How to Travel With Your Dog: Car, Plane & Hotel Tips

Traveling With Your Dog Does Not Have to Be Stressful

The key to stress-free travel with your dog is preparation. Dogs who have never left the house are not going to enjoy a 10-hour road trip or a flight in cargo. But with the right gear, gradual conditioning, and a solid plan, most dogs can become comfortable travel companions.

This guide covers the three main travel scenarios: car trips, air travel, and hotel stays.

Part 1: Car Travel

Safety First -- Restraint Options

An unrestrained dog in a moving car is a projectile. In a collision at just 35 mph, an unrestrained 60-pound dog becomes a 2,700-pound force. Beyond crash safety, loose dogs can distract drivers, interfere with pedals, or escape through an open window. Restraining your dog is not optional.

Crash-tested crates: The safest option. Look for crates that have been independently crash-tested by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS). Brands like Gunner Kennels and Variocage have passed CPS testing. Place the crate in the cargo area of an SUV or secured on the back seat.

Crash-tested harnesses: If a crate does not fit your vehicle, a crash-tested harness attached to the vehicle's seat belt system is the next best option. The Sleepypod Clickit Sport is one of the few harnesses that has passed Center for Pet Safety crash testing.

Seat covers with restraint anchors: These protect your seats while providing attachment points for harnesses. They are not safety devices on their own but work well in combination with a tested harness.

Managing Car Sickness

Car sickness is common in puppies and some adult dogs. Signs include drooling, lip licking, whining, vomiting, and restlessness.

Prevention strategies:

Face your dog forward (crates positioned so the dog sees out the front windshield reduce nausea)
Keep the car cool with good airflow -- crack a window slightly for fresh air
Withhold food for 2 to 3 hours before travel
Take frequent breaks every 1 to 2 hours for short walks and water
Start with very short drives and gradually build up distance over weeks
Keep rides positive -- pair them with fun destinations, not just vet visits

If motion sickness persists: Talk to your vet about Cerenia (maropitant), a prescription anti-nausea medication specifically approved for dogs. It is highly effective and well-tolerated.

Road Trip Essentials Checklist

Current ID tags and microchip with updated contact information
Leash and collar or harness
Portable water bottle and travel bowl
Poop bags
Food portioned for the trip, plus extra
Any medications your dog takes
First aid kit (gauze, hydrogen peroxide for poison control under vet direction, tick remover, styptic powder)
A familiar blanket or bed for comfort in new environments
Crate or crash-tested harness
Recent photo of your dog on your phone (in case of separation)
Vaccination records

Part 2: Air Travel

Cabin vs. Cargo

In-cabin travel is only available for dogs who fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. This typically means dogs under 20 pounds, carrier included. The carrier must be airline-approved (soft-sided, with ventilation on at least two sides, and the dog must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down).

Cargo travel is for larger dogs. The dog flies in a pressurized, temperature-controlled section of the aircraft in an airline-approved hard-sided crate. While statistically safe, cargo travel involves more stress, noise, and temperature variability than cabin travel.

Airline Rules to Know

Rules vary by airline, but these are common across most carriers:

Booking: Pet reservations must be made in advance (often by phone, not online). Most flights limit the number of in-cabin pets.
Fees: In-cabin pet fees range from $75 to $200 each way. Cargo fees can range from $200 to $500+ depending on the dog's size and route.
Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese) are banned from cargo travel on most airlines due to respiratory risks at altitude.
Temperature embargoes: Airlines restrict cargo pet travel when ground temperatures at origin, destination, or connection cities are below 45 degrees F or above 85 degrees F.
Age minimum: Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.
Health certificate: A veterinary health certificate (USDA accredited) is required, typically issued within 10 days of travel. For international flights, requirements are more complex and vary by country.

Making Air Travel Less Stressful

Practice with the carrier at home for weeks before the flight. Feed meals in it, use it as a nap spot, and take short car rides with it.
Exercise your dog thoroughly before heading to the airport.
Arrive early so you are not rushing and adding stress.
Attach a water bottle or ice cubes to the crate door for cargo travel so your dog can hydrate without the risk of water spilling during loading.
Do not sedate your dog for air travel unless specifically directed by your vet. Sedation can impair a dog's ability to regulate body temperature and balance, increasing risk.
Book direct flights whenever possible to minimize handling and layover stress.

Part 3: Hotel Stays

Finding Pet-Friendly Hotels

Not all pet-friendly hotels are created equal. Some genuinely welcome dogs with open arms. Others technically allow them but charge hefty fees, restrict you to undesirable rooms, and make the experience unpleasant.

Hotel chains with strong pet policies:

La Quinta by Wyndham: No pet fees at most locations. Two dogs per room.
Kimpton Hotels: No pet fees, no size limits, no breed restrictions. One of the most genuinely dog-friendly chains.
Red Roof Inn: One well-behaved pet per room, no additional fees at most locations.
Best Western: Pet policies vary by location, but many accept dogs for a fee of $20 to $50 per night.
Motel 6: Pets stay free at most locations. Great for budget road trips.

Hotel Etiquette With Your Dog

Following these rules ensures hotels remain dog-friendly for everyone:

Never leave your dog alone in the room if they bark or howl. Other guests did not sign up for that.
Bring a crate if your dog is used to one. It prevents furniture damage and gives your dog a familiar space.
Cover the hotel bedding with your own blanket or sheet if your dog sleeps on the bed.
Clean up immediately -- both outside and any accidents inside.
Keep your dog on leash in all common areas (lobbies, hallways, elevators, parking lots).
Notify housekeeping that there is a dog in the room so they can plan accordingly.
Tip housekeeping extra when traveling with a pet. Dog hair is inevitable.

What to Pack for Hotel Stays

In addition to the road trip essentials listed above:

A portable crate or travel bed
An old towel for wiping muddy paws before entering the room
A portable white noise machine or fan to mask unfamiliar sounds that might trigger barking
Chew toys or stuffed Kongs to keep your dog occupied in the room
A nightlight if your dog is unsettled in dark, unfamiliar spaces
Floor cleaner wipes for any accidents

Health Certificates and Documentation

Domestic Travel

Most airlines require a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian issued within 10 days of departure. Even for car travel, carrying vaccination records is wise in case your dog needs emergency vet care in an unfamiliar city.

International Travel

International pet travel requirements are complex and country-specific. At minimum, expect:

Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
Current rabies vaccination with documentation of titer testing for some countries
USDA-endorsed health certificate
Import permits for certain countries
Quarantine periods in some destinations (notably Australia, Hawaii, Japan, and the UK have specific protocols)

Start researching international travel requirements at least 6 months before your trip. The USDA APHIS website maintains country-specific requirements.

Dogs Who Should Not Travel

Be honest about whether travel is in your dog's best interest:

Brachycephalic breeds face elevated risks during air travel due to compromised airways
Senior dogs with health conditions may find the stress of travel dangerous
Dogs with severe anxiety who do not respond to conditioning or medication
Aggressive or reactive dogs who may be dangerous in unpredictable environments

For these dogs, a trusted pet sitter or boarding facility is often the kinder choice.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with your dog can strengthen your bond and create wonderful experiences. But it requires planning, the right gear, and an honest assessment of your dog's temperament and health. Start with short trips, build your dog's confidence gradually, and always prioritize their safety and comfort over convenience. The best travel companion is a well-prepared one.