Traveling With Pets in a Rental Car: Can I Take My Dog in a Hire Car?

Once you’ve decided to travel with your pet, it’s crucial to check all upfront costs and any potential future charges a car rental company may bill you for.

We’re not the only ones who need vacations – our pets need them too! Whether you crave your best friend’s company on a solo trip, or the family getaway just feels incomplete without the most loyal member, taking your pet on a vacation is a great way to bond with them and give them some love back. Sometimes, it’s also a matter of convenience – kennels cost money, there are no sitters available, or your pet simply won’t stay without you. Whatever your reason, traveling with a pet is an exciting adventure and we’re here to help make the experience more rewarding than stressful.

Checking if you can take your pet in a rental car

While traveling with a pet on a flight involves a lot more logistics and potential stress on your furry friend, taking them on a road trip is straightforward. The first thing you need to do is check which car rental companies are pet-friendly. This differs from country to country and company to company, but most rental companies allow you to bring pets. Next, check if they have restrictions on pet type, size, number of pets, and any rules you need to follow. For example, *Enterprise only allows pets in a crate and requires you to return the vehicle free of any pet hair or damage.

*The above information is sourced from Enterprise’s official website in September 2024.

Costs involved when taking a pet in a rental car

Once you’ve decided to travel with your pet, it’s crucial to check all upfront costs and any potential future charges a car rental company may bill you for. *Companies like Hertz and Avis don’t charge you anything extra for traveling with a pet, so long as you return the vehicle in the same condition. Make sure to clean the car regularly, and do a thorough inspection before returning it to avoid a hefty cleaning fee or damage fee – even for a little pet hair. To be on the safe side, especially if your pet tends to shed a lot, buy some protective waterproof seat covers. If the rental company requires your pet to be in a crate and you don’t already have one, you’ll also need to invest in that. You should also check if the insurance you’re getting covers damages a pet may cause.

*The above information is sourced from the official rental car companies’ websites in September 2024.

Tips for traveling with a pet in a rental car

• Double-check the rental company’s pet policy and make sure you choose a vehicle that can accommodate your pet comfortably. For example, a cat can easily travel in any car, but a big dog like a golden retriever will need more space.
• Pack your pet’s essentials – their food, water, toys, medicines, blanket, bed, leash, crate, and anything else they may need.
• Bring a lint roller or dryer sheets to sweep pet hair, protective covers or a blanket for car seats, and a little box of baking soda to absorb smells.
• Make sure to groom and feed your pet well a few hours before the trip so they’re clean and comfortable. Walk your dog or let your cat use the litter box right before leaving to avoid them making a mess in the car, which is common if they’re nervous or stressed.
• Stop regularly to let your pet out, use the bathroom, and stretch their legs. Keep an eye on them the whole time they’re in the car – if they exhibit any typical behaviors they do before doing their business, stop as soon as you can and let them out.
• The safest way to travel with a pet for both of you is to keep them restrained at all times. Try to confine them to one spot within the car, preferably in a crate or carrier. This will also minimize the area you’ll have to clean and prevent damages caused by scratching or gnawing. If your pet tends to do a lot of that, don’t forget their chew toys or scratch pads.
• A quick sweep every day will go a long way toward keeping the car clean until the end of your rental. It only takes a few minutes, and it helps to clear out fur before it gets lodged deeper. It’s also cheaper to get the car vacuumed right before returning it than to have the rental company issue a cleaning fee that can go up to 450 USD.