Planes, Trains and Automobiles...What’s the Best Way to Travel with Pets this Holiday?

The holidays are right around the corner, and families across the country are making plans to spend time with loved ones near and far. With some of the current travel challenges happening, however, plans may need to have more flexibility than previous years.

For many, a holiday with family just wouldn’t be complete without pets. According to a recent Hilton report, approximately two-thirds of Americans list “pet-friendly" as a top amenity when searching for lodging across the country. The American Pet Productions Association found that the owners who travel with their dogs, a growing number (74%) have traveled by plane in the last year, up from 68% in 2023, while 87% have traveled by car, a trend that has been consistent since 2023.

“Pets provide great companionship, especially during stressful times like the holidays,” said Julie Castle, CEO, Best Friends Animal Society. “Sometimes it can be very challenging or cost-prohibitive to find a pet sitter or boarding facility, so bringing your pet along makes more sense, especially if you can find pet-friendly accommodations that make travel comfortable for people and pets.”

Castle should know. Not only does she helm Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killings of dogs and cats in shelters across the country, she’s also a dog and cat mom, extensive traveler, and the visionary behind Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, an award-winning hotel in Kanab, Utah that’s often touted as America's most pet-centric lodging.

“The most important thing to remember when traveling with pets is to ensure not just their comfort, but their safety,” Castle said. “By doing so, you'll create a memorable holiday for both you and your pet.”

With safety and comfort in mind, Best Friends Animal Society offers the following tips to ensure a successful pet-friendly trip.

Plan in Advance:

• Make sure pets wear collars and current ID tags with owner’s cell phone number.
• Bring along supplies including the pet’s regular food and treats, water, a water bowl and any medications they need, as well as their favorite bed and toys for a familiar comfort
• Taking a crate can be handy for pets that are crate-trained or for times when people need to leave pets unattended.

Air Travel:

• Have your pet’s flight-approved carrier ready to go with ID tags.
• Line carriers with several layers of pee pads. That way if there’s an accident, just roll up the top one, seal it in a plastic bag, and there’s a clean one underneath!
• Make sure to check flights frequently for changes or cancellations in advance.
• Schedule extra time to check in your pet prior to boarding, such as three hours before your flight.
• Bring extra food and supplies in case there’s a long layover or cancellation. A favorite toy and extra walks in pet-friendly areas will help keep pets preoccupied.
• In case of flight cancellations, have a car rental in place or look at public transportation options that will allow you to bring pets along as a backup plan

Road Travel:

• Take dogs for a good long walk before starting out and make frequent stops so they can stretch their legs. Offer water often.
• Keep dogs on a leash at all times when outside the car. Even if they normally respond to voice commands, many dogs spook easily in new environments.
• Have an adventure cat along for the ride? Use a crate large enough to hold a small cat-litter tray, as well as bedding and small food and water dishes.

Hotel & Vacation Home Rental Tips:

• Prior to booking a reservation at a pet-friendly hotel or homestay, read the fine print. Weight limits or breed restrictions can prohibit certain dogs and extra fees can add up to a lot of extra cost in a short amount of time.
• Instead, look for low- or no-cost pet-friendly lodging options. (For example, guests can have up to four pets of their own at no cost at the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile).
• Some hotels won’t let people leave the pets in a room unattended or require a crate for the pet if their humans are out, so make plans for a pet sitter or plan to bring the pet along for excursions. (At the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, well-behaved pets can stay in the room without a crate while you explore beautiful Southern Utah.)
• Make sure the lodging has pet-friendly outdoor spaces or is conveniently located by a park or hiking trail. (The Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile has 2 dog parks on-site.)

Looking for a great way to start the new year with your bestie? Head to the Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile from January 1 through February 19, 2026. Stay three or more consecutive nights and receive a professional portrait of you and your pet, a latte topped with your pet’s face in foam (yes, really!), a Best Friends mug and hot cocoa mix, plus a treat for your pup. Every Roadhouse stay also includes a complimentary vegan continental breakfast and two lunch passes to the Sanctuary—proof that unforgettable adventures don’t have to break the bank.

For more information, visit bestfriendsroadhouse.org.