You’re getting ready to take the vacation you’ve always wanted. Maybe you’ve bought an Airstream and are embarking on a cross-country trip, or you’re preparing to stay at that all-inclusive, five-star resort by the beach. Wherever your next trip leads, one passenger is always on the guest list – your dog.
Whether it’s your first or tenth time on a long trip with your pup, here are a few ways to ensure you and your dog have a fun and worry-free vacation.
Preparing for safe and healthy travel with dogs
The journey with your dog starts before you leave town. For some trips, like international travel, you need to plan for things like getting your dog microchipped and ensuring you have any tests required for that country. You’ll want to check with the foreign office in the country to which you are traveling to see if you need any additional paperwork or healthcare for your dog.
At the vet visit, you should:
- Talk to your veterinarian to make sure your dog’s vaccinations are current.
- Request a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within 10 days of air travel and 30 days of other travel, if you’re traveling out of state.
- Get a referral to another vet if yours isn’t accredited to provide the inspection certificate.
- Ask for your dog’s complete medical history in case there is a health emergency during travel.
- Request digital and physical copies of your pet’s records and health certificate. Some foreign countries require a paper certificate with the vet’s signature.
- Get your dog microchipped if they don’t have one, in case you’re separated during the trip.
Before you leave, you’ll also want to have contact information for emergency veterinarians at your destination. It’s better to have this on hand sooner rather than later in case anything happens.
If you’re a senior traveling with your dog, make sure that your health is also covered while away from home. Some Medigap plans, like G and N, offer foreign travel emergency coverage. You’ll want this if you are heading to dog-friendly spots in places like Canada, Mexico, or Europe.
Pet travel safety gear 2026
You always want to make sure your dog isn’t injured or lost during your time away from home. Depending on the kind of travel you are planning, you’ll need special gear to keep your pup safe.
First, you’ll want to make sure your dog wears a collar and tag with your name, phone number, and other important contact information. You can also get a travel tag for your dog’s collar that has your cell phone number and the number of your destination.
Air travel with dogs
If you’re traveling with your dog by plane, you’ll need a USDA-approved shipping crate that’s large enough for your dog to stand, sit, and turn around. Here’s how to prepare your dog’s crate for the flight.
- Line the crate with bedding, like shredded paper, in case your dog has an accident.
- Tape a small bag with dried food to the outside of the crate so airline personnel can feed your dog if needed during a layover.
- Freeze a small dish of water so it won’t spill, but will melt for your dog during the trip.
- The crate should be closed tightly, but not locked, in case someone needs to get to your dog during an emergency.
- The crate should have “Live Animal” stickers on it with your name, cell phone number, the number of your destination, and a picture of your dog.
If your dog will be in the cargo hold, check with the airline to make sure they don’t require additional certifications. You should also make sure there aren’t any breed or size restrictions on your airline. Some airlines charge for checked crates.
If your pup has anxiety or you worry they may have issues on the flight, talk to your vet about medication to keep your dog calm. It’s also a good idea to choose direct flights when possible – your dog will spend less time in the air, and you won’t have to worry about your dog getting lost during layovers.
Car travel with your dog
If you’re going to be driving somewhere in a car or an RV, you should also have a crate that gives your pup plenty of room to move around. Keep these tips in mind.
- Secure the crate in your car so it won’t shift when you drive.
- If you aren’t using a crate, don’t let your pet ride with their head out of the window.
- Put your dog in the back seat in a harness attached to a seat belt.
- Don’t leave your dog in the vehicle on days that are too hot or too cold. They can easily overheat or freeze.
- If your dog gets car sick, talk to your vet about medication that can reduce their stomach discomfort.
- Plan to stop every two hours to let your dog move around and have potty breaks.
- Feed your dog small amounts of food and water during the trip instead of their normal meals.
Traveling by boat with your dog
If you’re planning to take your dog on a boat or cruise, you should check with the cruise line first to find out their requirements for pet travel. Also remember:
- Even if your dog can swim, they should wear a life jacket if they will be in or around water for their safety.
- You will need a carrier and a leash during the cruise.
- If your dog gets car sick, they will probably get sick on the boat, too. Talk to your vet about medication or other options for travel.
- If you’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun, ask your vet about sunscreens for dogs – especially if your pup is short-haired or has a thin coat.
2026 pet travel destinations
Not every travel destination allows you to bring your pet, but there are plenty of luxury resorts and other venues that will welcome you and your furry friend with open arms. Some destinations do charge cleaning and daily fees for pets. Check with the company to find out their fees and requirements for bringing your dog.
Dog-friendly luxury resorts 2026
- The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch in Avon, Colorado, is a dog-friendly ski resort that provides beds and treats for your dog. You will be welcomed by the lodge’s mascot, the Saint Bernard Bachelor.
- Inn by the Sea in Portland, Maine, has dog menus, events like the “pool pawty” for your pup, and turndown dog treats.
- Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina has beds and toys for dogs, a room-service menu for dogs, signature treats, and green space for roaming.
- Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos, Mexico, welcomes dogs under 40 pounds with a canine menu, fitness classes, a dog butler, and seasonal pet specials.
The great outdoors
Not all national parks allow animals, especially in wilderness areas (this is to keep both your dog and the plants and animals there safe). But there are some outdoor areas where your dog can roam freely. Here are a few top spots.
- Acadia National Park on the coast of Maine has more than 100 miles of trails and other roads where leashed dogs can hike with their families and several campgrounds that permit dogs to stay.
- Shenandoah National Park in Virginia has hundreds of miles of trails where dogs are allowed to roam and pet-friendly lodging at their campgrounds.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea in California is one of the most dog-friendly towns in America. Not only are dogs allowed, but they are catered to with doggy turn downs, surf lessons, massages, and seating and pet menus at many restaurants.
Cruises
If cruises are your travel of choice, it will be a little more difficult to find companies that allow pets. But there are a few options to consider.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, which travels from New York to Southampton, England, allows dogs on the ship. They will stay on their own deck, where they are cared for during the trip.
There are also a handful of sightseeing river cruises where dogs are free to board. Many are short day trips that tour local cities, including Chicago, Illinois; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Mystic, Connecticut; San Diego, California; and St. Augustine, Florida.
Dogs are part of the family and, for many, leaving them at home during a vacation isn’t an option. Luckily, there are so many pet-friendly possibilities that it’s easy to bring your pup along for the ride. Be sure to talk to your vet about required shots and paperwork to have on hand, and call ahead to ensure your travel company and destination allow dogs.
