We know pets are family too. So when it’s time to travel, nobody wants to leave their furry buddy behind. Here you’ll find the main rules for transporting pets in a car and what to expect when you plan a trip with dogs or cats in a rental vehicle.
Traveling with your pet is one of those things that makes a trip feel even better. Dogs and cats are part of the family, and they deserve to share new places and road adventures with you. For many people, it simply doesn’t feel right to hit the road if their furry companion can’t come along.
The good news is that a pet friendly car rental is absolutely doable in most destinations. You just need to keep two things in mind throughout the journey: your pet’s safety and the rental company’s policy. Whether you’re heading out on a longer trip or just driving around the city, a few simple precautions make all the difference.
With the right care, everyone stays comfortable on the way, and you can avoid fines or unexpected cleaning fees at the end of your rental. That way, your pet is protected, you stay relaxed behind the wheel, and the whole family can enjoy the trip with more freedom.
In this guide, you’ll learn the key rules for keeping your pet safe during car travel, what regulations usually require in terms of restraint and driver focus, and how to prevent penalties while you’re on the road. Keep reading to get set for a smooth ride together.
What the law says about transporting a dog in the car in the U.S.?
In the United States, there is no single federal law that says “dogs must wear a seatbelt.” Pet-in-car rules are set by each state, so they can change as you cross state lines. Still, the legal expectation is pretty consistent everywhere: your dog must be transported safely and must not distract the driver.
A few states do have clear, pet-specific restraint laws that require dogs to be secured in a moving vehicle, such as Hawaii, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
In most other states, pets are covered under distracted or careless driving rules. If a dog is loose in the cabin, on the driver’s lap, blocking visibility, or causing the driver to lose focus, you can be ticketed even without a pet-specific statute.
Many states also restrict dogs riding unrestrained in pickup truck beds. Some require a crate, harness system, or barrier to prevent falls or ejection, and unsafe transport may be treated as an animal endangerment issue. Finally, several states have “hot car” laws that make it illegal to leave pets alone in a vehicle when heat or cold could put them in danger.
So the practical rule for traveling in the U.S. is simple: keep your dog restrained in the back seat with a harness and seatbelt or in a secured crate, never let them roam freely, and avoid leaving them alone in a parked car in extreme temperatures.
How to travel with a dog in the car
The best way to bring your dog along depends on a few things: their size, temperament, and how they usually behave on rides. What feels perfect for a small, calm dog might not work for a larger or more anxious one. The goal is always the same: keep your dog secure, comfortable, and unable to distract the driver.
This matters even more when you’re using a pet friendly car rental, because safe travel also helps you avoid cleaning or damage fees later.
1. Harness and pet seatbelt
For most dogs, a harness paired with a pet seatbelt is the easiest option. You fit your dog with a proper chest harness and clip it into a short strap that locks into the back-seat seatbelt buckle. This keeps your dog from jumping forward during sudden stops and reduces the risk of injury. A neck collar on its own isn’t a safe substitute, because in a hard brake or crash it can strain the neck.
2. Travel crate secured to the seat
A crate can be a great choice for small dogs, very energetic pets, or animals who get nervous in the car. Pick a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier and secure it with the seatbelt so it can’t slide around. To make it feel familiar, add something that smells like home, such as a blanket or a favorite toy. Many rental companies actually prefer this setup, so it’s a smart move for a pet friendly car rental.
3. Booster seat or secured pet bed
If your dog is small and likes to look outside, a pet booster seat can work really well. Just make sure it’s strapped tightly to the seat and used with a harness attachment, not a collar. Secured pet beds are another cozy option, as long as they still keep your dog restrained and not wandering around the cabin.
4. Cargo area with a divider for large dogs
For big dogs, especially if you’re renting an SUV or wagon, the cargo area may be the most comfortable spot. Using a divider or barrier between the cargo area and the back seat prevents your dog from climbing forward and gives them space to lie down with good airflow. This is one of the safest solutions for larger breeds.
Practical tips for a calm road trip with your dog
A smooth drive starts before you leave. If you can, take your dog for a short walk first so they burn energy and settle faster in the car. On the road, plan regular breaks. Stopping about every two hours gives your dog time to stretch, drink water, and take a bathroom break.
Hydration is important, but avoid offering a huge amount right before departure or all at once during the ride, especially if your dog gets carsick. Food should also be light. A small meal a couple of hours before you leave is usually better than feeding right before you hit the road. If your dog has a history of nausea, ask a vet for guidance before a longer trip.
Another simple trick is to do short practice rides in the days before your trip. This helps your dog feel that the car is normal, not stressful. And even if they love fresh air, keep them fully inside the vehicle. Riding with their head out of the window can be dangerous because of dust, insects, debris, and sudden braking.
Can you travel with a dog in a pet friendly car rental?
Yes. A pet friendly car rental is common today, but the rules can vary by company and by pickup location. In general, most rental brands allow dogs and cats as long as the car is returned clean and without damage.
What usually triggers extra charges is heavy shedding, strong odors, stains, scratches, or chewing marks. If the vehicle needs special detailing, the renter pays the fee.
Because of that, it’s always worth checking the policy before you book, especially for international trips. A seat cover or blanket on the back seat and a quick vacuum before drop-off can save you from a surprise cleaning cost.
Which rental car companies allow pets?
Most car rental companies allow pets in rental cars. They just require you to return the car clean, free of pet hair and smells to avoid a cleaning fee (and that can be quite expensive).
Here’s what each one of them require for you to bring your dog or cat along:
1. Enterprise
Enterprise states on their website that they are pet friendly and ask customers to keep their pets in crates. Upon return, the rental car must be clean and free of pet hair to avoid any extra fees. In the case of service animals, it is allowed to carry them without a carrier.
2. Alamo
Alamo allows pets inside their rental cars as long as they are safely crated. They also ask their customers to keep the car clean, so there are no dog or cat hairs lying around.
3. Budget
Pets are allowed inside the rental car with no extra fees, but you’ll be charged if anything happens to the car because of your pet or if the car is returned unclean because of shedding or other eventual accidents.
Budget also states on their website that even service animals owners have to pay attention to this rule, as they are not an exception. To avoid fees, always be sure to return the car as clean as when you picked it up!
4. Avis
Pets are allowed on a location to location basis, so you have to contact the specific location where you want to pick up your rental car to check. If they allow it, you have to, of course, return the car as clean as you got it, free of pet hair and smells.
5. National
National also allows pets inside of cars rented by their locations as long as they are carried inside a crate, the only exception to this being service animals. They also require their customers to return the car in a clean condition to avoid any extra fees.
Conclusion
Traveling with your dog in a pet friendly car rental is completely doable and can be a great experience for everyone. Keep your dog safely restrained, plan breaks, and respect the rental company’s cleaning rules. That way your buddy rides comfortably, you stay focused on the road, and returning the car is easy.
When you’re ready to book, Rentcars helps you compare rental companies, prices, and conditions in one place so you can pick the best option for your route and your four-legged travel partner. If you’re unsure about pet policies for your destination, the Rentcars team can help you confirm the details before you hit the road.
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