it still requires some planning to ensure your four-legged travel companions stay happy, safe, and comfortable during the trip. There are major differences between traveling with dogs and traveling with cats, so it’s important to assess your pet’s needs and comfort level with travel and take into consideration the mode of transportation you will be taking.

Many cats might not be comfortable with long hours in a car or the hustle and bustle of air travel. Dogs may be easier to travel with, as many of them love car rides, but some don’t, so it’s important to assess this ahead of time. Flying with dogs can be equally stressful, especially if your dog is too large to fly in-cabin. Whatever type of pet you have, if they get anxious with new people, places, and things, or are uneasy in the car, they may not enjoy going on vacation with you. In some cases, it’s better to leave your pet with a trusted caretaker or in a boarding facility.

Once you’ve determined that your pet is mentally ready for travel, it’s important to ensure they are physically ready. This means that they should be healthy and up to date on vaccines, parasite preventatives, and microchips. You’ll also want to ensure you have all the pet travel essentials ready to go.

Checklist for traveling with dogs

• Leash, collar, ID tags, and harness (if you use one)
• Food, water, treats, and medications (pack enough for the duration of the trip, plus extra in case of delays)
• Travel bowls
• Dog travel crate and/or dog seatbelt for the car
• Travel dog bed
• Poop bags
• Pet wipes
• Vaccine records and/or health certificate (if required)
• Pet insurance information
• Pet first aid kit and the number to Pet Poison Control
• Comfort items like your dog’s favorite toy and/or blanket
• Calming aides like Adaptil
• Any activity-specific gear needed, e.g. a hands-free leash for hiking, a dog lifejacket for swimming, etc.
• If your dog is known to wander off, consider a GPS tracking collar, like the Fi Collar

Checklist for traveling with cats

• Collar and ID tags
• Food, water, treats, litter, and medications (pack enough for the duration of the trip, plus extra in case of delays)
• Travel bowls
• Cat travel carrier
• Travel cat bed
• Travel litter box
• Pet wipes
• Vaccine records and/or health certificate (if required)
• Pet insurance information
• Pet first aid kit and the number to Pet Poison Control
• Comfort items like your cat’s favorite toy and/or blanket
• Calming aides like Feliway
• If your cat is a known escape artist, consider a GPS tracking collar, like Tractive

Finding pet-friendly destinations and accommodations

There are lots of pet-friendly vacation destinations across the country, from National Parks and campgrounds to all-inclusive luxury resorts and wellness retreats. But when traveling with pets, it’s important to plan for the journey as much as the destination, especially when traveling by car. You can map out pet-friendly hotels, pet-friendly restaurants, and pet-friendly activities like parks, beaches, and hiking trails along the way with apps like Bring Fido.

While there’s no shortage of dog-friendly hotels to choose from nowadays, if you’re traveling with multiple dogs or your canine companion is on the larger side, be sure to check pet policies before booking. Some hotels limit one pet per room or have weight restrictions. They may also require proof of vaccines, so don’t forget your pup’s paperwork. For our feline friends, most pet-friendly hotels accept both cats and dogs, but there are always exceptions. Be sure to inquire if the pet-friendly status of the hotel you’re planning to book applies to cats.

If you’re looking for more space or privacy for you and your pets, don’t forget about vacation rentals. You can find pet-friendly vacation homes through sites like Airbnb and Vrbo. Some even have large, fenced-in yards for your dogs to play, on-site access to dog-friendly beaches and hiking trails, and other pet perks.

Keeping your pet safe while traveling

Vacations are all about having a good time, but safety also needs to be a top priority when exploring new places with your pet. Even the most docile dog or calm cat may be tempted to make a run for it to check out a new sight, sound, or smell. Always keep your dog leashed and your cat in a carrier when getting in and out of a car, hotel room, or walking through a public area like a rest stop or airport. And of course, ensure they always have ID tags on!

There are also hazards to look out for while traveling with your pet. Consider the weather, especially when hiking or spending time outdoors with your pet, heatstroke can occur quickly in dogs, even if it doesn’t feel that hot out to us humans. It’s important to take proper safety precautions for pets in warm weather, which includes never leaving your pet in a parked car, even if you think you’ll only be gone a few minutes.

High-traffic public areas can also be full of hazards for pets. From antifreeze and oil spills to fast-food scraps, chocolate, gum, and even chicken bones. Dogs have a knack for sniffing out food and garbage on walks, so keep a close eye on them while navigating rest stops, gas stations, and parking lots.

Ready for a pawsome adventure?

Taking your pet on vacation is easier than ever, but it’s important to plan ahead to ensure your pet stays safe and has a tail-wagging good time.

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