How much does it cost to travel with your pet?

• Traveling with pets often incurs extra costs for flights, rideshares, and some hotels.
• Airlines typically charge between $95 and $150 each way for small pets to fly in the cabin on domestic flights.
• Service animals have different travel rights than emotional support animals, which are usually treated as pets.
• Driving, choosing pet-friendly hotels, and booking directly can help save money when traveling with pets.

For so many of us, our pets are members of our family, and we want to include them in our travels—whether it be for logistical reasons or just plain fun. Unlike children or partners, airlines, hotels and rental cars don’t view fur babies through the same lens, and as a result, traveling with pets can get expensive. Plus, you want to remember that airlines charge additional fees, you have to take designated Uber cars and not every hotel is as welcoming to your cats and dogs. 

Here’s what to expect while traveling with a pet, including how much it costs to fly with your pet, travel gear and must-haves and other important details that can make or break travel plans.

Key information to find below:

Unless your fur baby is a service animal, flying with your pet will cost extra. In the United States, domestic flights cost around $95 to $150 each way to fly cats and small dogs in the cabin with you (in an airline-approved pet carrier, under the seat in front of you). The price increases for larger pets flying cargo, with the cost starting at around $200 each way and going up based on size, weight and distance. It is more expensive to fly your pet internationally, with some airlines doubling the domestic price. Additionally, some international flights might also require extra paperwork, which adds additional fees. 

For up-to-date information on the cost of flying with a pet, travelers should visit airline websites directly.

Here are some popular pet-friendly airlines:

Shop this airline-approved soft-sided pet carrier

If you’re traveling with a pet, ensure you choose a carrier that is not only airline-approved but also comfortable for your fur baby. The SturdiBag Pro 3.0 Pet Travel Carrier is a durable option, and it’s available in a variety of colors and sizes for your dog or cat.

SturdiBag Pro 3.0 Pet Travel Carrier 

This travel pet carrier has dual side openings and a padded foam handle for a comfortable grip. Plus, it has a side pocket for extra storage. Shop at Amazon

This portable travel crate is perfect for flying cargo

If your dog is flying cargo, you’ll need to invest in an airline-approved hard-sided travel crate like this one from PetSmart. The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is available in four sizes ranging from small to extra-large and is constructed from durable plastic to keep your pets safe. It also has a spacious interior that is comfortable enough for long travel days. 

Petmate Vari Portable Travel Crate

This large travel crate is designed for pets between 70 and 90 pounds. It’s a 40-inch crate designed for both air and car travel. Shop at PetSmart

Shop this travel-friendly pet harness

Lucy & Co. dog harnesses are stylish, durable and comfortable enough for travel. It’s also reversible and water-repellent for outdoor activities.

Lucy & Co. A Reversible Dog Harness

This reversible dog harness has two prints for a versatile and stylish look. It’s made with durable and water-repellent fabric for outdoor activities. Shop at Chewy

Keep your pup hydrated on the go with this collapsible water bowl

A collapsible water bowl is a must for dog owners—and you can never have too many. This two-pack from Amazon is very affordable and features a packable design with large hooks, so you can easily clip them to your pet carrier or backpack when not in use. 

2-Pack Collapsible Dog Bowls

These collapsible pet bowls will make feeding and hydrating your pet so much easier while traveling. Shop at Amazon

To keep your travel plans—and your budget—intact, it’s vital to navigate pet restrictions well before you finalize your flight.

Here are some airline pet restrictions you should know:

• Size and Weight Restrictions: Size is the first thing to consider, since most airlines look at the overall size of the carrier (and if it will fit under the seat in front of you) vs. weight. However, some airlines will also consider weight or combine bag size and weight for approval. If flying your pet in cargo, the allowed weight and crate size depend on the size of the aircraft, and your pet must be able to lie down, stand up and turn around comfortably in their kennel.
• Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic dogs and cats are allowed to fly in the cabin, but most airlines restrict them from cargo travel, since their snub nose might result in breathing problems. 
• Age Restrictions: If you’re traveling with a puppy or kitten, you’ll also want to check the airline’s policy for age limits. Most require animals to be at least eight weeks old, but this policy can vary among airlines. 
• Temperature Restrictions: There are also temperature limits to consider while traveling. Most airlines will not allow cargo travel if the outside air temperature reaches 85° Fahrenheit. And, in the winter, cold restrictions vary from 20° to 45°, depending on the airline’s policy. 
• Health Certificates and Vaccines: Depending on the airline and where you’re flying, vaccination records and health certificates might be required. For more information on these requirements, refer to the airline’s specific pet policy and check in with your vet, as they can give you more information on what is required based on your destination.

Shop pet ID tags for your fur baby

Before traveling, make sure your pet’s ID tags are up-to-date, as this is key to ensuring their overall safety in case of an emergency. Two Tails Pet ID Tags offers a variety of cute and stylish pet ID tags that are also durable. For added peace of mind, you might also want to consider adding an Apple AirTag to your pet’s collar, using an AirTag holder.

Pet ID Tags

Shop various types of pet ID tags from stylish to sporty for added peace of mind on the go. Shop at Two Tails

Stay organized while traveling with this passport and document holder

Traveling with pets can be a lot, so organization is key. To ensure you have all of the necessary paperwork in the same place, invest in a travel document organizer. This passport and document holder at Amazon can fit your passport and all your travel documents while staying secure in one place. It’s also waterproof and has a removable bracelet keychain, so you can easily attach it to your wrist while going through security. 

Passport Holder RFID Travel Document Organizer

Get this travel document holder to organize your important papers and more. Shop at Amazon

Shop cooling mat for dogs

If the airline permits cooling pads for your dog’s kennel, consider the LE SURE Premium Cooling Blanket. This dog blanket is designed with cooling fabric and a soothing, comfy filling to keep pets nice and cool while also providing a comfortable environment for them to relax in. 

Cooling mat for dogs

Beat the heat and get your pup this cooling mat for long road trips. They’ll instantly feel cool relief; no water or electricity needed. Shop at Amazon

Traveling with your pet via rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

When booking a ride share, you can expect to pay an additional $3 to $7 for Uber Pet and around $4 for Lyft. For the most part, you can only travel with one pet when booking through a ride share. However, similar to airlines, ride share pet policies vary between companies, so it’s best to look up specific requirements within the app or online.

Here are some popular rideshare company pet policies:

Trains

Similar to flying, the additional cost of traveling with a pet via train can vary, depending on the company and the route. There are also specified requirements for traveling with pets via train. According to Amtrak’s pet policy, only dogs and cats under 20 pounds are allowed on trips up to seven hours, and they must be in a carrier.

Buses

Unfortunately, most bus companies do not allow pets onboard, unless they are service animals. If you are traveling by bus and are curious about these restrictions, we recommend reviewing the pet policy for the specific bus company you plan to travel with. 

Rental Cars

In general, rental car companies allow pets. However, they might require pets be crated and the car must be returned clean and damage-free. Many car rental companies have policies around pet hair, too, so protecting the seats with blankets and taking the car to a car wash for a vacuum and rinse before dropping off isn’t a bad idea to prevent cleaning fees. Depending on the car rental company, you might also be required to pay a cleaning fee when traveling with a pet. 

Here are some popular rental car company pet policies:

Service animals and emotional support animals (ESA) are not the same and do not have the same rights when traveling. Certified service animals are trained for a specific task for people with disabilities and are protected under ADA laws. Emotional support animals are typically certified through therapists, doctors or websites like CertaPet to provide their owners with comfort and emotional support. 

For the most part, service animals travel free and are expected to behave and be trained. ESAs are treated as pets and owners do not usually receive accommodations or special privileges and are responsible for pet-related fees. If your pet is a service animal or ESA, it is worth keeping the proper documentation on hand, should you need to present it.

Make traveling with your cat a breeze with this portable travel litter box

Traveling with a cat is a bit trickier compared to a dog, solely because of the litter box situation. A portable litter box from Petisfam can make travel so much easier on you and your pet. We like this option because it’s a simple design that is packable and easy to set up.

Buckle up your pet with this seat belt

To ensure your pet is safe while driving, be sure to add the Active Pets Car Seat Belt to the top of your road trip essentials list. This car seat belt for pets is made from premium, durable materials with a universal design that is compatible with most seat belts and easy to install. 

Active Pets Car Seat Belt

Keep your pet safe with this seat belt with a 360 degree rotating clasp and adjustable straps. Shop at Amazon

Save space in your bag with this 2-in-1 water and food travel bottle dispenser

Having water and food on hand while traveling with a dog is essential, and this water bottle makes it easy and convenient. The Cibaabo Dog Water Bottle with Food Dispenser features a built-in water bowl that you can dispense the water into, allowing your dog to quench their thirst or eat some dinner on the go.

Cibaabo Dog Water Bottle with Food Dispenser

This water bottle and food container is great for on-the-go travel. It holds up to 100g of dog food or treats and available in a dozen colors. Shop at Amazon

Keep your backseat protected with this back seat hammock

If you’re heading out on a road trip or plan to rent a car and want to protect the car seats, this car hammock can work wonders. Not only does it keep larger dogs safe, but it also protects the seats from pet hair, scratches and other potential damage. 

Active Pets Back Seat Hammock Cover

This car hammock has a universal fit made for pets of all shapes and sizes. Shop at Amazon

Prevent messy accidents with these popular dog diapers

Traveling on longer flights can be stressful for dog owners, especially if your fur baby frequents the bathroom. To prevent any accidents, consider putting your dog in a Up&Up Dog Diaper before take off. 

Up&Up Dog Diapers

Give your pup a little extra protection on trips with this 18-count of disposable diapers. They’re super absorbent and have a leak-proof shield. Shop at Target

Travel in style with this Cleverpup Transit Tote Pet Carrier

If you’re taking your small dog on a train or public transportation, a carrier is a must. The Cleverpup Transit Tote Dog Carrier is a stylish and durable option that is safe and comfortable for both you and your pup. 

“I have an 18-pound pug who fits comfortably in this carrier, and every time we use it, I’m amazed at how well her weight is evenly distributed. The shoulder straps are also super comfortable on the shoulder, and I love that there are two different sizes to choose from.”— Jessie Quinn, USA Today Contributing Writer 

Cleverpup Transit Tote Dog Carrier

This lightweight tote has five pockets with a secure zip, snap-closure. It also comes with a food-safe pouch for dry meals and treats, built-in poop bag dispenser and exterior clips for accessories. Shop at Chewy

Take those treats with you using this pet food travel bag

Don’t leave home without some dog and cat treats. The up&up Pet Food Storage Travel Bag Container is a durable, reusable bag that can safely store up to 10 cups of treats and food. It also features a bucket closure, so you can clip it to a backpack or carrier bag if needed.

Up&Up Pet Food Storage Travel Bag Container

This pet food storage container will hold up to 10 cups of dog or cat food. It’ll keep their food fresh for longer during trips. Shop at Target

Keep them comfortable with this soft-sided airline-approved carrier bag

The EliteField Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Carrier Bag is another great choice for airline travel with pets. This pet carrier is airline-approved and made from durable yet lightweight material, so you don’t have to worry about it adding to the pet’s overall weight requirements. 

EliteField Soft-Sided Airline-Approved Carrier Bag

Take you furry friend on-the-go with this soft-sided carrier. It’s durable, lightweight and has mesh netting for ventilation. Shop at Chewy

Shop this cozy portable car seat travel pet bed

If you have a small pet who loves car rides, they need this FunnyFuzzy Car Seat. It is a mix between a pet bed and a car seat, allowing your fur baby to sit comfortably while strapped in and safe. 

FunnyFuzzy Portable Car Seat Travel Dog Bed

This versatile car seat for large dogs has a dual-use design to be used as a car travel seat and a cozy dog bed cushion. It’s also portable, versatile for outings and easy to clean. Shop at Chewy

This depends on your travel plans. If you’re gone for only a few days, the cost of airline fees, gear and paperwork might be much higher than boarding your pet or getting a sitter for the weekend. However, boarding and pet sitter costs aren’t cheap and can rack up quickly. So, if you plan to be gone for an extended period of time, it might be worth traveling with your pet—or asking a family member to take them in, if your plans don’t accommodate pets—to save money. 

Cats and dogs are allowed to fly in airplane cabins, as long as they meet size and weight requirements. Unless your pet is a service dog, all pets in the cabin must meet specific airline pet policies to ensure they fit in a carrier bag under the seat in front of you. When booking travel, verify your airline’s pet policy and requirements.  

In some cases, you won’t need paperwork to travel with your pet (especially when traveling domestically). However, some airlines might require health certificates and vaccination records, and international requirements can vary, too. Before traveling, it’s best to check with your airline and your vet, as they can give you the specific paperwork requirements needed for your travels, based on your destination. 

With additional fees at the airport, car rental, and hotels, traveling with pets can get expensive. To save money, look into pet-friendly hotel chains like La Quinta Inn & Suites, Best Western or Days Inn. If you can drive to your destination, a road trip might also be a more affordable option for you, your pet and your wallet. Investing in reusable gear can also save you money in the long run, since you won’t have to rebuy items every time you travel.