Adventure is a State of Mind
Pet-friendly travel has come a long way. Gone are the days when taking your pet on a travel adventure entailed smuggling them into an oversized purse, or accepting with resignation that they’ll just have to stay at home. Today’s pet owners, which account for 94 million U.S. households and millions more abroad, are no longer content to choose between adventure and their pets—they want both, and the travel industry is listening.
From airlines designing flights around dogs to hotels rolling out red-carpet treatment for pets, the world is finally catching up to what we’ve known all along: our pets aren’t just animals—they’re family.
But here’s the thing: traveling with pets requires a bit more planning than a sans-animal trip. Between varying requirements, pet policies, destination-specific allowances, and hit-or-miss amenities, it’s best not to just wing it. Whether you’re dreaming of European cobblestones with your Cavalier King Charles or beach sunsets with your rescue mutt, let’s break down some key considerations for traveling with pets.
Planes, Trains and Automobile
When embarking on any adventure, your chosen mode of transportation will help you determine how to prepare you and your furry companion for travel. If you’re planning a road trip, you’ll have the most flexibility for keeping your pet fed, watered, and relieved. It’s best to stop every two to three hours to let your pet stretch their legs and use the restroom. Don’t ever leave pets unattended in cars, and ensure their safety while driving by using a harness and seatbelt—that’s right, even dogs need to click it!
The United States isn’t known for its robust rail system, but Amtrak does allow dogs and cats weighing less than 20 lbs to ride their trains for an extra fee and when the trip is fewer than seven hours. They must be kept in a carrier for the duration of the trip—including while waiting in train stations and on the train itself—and are not allowed in certain areas, such as station lounges or waiting areas for First Class ticket holders.
In Western Europe, the train system is more widely used and generally pet-friendly but varies by country. Eastern Europe and Asia, however, typically have more restrictive policies for train travel with pets. It’s always best to check the policies of your chosen railway carrier to determine if there are specific restrictions, added fees, or pet-friendly amenities on offer.
This brings us to pet-friendly air travel, which can vary widely from airline to airline and depending on where you’ll be departing and landing. For example, popular airlines like United, American, and Delta allow small pets in cabins for pet owners who purchase an extra ticket for their jet-setting companion, while more budget-friendly airlines—like Breeze, Ryanair, and Frontier—do not allow pets on board unless they are documented service animals.
If your pet isn’t allowed in the cabin, the alternative is crating your pet and placing them with the checked luggage under the plane. However, those conditions are hardly comfortable and could cause a pet significant stress. In any case, it’s best to accommodate your companion as an individual. If you know they are easily stressed, traveling with them in the plane’s undercarriage may not be the best.
Destination-Specific Considerations
Not all travel destinations will welcome your pet, and some countries have restrictive policies that could make pet parents reconsider traveling with their pet. For example, Australia will keep inbound pets in quarantine for up to 10 days, even if all paperwork has been signed, sealed, and delivered. China has similar restrictions, imposing a 30-day quarantine period if certain requirements are not met. Additionally, many Asian countries have limited pet-friendly facilities, which can make finding accommodations and activities frustrating.
Yet, there are other travel destinations that welcome pets with open arms. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and those in Frankfurt, Germany, have implemented pet-first hotels and lounges where on-the-go companions can rest and recharge during layovers. Because pet policies vary from country to country, it’s best to do your homework before you book your travel.
And for dog owners looking beyond pet-friendly travel for something truly pet-centric, look no farther than BARK Air.
BARK Air
BARK Air launched in May 2024 as a dog-first airline—in fact, the first of its kind. Each private charter flight is designed around dogs, to the point where their human companions are more like plus-ones. For example, there are no crates to be found on BARK Air flights. Rather, each canine traveler is met with a dedicated comfort concierge and calming in-flight amenities to keep them stress-free and contented.
As of 2024, BARK Air offers limited routes both within the United States and internationally. But don’t expect to find flights everywhere just yet—as of now, this is still a boutique operation with select destinations, but they are taking recommendations for new routes!
The kicker with BARK Air is the price. Flights start at $6,000, including both the dog and their human companion. This places the operator firmly in luxury territory—however, when considering some international fees and non-monetary costs of traveling with pets in less pet-friendly environments (like your sanity), this solution could be well worth it for some brave, wise travelers.
Even BARK Air’s customer service embraces its dog-first philosophy. Its FAQ page, for example, features responses to common questions in the voice of Chief Flying Officer Amelia—who, despite her professional pilot’s uniform and excellent posture, happens to be a dog. This is the kind of attention to detail that shows a commitment to putting pets at the center of the travel experience.
BARK Air represents a shift toward truly pet-centric travel experiences. While its price currently makes accessibility a challenge, its existence reflects how pet parents increasingly view their furry family members as deserving of the same considerations as human travelers.
Pet-Friendly Hotels
Most major hotel chains—such as Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt—have properties that are pet-friendly. On each of these companies’ websites, you can search for pet-friendly locations and see what amenities are offered for pets at those locations (as well as any restrictions).
With more premium pet offerings, hotels like the Four Seasons, Loews are treating pets like part of the family. The Loews Loves Pets program provides bedding, treats and doggy room service menus for its canine guests, for example. Four Seasons offers similar amenities, and in 2021, Hilton even announced an exclusive room service menu for dogs staying in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Dubbed Bone Appétit, the menu features bark-worthy dishes like Beef Donuignon and Mutt Roast, as well as snoot-licking beverages like Earl Greyhound and Tailwagger Creek.
Red Roof Inn has more than 600 pet-friendly hotels, and not only are there no added fees, but guests who bring pets are even offered a 10% discount. Additionally, all Kimpton Hotels, owned by IHG and available in major cities worldwide, accept dogs—while most locations allow cats—and set their four-legged guests up with complimentary treats, bedding, and even a special meal menu.
There are also plenty of budget-friendly options that welcome pets. Again, it’s best to inquire with the hotel at which you’ll be staying on any pet-specific policies, restrictions, and amenities available.
Peace of Mind at Your Fingertips
While spontaneous adventures with your pet sound romantic in theory, the reality is successful pet travel requires some serious prep work. Fortunately, modern technology has made planning and managing pet travel easier than ever.
BringFido is a mobile app that acts as a pet travel concierge that fits in the palm of your hand. The comprehensive app helps travelers find hotels, restaurants, and attractions that welcome pets—wherever you’re headed. You can filter searches by the size of your pet, read reviews from other pet owners, and even book reservations directly through the platform.
For emergency preparedness, the Red Cross Pet First Aid app is a great resource to have in your digital toolbox. This app provides step-by-step instructions for more than 25 emergency situations, from choking to heatstroke. It can also direct you to the nearest emergency vet in the case you need one.
There are a handful of other apps that focus on pet-friendly travel, such as BarkHappy, which can help you map out dog parks, pet-friendly beaches, hiking trails, and restaurants that welcome four-legged patrons.
Travel Documentation for Pets
Time to talk paperwork—because nothing kills the vacation vibe quite like being turned away at customs because you missed a crucial document.
If you’re traveling from the United States to an international destination, you’ll need a health certificate from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Pet owners must contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian to have their pet examined and receive a health certificate, which must be issued within 10 days of travel. This means planning the vet visit accordingly to make sure the certificate isn’t issued too early or too late.
Some countries require additional fees for each health certificate, and the process can take up to months depending on your destination. So, if you plan to take your pet abroad, it’s best to start the planning process early to account for this process and any complications.
Practical Tips for Pet Travel
The devil is in the details when it comes to successful pet travel, and a little preparation goes a long way. Think of it this way—our pets are creatures of habit (just like us humans!). When our routines are thrown out of whack, it can be uncomfortable and cause for stress. Fortunately, being prepared and going through the motions before the big departure can help ease discomfort and alleviate stress for traveling pets.
If you’ll be taking your pet in a car, train, or plane in a carrier, start by familiarizing your pet with that carrier weeks in advance—don’t wait until the night before! Make it a positive experience by associating the crate time with treats and toys. For particularly anxious pets, you could practice with short car rides in the carrier to help build up their tolerance and comfort level.
There are other technologies and tools you can implement to monitor your pets stress levels during travel, such as wearable activity trackers. Some of these devices are more for GPS location, while others can keep track of biomarkers like heart rate and sleep patterns to provide insight into how they’re faring on the road or in the air.
Regardless of your destination or what your travel adventure entails, always have a contingency plan. Pack your patience to deal with unexpected difficulties on behalf of your pet, like a poorly timed bowel movement in the middle of Terminal C. It happens—but it doesn’t have to ruin your adventure!
Traveling with your pet should enhance your adventure—not complicate it. With proper planning, the right tools, and realistic expectations, you and your furry companion can create memories that will last a lifetime. After all, the best travel companion is the one who’s always excited to see you—and that’s something only a pet can provide.
Have you considered traveling with your pet? Are you familiar with the pet-specific policies of the airlines, hotels, and accommodations you will be booking? What research can you do as part of your travel planning to ensure your pet will be comfortably accommodated throughout your adventure?
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