The Dos and Don’ts of Traveling With Pets

They say pets are a human’s best friend, but they can also be great travel buddies. Your furry family members bring the comforts of home anywhere you go, and a handful of travel companies are extending their offerings to four-legged guests, too.

A 2024 report from American Pet Products Association even found that 88 and 90 percent of dog and cat owners, respectively, have traveled with their pets in the car. Meanwhile, services like Bark Air are making it easier to get around with your pets. 

“Travel has shifted toward slower, more meaningful experiences and connections, and pets naturally encourage that pace and presence,” Kelli Sturges, director of guest experience and programming at The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Marino, California. “Plus, pets act as social bridges, sparking conversations and connections that often make trips more memorable by sharing stories with fellow travelers or locals.”

Just because travel is becoming more pet-friendly doesn’t mean your cat or dog has free rein over your itinerary. Not only is there certain protocol pets and their owners need to follow, but it’s also important to be mindful of other guests. That’s exactly why we tapped two industry insiders to share their top dos and don’ts. 

By following these pointers, you can ensure you and your pooch can have a barkin’ good time.

Do: Plan Ahead

Though it might be easy to hop on a plane and embark on a solo adventure, traveling with pets is trickier. “Each destination has its own rules, which can add unnecessary stress for both you and your pup,”  explains Hernan Giraldo, senior vice president of customer experience at Bark Air. “Some destinations require extensive veterinary records, customs documentation, and even lab tests before pets are cleared to fly.” Talk to your veterinarian to make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccines before they embark on their big adventure.

Don’t: Rush a Vacation

When your pet is medically cleared, there’s more to do before packing up. For Giraldo, it’s imperative to put their needs and comfort levels first. “It’s helpful to understand how your dog responds to new environments before committing to a long trip, ” he says. “While our team gets to know each dog’s temperament and is trained to spot any potential triggers, we encourage them to flag anything their dog might need to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone on board.”

Though Giraldo says training, exercise, natural calming aids, or even veterinarian-prescribed options can help mitigate travel anxiety, pet parents ultimately know best. “The more comfortable and stress-free your dog is, the more relaxed you will be as well.”

Do: Prioritize Nature 

“I would be hesitant to take my animal to Las Vegas, with fewer outdoor activities and fewer dog-friendly places,” Sturges says. Instead, she recommends booking trips to destinations with ample room to roam. And if you can find a hotel that treats pets like valued guests? Even better. “We have a term at our property that all guests are VIPs, and that includes people’s pets—Very Important Pups,” Sturges says of the Sanctuary Beach Resort. 

The property has a welcome board that lists all the names of the pups staying at the lobby entrance, with dog treats and water waiting for them upon arrival. At check-in, all pets receive a welcome amenity of dog bowls, dog treats, and poop bags for their stay, plus a healthy dog menu at their restaurant, Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette, to meet all guests’ dining needs. There’s even a Dog Stick Library, where furry friends can borrow a stick for the ultimate game of fetch.

The Sanctuary Beach Resort

Meanwhile, Bark Air recently teamed up with Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort to launch its Dog-First Island Retreat. There, canines and their companions can enjoy sensory walks, reiki yoga sessions at sunset, and even a dog-friendly luau. Looking for purr-fect locations? Check out our favorite pet-friendly hotels on the West Coast.

Don’t: Forget About Other Guests

Remember that pet-friendly hotels don’t exclusively cater to dog and cat owners. If you ask Sturges, it’s important to be mindful of all guests. “Most people are happy to see pets around, but don’t want their travel affected by them,” Sturges says. “We aim to provide a relaxing experience for all our guests, whether they have pets or not.”

While Sturges recommends guests to keep their pets on leashes in public spaces, she also encourages hoteliers to consider everyone’s needs. For example, deep-cleaning fur-filled rooms and offering designated dining spots for those with pets will ensure everyone has a relaxing, memorable trip.