Ever canceled a trip because you couldn’t figure out what to do with your dog? Or packed your cat’s food but forgot your own essentials? Pet travel today is less about crates and more about compromise—between your schedule, their needs, and a world that’s not always built for animals.

In this blog, we’ll share practical, current, and occasionally sarcastic tips to help you travel smarter with your pets—or decide when it’s best to leave them behind.

The Rise of Pet Travel Culture

Pets used to stay home. Now they’re part of the travel plan. From airlines to Airbnbs, the world is adjusting to the fact that people treat pets like family. Millennials and Gen Z are trading diaper bags for dog strollers, and the pet travel industry is booming. Think luxury pet hotels, in-airport cat cafés, and dog massages during layovers. But as pet travel becomes more popular, it raises questions. How far is too far? When is bringing your pet thoughtful—and when is it just a bad idea?

To Bring or Not to Bring

This is the million-dollar question. And the answer isn’t always about love—it’s logistics. Is your trip short or long? Are you hiking or hitting a conference? Is your dog cool with strangers or do they bark at wind? Be honest. No one wants to be the person with a screaming animal in a hotel hallway at 2 a.m.

Sometimes, leaving your pet behind is the kindest thing you can do. That’s where good prep comes in. Start by researching local options. Ask friends or neighbors about pet sitters they trust. If your trip is more than a few days, look into a reliable dog boarding facility. Visit it in person if you can. Ask about their cleaning schedule, how much exercise the dogs get, and whether they post daily photos. Yes, that’s a thing now. People want proof that their dog is eating, sleeping, and not leading a prison riot.

Of course, if your pet is laid-back and road-ready, they might be thrilled to come along. Just make sure the destination fits their vibe. A loud music festival in the desert? Maybe not. A quiet beach with lots of room to sniff? That’s more like it.

Packing for Two Species

Packing for pets is both simpler and harder than packing for kids. On the one hand, they don’t care what shoes you bring. On the other, they can’t tell you what you forgot. That’s why lists matter.

Bring enough food for the trip, plus two extra days in case of delays. Same for medication. Pack collapsible bowls, a leash, poop bags, and some comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket. If your pet is flying, make sure the crate meets airline rules. Some now require soft-sided carriers that can squeeze under the seat, which is both convenient and completely absurd.

Microchip your pet before you leave. It’s a tiny step that can save huge headaches. Make sure your contact info is up to date on their tag. GPS collars are also a good option if you’re going off-grid. Because nothing ruins a hike like losing your dog somewhere in the Appalachians.

Planes, Cars, and Other Moving Nightmares

Traveling by car is usually the easiest. You can stop when needed, play your dog’s favorite podcast (yes, that’s a thing), and avoid the public judgment of airline passengers. But don’t just toss your pet in the backseat and hope for the best. Use a seatbelt harness or a secured crate. Bring water and make pit stops every couple of hours. Remember: pets can’t tell you they’re carsick until it’s too late.

Flying is trickier. Some airlines let small pets ride in the cabin, while others relegate them to cargo like forgotten suitcases. Know the rules. Call ahead. Get the pet’s health certificate from your vet—usually required within 10 days of travel. And try to avoid summer heat waves or winter storms, both of which can be dangerous for animals in transit.

Trains? Depends on the country. In the U.S., Amtrak allows small dogs and cats, but not on long-distance trips. In Europe, pets have their own train tickets. In Japan, dogs ride in carriers like little subway commuters.

Hotel Check-In and Pet Etiquette

Let’s talk manners. Not yours – your pet’s. When checking into a hotel, don’t assume just because it’s pet-friendly that your dog can go nuts. No barking at night. No accidents in the hallway. No chewing on decorative pillows that probably cost more than your room.

Some hotels charge extra pet fees, while others don’t allow pets to be left alone. That means planning your outings around your animal. Or finding a nearby pet daycare for a few hours. Always bring a blanket or bed for your pet to sleep on. It helps them feel calm, and it saves the hotel from mystery fur on the furniture.

Also: tip the cleaning staff more than usual. Trust me on this.

Travel Trends Are Going Furry

As remote work keeps reshaping lifestyles, more people are becoming digital nomads—with pets in tow. There’s a new wave of Instagram-famous travel pets racking up miles, followers, and probably brand deals. But behind the curated beach shots are real concerns. Is all this constant motion fair to the animal? Does a dog that once ruled a fenced backyard want to live out of a camper van?

Sustainability is another growing issue. People are flying more, driving more, and consuming more – all while toting dogs and cats around the world. The carbon footprint of pet travel is a conversation waiting to happen. Just like we weigh the impact of our vacations, we’ll need to start thinking about how our four-legged companions fit into that equation.

The Joy of Travel — With or Without Your Pet

At the end of the day, traveling with pets can be joyful and hilarious—or completely exhausting. Sometimes both. Whether you bring them or not, the key is thoughtfulness. Think about their comfort, their safety, and their personality.

Also, think about yours. If traveling with your cat makes you anxious, don’t do it to impress your friends on social media. If leaving your dog at home keeps you up at night, invest in better care and better peace of mind.

Pets don’t need five-star hotels or Instagram photos. They need stability, attention, and maybe a treat or two. And whether you’re in a hotel in Portland or a tent in Vermont, that bond — quiet, loyal, and deeply funny — is what makes travel worth it in the first place.