Bringing furry family members on vacation
August 2025
Many pet owners (78%) travel with their four-legged family members on vacation. (courtesy Maria Schultz)
by Amanda S. Creasey, Outdoors Writer
An annual vacation is a summer staple for many families, and including the family pets in the trip is becoming more common. Whether it’s a cat or a dog, more furry family members are going along for the ride. In fact, a 2024 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association found that 78% of pet owners travel with their four-legged family members each year when they take vacations.
(courtesy Jessica Bowser)
STAY OR GO
Jessica Bowser, who owns two cats and is the host of the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast, and Certified Canine Fitness Trainer Maria Schultz, who owns two dogs, recommend considering a few things before committing to bringing your cat or dog along on the next family trip.
First, consider the nature of the trip you’re planning. “If I’m going to bring my dog and they don’t get to do anything but sit in a hotel room, I’m probably not going to bring them,” Schultz says. “But if there’s an opportunity for them to participate, they come. If not, I let them stay at home where they’re comfortable.” While some trips may be excellent destinations for our four-legged companions, others may not be suitable.
Next, think about your pet’s disposition. According to Bowser, “The most important thing is understanding your pet’s personality and understanding whether or not your pet would be up for this.” Does your pet enjoy car rides, love meeting new people or get excited about exploring new places? Then a trip might be perfect for them. However, if your pet tends to be anxious in the car, shy around new people and nervous in new situations, a trip could be a stressful experience they might not enjoy.
(courtesy Maria Schultz)
READY TO RIDE
Bowser cautions cat guardians to remember that “when cats are stressed, they act in ways they might not normally act, so try to think about and plan for that.” To help facilitate car travel with her senior seal point Himalayan, Sophia, and her all-white Persian, Blanche, Bowser bought a cat carrier, separate from the one used for vet visits, well in advance. She set it up where they like to hang out. “They got used to it before we ever put them in it to go in the car,” she says.
In addition to preparing your pets for travel, it’s wise to research your destination ahead of time. If possible, visit without your pets first to scope out pet-friendly activities, restaurants, events and lodgings. If not, research by reading blog posts or articles about the area, talking to other people who may have visited the location or visiting dog-friendly websites such as Bring Fido to learn more about pet-friendly venues in the area.
(courtesy Maria Schultz)
WHAT TO PACK
Bringing along our furry friends also means packing their gear. For dogs, Schultz recommends a crate, a harness, updated identification tags and a 4- to 6-foot leash. Also, treats, food and water bowls, along with a favorite toy.
For cats, Bowser recommends bringing a cat carrier for the car, your cats’ regular food and bed, toys, food and water bowls, kitty litter, and a litter box. Also, a photo of yourself with your pet is a good idea in case your pet gets lost.
(courtesy Jessica Bowser)
ON THE OPEN ROAD
Having a pet along for the journey changes the dynamics of a road trip in ways travelers new to the experience might not expect. For example, you can’t just leave your pets in the car if you need to stop for food or a bathroom break. “You can’t just go into a restaurant. You can’t just go into a restroom,” Bowser says. When she and her husband travel with their cats, they take turns using the restroom.
ARE WE THERE YET?
Once the travel part of the trip is complete, it’s time to settle in. Make the stay as comfortable as possible for your pet to minimize stress and maximize enjoyment. If your pets have a positive experience, you will too. “Try to approximate home as much as possible,” Bowser advises. Maintain a similar routine and feed your pet the same foods they eat at home.
Remember, too, that having pets along changes the nature of your trip. “The point is to spend more time with them,” Bowser says. “You plan the trip around them.” Schultz echoes this mentality, saying it’s important to realize that bringing your pet on a trip means you might need to modify your plans, but doing so is worth it.
While traveling with pets introduces challenges and changes the way you travel, both Schultz and Bowser hail the many benefits of bringing their pets along for the ride. “It’s nice to have them with you,” Bowser says of her cats, “and it strengthens the bond.” Of dogs, Schultz adds, “We don’t get dogs to leave them alone. Dogs are born and bred to work alongside us and share our lives with us. Why wouldn’t we incorporate them as much as we can?”
(courtesy Amanda S. Creasey)