Driving Miss Doggy

Planning a road trip with your pet? There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether to take your pet on a trip. Some animals enjoy riding in the car, but others find it stressful and frightening. Many pets (especially dogs) are excellent candidates for road travel, and Americans are increasingly choosing to bring them along on vacation. Other people find themselves planning road trips with pets out of necessity, such as during a move.

A bit of research and preparation can help make your travels as safe, convenient, and enjoyable as possible. The DMV and the ASPCA offer good advice on car travel with pets. The HSUS also offers tips on preparing for your journey. You may also want to print our pet travel checklist to be sure you don't forget anything.

Cruises

Because of space limitations, strict health requirements, and varying regualtions at international ports, most cruise lines do not allow pets. Some do allow service animals, and Cunard's Queen Mary 2 allows pets on a very limited basis. Even then, the pet must stay in a kennel area—never in your cabin. According to Cunard's website, "The kennel is overseen by a full-time Kennel Master who takes care of responsibilities such as feeding, walking and cleaning the spacious kennels. Reservations for the kennels may be made at time of booking, and are based on space availability. Please contact our Cunard Reservations Team for more details as well information regarding bringing service animals onboard."

Some ferry, charter, and local sightseeing companies do allow pets. Check our Cool Places & Events page for some examples.

Airline Travel for Pets

Pet Airways is a dedicated pet airline. They only transport pets, and all pets fly in the main cabin (not in cargo).

On commercial airlines, pet policies vary. They generally allow very small pets (about 10 lbs.) to fly in the cabin with you. The pet must be in a carrier that fits under the seat. Larger pets usually have to travel in the luggage area underneath the plane. Most airlines have strict rules designed to ensure pets' safety and comfort. For example, they may not be allowed to travel in extreme weather. Please check with your airline for specific policies.

Aer Lingus     Air Canada     Air Tran     Alaska Airlines     American     Continental

Delta     Frontier     Hawaiian     Horizon    JetBlue     Southwest     Spirit

United   U.S. Airways     Virgin America    

Bus, Boat, Train, and Other Pet Transport Options

Other than airlines, large transportation companies in the U.S. rarely allow pets. Amtrak and Greyhound allow only service animals. Sometimes smaller companies that run charters, ferries, or private tours allow pets. Check our Cool Places & Events page for some examples.

Travel Products for Pets

There are many products available to help you and your pet travel safely and comforably. Here are some popular items you may want to consider:

• Restraint Harness or Booster Seat
• Travel Bowls / Water Bottles
• Carriers (Some hotels require pets to be kenneled if they are alone in the room.) 
• Pet Bedding for the Car and Hotel
• First Aid Kit
• Portable Ramp for getting into the car
• Vehicle Barrier
• Collapsible Pet Playpen
• Vehicle Seat Cover
• Potty Pick-Up Bags
• Leashes and Collers (with current ID Tags)
• Flea Comb and Tick Twister
• Grooming Wipes
• Pet Toys

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