Traveling With a Dog in the US: What to Know

For most dogs, traveling by car is the simplest way to get around the US: secure your dog in a crash-tested crate or harness, stop every few hours, and never leave them alone in a parked car. Flying is possible but more restrictive, with airline-specific rules, fees and sometimes a vet health certificate. Moving between states usually needs only proof of rabies vaccination and possibly a certificate, but the destination state or territory sets the rules, and Hawaii is much stricter.

Rules and fees below are as of October 2026. Always confirm with your airline, hotel and destination before you go.

Before any trip

See your vet if your dog is due for vaccines, has health issues, or gets anxious or carsick. Ask what is sensible for your dog rather than using medicines on your own.
Check ID. Collar with an ID tag that has your cell number, plus a registered microchip with current details.
Pack records: rabies certificate, vaccine history, any medications and your vet’s phone number.
Find emergency vets along your route and near where you are staying.
Practice. Short trips in the car or carrier help your dog get used to it.

Road trips

Restraint

An unrestrained dog can distract the driver and be badly hurt in a sudden stop. Use a sturdy crate secured in the vehicle or a harness that attaches to the seat belt system. Keep dogs out of the front seat, where airbags can injure them, and do not let them ride with their head out of the window.

Breaks and comfort

Stop roughly every two to three hours for water, a short walk and a bathroom break.
Always leash your dog at rest stops, even if they have good recall. Unfamiliar places make escapes more likely.
Feed a light meal a few hours before driving if your dog tends to get carsick.
Bring water from home, a bowl, poop bags, a towel and a familiar blanket.

Heat and parked cars

Never leave a dog alone in a parked car. Cars heat up quickly even on mild days, and cracking a window does not make it safe. Plan meals at places where your dog can come with you or someone can stay with them. Our guide to keeping dogs cool in hot weather lists heatstroke warning signs.

Pet-friendly hotels and rentals

Call ahead even if a listing says “pet friendly.” Ask about weight limits, number of pets, nightly fees or deposits, and whether dogs can be left alone in the room.
Bring a crate or familiar bed so your dog has a known place to settle.
Use a “do not disturb” sign and tell the front desk if you must step out briefly, if allowed.
Check for dropped pills, food and cleaning products on the floor when you arrive.

Flying with a dog

Airlines, not the federal government, set most pet rules, and they vary a lot.

Option	Typical requirements	Things to check
In cabin	Small dog in a soft or hard carrier that fits under the seat in front of you; dog stays inside for the flight	Carrier size and weight limits, pet fee, limit on pets per flight
Checked or cargo	Larger dogs in an airline-approved crate; not offered by every airline	Temperature embargoes, breed restrictions, route limits
Service dog	Trained service dogs fly in the cabin at no charge	Airline may require the DOT service animal form in advance

As of October 2026, major US airlines commonly charge in the region of $95 to $150 each way for an in-cabin pet, per published airline policies. Under a US Department of Transportation rule in effect since 2021, airlines may treat emotional support animals as pets, so the usual pet fees and carrier rules can apply.

Many airlines restrict or refuse short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds in the cargo hold because they are more prone to breathing problems. Talk to your vet before flying any dog with breathing, heart or anxiety concerns. Choosing the right carrier matters; see how to choose a pet carrier.

Health certificates and state rules

A health certificate (often called a certificate of veterinary inspection, or CVI) is a vet’s signed statement that your dog appears healthy and is vaccinated. For travel between states:

The destination sets the rules. USDA APHIS says interstate pet movement requirements are set by the destination state or territory, and recommends contacting that state veterinarian’s office. See APHIS’s pet travel pages.
Airlines may require one regardless of state law, often issued within about 10 days of travel. Ask your airline for its exact window.
Rabies vaccination is required for dogs in most states; carry the certificate.
Hawaii is rabies-free and has strict entry rules, including microchip, rabies vaccinations, a blood test and waiting periods to avoid or shorten quarantine. Start planning months ahead using the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s animal quarantine pages. Guam and other territories also have their own rules.

Leaving the US, or returning from abroad, involves different rules. See our guide to taking a pet to another country.

Bottom line

Secure your dog properly in the car, stop often, and never leave them alone in a parked vehicle. Confirm hotel and airline pet policies directly, carry rabies and vaccine records, and check your destination’s entry rules, especially for Hawaii. A pre-trip vet visit is the best way to make sure your dog is fit to travel.

FAQ

Do I need a health certificate to drive to another state?

Some states require one on paper, though it is rarely checked on the road. Check your destination state’s requirements and carry your rabies certificate either way.

Can my dog sit on my lap on a plane?

Generally no. In-cabin pets must stay in their carrier under the seat for the whole flight unless they are trained service dogs.

Should I sedate my dog for travel?

Do not give any medication without your vet’s advice. Sedation can be risky, especially when flying, and many airlines discourage it. Your vet can suggest safer options.

How do I find pet-friendly places to stay?

Use the pet filter on booking sites, then call the property to confirm fees, size limits and rules for leaving your dog alone.