Taking road trips with your dog can be super enjoyable… or super stressful if you’re not adequately prepared. To help you get ready for a smooth and memorable road trip with your furry best friend, we put together our tips to ensure your pet stays safe, happy and comfortable on the road.
But before we get into that, you need an in-depth look at the dos and don’ts for travelling with pets in rental cars. Here’s an overview of the pet policies for popular rental car providers and a breakdown of the additional costs associated.
Pet-friendly car rental companies for road trips with dogs
Fortunately, most car rental companies will allow you to bring your four-legged buddy on the trip. While most don’t charge an additional fee for bringing pets, there’s usually a cleaning fee if the vehicle isn’t returned in good condition. But that’s easy to beat—just bring a blanket or seat cover to keep the shedding contained.
So, here’s the scoop on the rental car policies and associated costs for travelling with your pet:
Enterprise
Enterprise allows pets in their rental vehicles. However, you must keep your pet crated and return the rental car in a clean condition free of pet hair to avoid additional cleaning fees.
Hertz
Some Hertz vehicles have special rentals for pet owners, with a special grid installed to separate the space between your pet, luggage and rear-seat passengers. However, pet policies vary by location so it’s best to double-check with the exact location you’re renting from.
Avis
Pets are welcome in the rental cars in most Avis locations. However, travellers are advised to call their pickup location to confirm before they arrive. You will also be required to return your rental free of pet hair and smells to avoid cleaning charges.
National
National allows pets to travel with their owners as long as they are crated at all times. You’ll also be required to return your rental car clean and free of pet hair to avoid an additional cleaning charge.
Alamo
Alamo also allows pets to travel in their cars. Pets should be crated at all times, and the rental cars should be returned clean and free of pet hair to avoid cleaning and detailing fees.
Thrifty
Thrifty welcomes pets in their cars, but the rentals must be returned without any damage and in clean condition. Vehicles with excessive pet hair, soiling, or damage will be charged an additional cleaning fee, ranging between $50 and $250.
Kyte
Kyte welcomes dogs and all pets in their rental cars. However, to avoid extra cleaning or detailing charges, you should keep the rental cars in clean condition, avoiding pet hair or damage caused by the pet.
Turo
Turo allows travellers to travel with their pets, but only in designated pet-friendly vehicles. Pets should be in a crate or carrier while in the vehicle. Cleaning charges are only applicable if you transport a pet in a vehicle that isn’t pet-friendly, return a pet-friendly vehicle with a significant amount of animal hair, or if you return the car with damage or an issue that your pet may have caused.
Tips for road trips with your dog
Before getting on the road, here are some tips for a smooth trip with your dog:
1. Go for a test drive
You need to test the waters before committing your dog to a long journey with you. Take a two-to-four-hour test drive and see how they react to this. They are ready for the road trip if they can travel without getting motion sickness, agitated or anxiety.
2. Update your dog tags
Have you updated your information since you got your dog? Ensure that the contact information on your dog’s tag is up to date in case your dog somehow gets away—accidents do happen! The same goes for the contact information associated with their microchip. It is also a good idea to have updated pictures of your dog.
3. Exercise your dog before the road trip
Exercise or training is the best way to tire your dog before a long trip. This will help them get sleepy during a road trip. When your dog is sleepy, the car’s motion will lull them to sleep, and they might sleep for a few hours or the entire trip.
4. Get a crate for the trip
Whether using your car or a rental, you will need a crate for road trips with your dog. Dogs love to be co-pilots, placing their paws on the centre console and leaning in as much as possible. As much fun and cute as this is, it’s often distracting and potentially dangerous. It’s not safe for your dog to move around or jump onto your lap while driving, and that’s why you’ll need a crate to keep them secure in the backseat.
5. Pack extra dog food
As you’re busy packing for your road trip, don’t forget to pack your dog’s favorite food. Always remember to pack extra dog food to avoid the hassle of finding your dog’s favorite food on the road. Along with food, carry a few bottles of water, and whenever you stop for gas or to stretch your legs, check to see if the dog needs some water, and remember to take them for a bathroom break right after.
6. Pack some toys to keep your dog occupied
Toys are often overlooked when packing for a road trip with a dog. Toys keep your dog occupied and entertained, which prevents them from getting antsy and ruining your trip. You’ll need to get more durable toys for a road trip.
7. Stop frequently for bathroom breaks
Bathroom breaks are important for you and your pooch, especially when travelling long distances. If you’re travelling with a puppy, plan your breaks every one to two hours and every three to four hours for adult dogs. It is also important you use this time to exercise your dog to get their energy out.
8. Invest in a seat cover
This is particularly important if you’re using a rental car for road trips with your dog. Even if you groom your dog frequently, they somehow still manage to dirty the seats. A seat cover protects the seats and prevents your dog from causing any damage, in turn saving you money.
9. Take a trip to the vet
A road trip with your dog exposes them to new places and environments. Before getting on the road, it is advisable to take a trip to the vet and ensure that your dog is up to date with their latest shots, especially rabies, canine hepatitis, parvovirus, distemper and tick medicine. If your dog takes daily medication, remember to carry it with you.
10. Pet-proof your vehicle
Before hitting the road with your dog, check and clear out anything that your dog could potentially chew and eat in your car. Crating usually helps with this, but big dog owners will need to pet-proof their cars since most of them don’t fit in crates.
11. Don’t leave your dog in the car unattended
Most dog owners already know that leaving dogs alone in the car is dangerous, but did you know that it is illegal in 31 states? To avoid people forcibly entering your car to rescue your pet, get your errands done before road-tripping with your dog.
12. Book pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re going on a long road trip to Lake Tahoe with your dog, you might need to stay at a hotel overnight. Several hotels, including Best Western, Motel 6, La Quinta, Holiday Inn Express, and Extended Stay America, offer pet-friendly accommodation at a small pet fee. However, note that some locations might not allow certain pets or have size limitations, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead. Use the pet-friendly filter on KAYAK to see Stays that will also welcome your trusty companion.
13. Pack a bag for your dog
It is easier when you pack a separate bag for your dog. Separating your items from theirs makes it easier to access them on the ride. Some must-haves for a road trip with your dog include a leash, poop bags, treats, water bowl, chew toys, food bowl, brush, medication and dog
shampoo.
