How to Travel With Your Dog: Car, Plane, and Hotel Guide

You're planning a trip. But what about your dog? Leaving them behind feels terrible, but traveling with them seems complicated.

It doesn't have to be. Here's everything you need to know about traveling with your dog.

Before You Travel

Is Your Dog a Good Traveler?

Some dogs travel well; others don't. Consider:

• Do they get car sick?
• How do they handle new environments?
• Are they anxious away from home?
• Can they handle confinement (crate, carrier)?

Very anxious or reactive dogs may be happier at home with a pet sitter.

Preparation Checklist

Documents:

• Vaccination records (especially rabies)
• Health certificate (for flights, often required within 10 days)
• Microchip registration (updated contact info)

Supplies:

• Food and treats (don't switch diet while traveling)
• Water and portable bowl
• Medications (+ prescription copies)
• Leash, collar with ID tags
• Waste bags
• Crate or carrier
• Familiar bedding or toy
• First aid kit

Training:

• Practice car rides
• Crate train before flying
• Work on "settle" or calm behaviors

Health Check

Schedule a vet visit 1-2 weeks before travel:

• Ensure vaccinations are current
• Get health certificate if flying
• Discuss motion sickness medication if needed
• Address any health concerns

Road Trips

Car Safety

Never loose in the car. In a crash, an unrestrained dog becomes a projectile and can be killed (and kill occupants).

Safe options:

• Crate (secured to prevent shifting)
• Car harness (crash-tested brands like Sleepypod)
• Back seat behind barrier

Never in the front seat (airbag danger).

Preventing Car Sickness

• Withhold food 4-6 hours before travel
• Offer water in small amounts
• Take frequent breaks
• Keep the car cool with fresh air
• Ginger treats may help
• Ask vet about Cerenia (prescription anti-nausea)

Rest Stops

• Stop every 2-3 hours
• Let your dog potty, stretch, drink water
• Never leave dogs in parked cars (even for "just a minute")
• Keep them leashed at rest stops (high escape risk in unfamiliar areas)

Temperature Warning

Cars heat up rapidly. Even at 70°F outside:

• 10 minutes → 89°F inside
• 30 minutes → 104°F inside

This kills dogs. Never leave them in the car unattended, even briefly.

Flying With Dogs

Cabin vs. Cargo

Cabin travel (small dogs only):

• Fits under seat in front of you
• Weight limit typically 20 lbs (including carrier)
• You can monitor them
• Less stressful than cargo

Cargo travel:

• Required for larger dogs
• Climate-controlled but stressful
• More risk (though still statistically rare incidents)
• Some breeds restricted (brachycephalic/flat-faced dogs)

Airline Policies Vary

Each airline has different:

• Carrier size requirements
• Breed restrictions
• Number of pets per flight
• Fees ($95-200+ each way)

Book early—airlines limit pets per flight.

Carrier Requirements

For cabin travel:

• Soft-sided carriers that fit under seat
• Specific dimensions (check your airline)
• Must allow dog to stand, turn, lie down
• Leak-proof bottom

Flying Tips

• Book direct flights (reduces stress and risk of delays)
• Avoid extreme weather travel (summer heat, winter cold in cargo)
• Exercise before the flight
• Limit food before travel but offer water
• Potty right before security
• Arrive early (pet check-in takes longer)
• Carry treats for positive reinforcement
• Use pheromone spray on carrier (Adaptil)

Brachycephalic Breeds

Flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, etc.) have higher risk of respiratory distress during flight.

Many airlines ban them entirely. If yours allows them, consider carefully whether the risk is worth it.

International Travel

Flying internationally adds complexity:

• Country-specific import requirements
• Quarantine (some countries)
• Microchip requirements (ISO standard)
• Specific vaccinations (rabies titer tests for some countries)
• Health certificate requirements

Research destination requirements MONTHS in advance. USDA APHIS maintains up-to-date information on country-specific pet import regulations. Some requirements take extensive time to fulfill.

Pet-Friendly Hotels

Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations

• BringFido.com: Lists pet-friendly hotels and activities
• PetswelcomeÏ.com: Searchable database
• Airbnb: Filter for pet-friendly properties
• Hotel chains: Many chains have pet policies (check individually)

Common Hotel Policies

Fees: $25-100+ per night or per stay Deposits: Sometimes required Weight limits: Many cap at 25-50 lbs Number limits: Often 1-2 pets maximum Restricted areas: Pets may be barred from pool, restaurant

Always call to confirm—policies change and websites aren't always updated.

Hotel Etiquette

• Don't leave your dog alone in the room (barking complaints)
• Keep them crated if you must leave briefly
• Clean up accidents immediately
• Keep dogs off beds unless you bring your own cover
• Walking outside only in designated areas
• Notify housekeeping of pet in room

Alternative Accommodations

• Vacation rentals (often more pet-flexible)
• Campgrounds (many are very pet-friendly)
• Extended stay hotels (often pet-friendly)

Destination Tips

Activities With Dogs

Research dog-friendly options:

• Dog beaches
• Hiking trails (check if dogs are allowed)
• Outdoor restaurants with patios
• Dog parks in the area
• Walking tours

Where Dogs Can't Go

Plan for times your dog can't join you:

• Most national parks limit dog access (check specific regulations)
• Many beaches restrict dogs
• Indoor attractions and restaurants

Options when exploring without your dog:

• Take turns with travel companions
• Hire local pet sitters (Rover.com works nationally)
• Doggy daycare facilities at destination
• Return to hotel (if they can be left crated briefly)

Motion Sickness and Anxiety

For Car Sickness

Prevention:

• Gradual car ride conditioning
• Empty stomach before travel
• Fresh air circulation
• Frequent stops
• Ginger treats

Medication (ask your vet):

• Cerenia (prescription, very effective)
• Dramamine (OTC, check with vet for dosing)

For Travel Anxiety

Preparation:

• Crate training before the trip
• Practice rides
• Positive associations with carrier/car

Calming aids:

• Thundershirt (pressure wrap)
• Adaptil pheromone spray
• Calming supplements (consult vet)

Prescription options (severe anxiety):

• Trazodone
• Gabapentin
• Sileo

Talk to your vet before any sedation, especially for flying.

When NOT to Travel With Your Dog

Consider Leaving Them Home If:

• They get severely anxious traveling
• Health conditions make travel risky
• Destination has few pet-friendly options
• Weather extremes (cargo flight in summer)
• Quarantine requirements at destination
• Very short trips (stress not worth it)

Home Care Options

• In-home pet sitter: Stay in your home; least disruption
• Boarding facility: Social dogs may enjoy this
• Trusted friend/family: Familiar faces
• Rover.com: Connects you with local sitters

The Bottom Line

Traveling with dogs requires planning but is absolutely doable:

1. Prepare (documents, supplies, training)
2. Choose transportation wisely (car vs. plane considerations)
3. Book pet-friendly accommodations (confirm policies)
4. Prioritize safety (restraint in car, crate on plane)
5. Manage anxiety (gradual conditioning, calming aids)
6. Know when to leave them home (sometimes it's better for everyone)

With the right preparation, your dog can be your best travel companion.

Related: Traveling With Cats Related: Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give my dog Benadryl for travel anxiety?

While some veterinarians do recommend diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for mild travel anxiety, you should never administer it without consulting your vet first for proper dosing based on your dog's weight and health. For dogs with severe travel anxiety, prescription medications like trazodone or gabapentin are more effective and safer options that your vet can prescribe.

How often should I stop for bathroom breaks on a road trip with my dog?

Plan stops every 2-3 hours for bathroom breaks, water, and a short walk to stretch legs. Puppies and senior dogs may need stops more frequently, roughly every 1-2 hours. Always leash your dog before opening the car door at rest stops, as unfamiliar environments can cause even well-trained dogs to bolt.

Is it safe for dogs to fly in cargo?

Cargo travel carries real risks including temperature extremes, turbulence stress, and mishandling, and several brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers) have died in cargo. If your dog must fly, book direct flights to minimize time in transit, choose climate-controlled airline programs, and avoid flying in summer or winter extremes. For small dogs, in-cabin is always the safer option.