I will be honest with you. Leaving Penelope behind is one of the hardest parts of any trip. She gives me the look right as the suitcase comes out, and it does not get easier. So I completely understand the growing number of travelers who are done compromising on this and want to bring their pets along for the ride. The good news is that pet-friendly travel has come a long way, and with the right planning, it is genuinely doable and genuinely enjoyable.
Here is what you need to know before you go.
Not every destination is equally welcoming to pets, and that matters more than people realize until they are already there. The best approach is to research pet policies before you fall in love with a destination, not after. Some cities have this figured out beautifully. Others are more complicated.
A few that tend to work well:
Austin, Texas is one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country. Dog-friendly patios, trails, and parks are everywhere, and the general attitude toward pets is relaxed and welcoming. It is an easy starting point if you are newer to traveling with your dog.
Paris, France surprises a lot of people. Parisians are serious about their dogs, and it shows. You will see them in cafés, on terraces, and walking alongside their owners through neighborhoods that feel made for leisurely strolling. It is one of the more dog-forward cities in Europe, and the infrastructure supports it.
Vancouver, Canada is exceptional for active travelers with dogs. The combination of mountain trails, dog-friendly beaches, and a genuinely outdoorsy culture makes it one of the best cities in the world if your dog loves being outside as much as you do.
Melbourne has a wonderfully relaxed, outdoor-oriented culture, and within the city itself dogs are genuinely welcomed at off-leash beaches, pet-friendly cafés, and local parks. However, getting a pet into Australia is a serious undertaking and should not be underestimated. Australia has some of the strictest pet import regulations in the world, requiring microchipping, specific vaccinations, parasite treatments, an approved health certificate, and a mandatory quarantine stay upon arrival that can last up to 10 days. The preparation process can take six months or longer depending on where you are traveling from, and not all countries are eligible to import pets at all. If Melbourne is on your list and you want to bring your pet, start the process far earlier than you think you need to and work directly with a veterinarian experienced in international pet travel.
Tokyo has pet-friendly parks, specialized pet cafés, and a culture that takes animal care seriously, making it a genuinely enjoyable destination for pet travelers once you are there. Getting there, however, requires significant advance planning. Japan has strict rabies-free entry requirements, and depending on where you are traveling from, the preparation process can take up to 180 days. Requirements include microchipping, rabies vaccinations, a rabies antibody titer test, a waiting period after the test, and an official health certificate issued within a specific window before departure. Arriving without completing the full process can result in your pet being sent back or held in quarantine at your expense. If Tokyo is your destination, start working with your veterinarian at least six months before your travel date and check the current requirements directly with the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as the rules are detailed and specific to your country of origin.
Whether you are flying or driving, the journey itself requires thought. If you are flying, airline pet policies vary significantly and change more often than you might expect. Cabin versus cargo, size restrictions, breed restrictions, carrier requirements, and fees all differ by carrier. Research this before you book your flight, not after. Some airlines are notably better than others when it comes to how they handle pets, and it is worth choosing accordingly.
For road trips, map out pet-friendly rest stops in advance so you are not scrambling. Give your pet space to stretch, bring familiar items from home to reduce stress, and plan your driving days around their comfort, not just your schedule.
For international travel, always check the entry requirements for pets well in advance. Vaccination records, health certificates, microchipping requirements, and quarantine rules vary by country and can require weeks or months of preparation. This is not an area to leave until the last minute.
Pet-friendly accommodations have improved dramatically. Many hotels now genuinely welcome pets rather than just tolerating them, offering dog beds, food bowls, welcome treats, and staff who are actually happy to see your animal walk through the door. Some properties have pet concierge services, walking referrals, and dedicated outdoor areas.
When you are searching for accommodations, look past the “pets allowed” checkbox and read the fine print. Weight limits, breed restrictions, additional fees, and floor policies all vary. The goal is to find a place where your pet is actually comfortable, not just technically permitted.
This is the fun part. Dog-friendly hiking trails, off-leash beaches, outdoor markets, pet-friendly boat tours, and city walks through neighborhoods that welcome leashed dogs all make for genuinely memorable travel days. Many cities also have dog parks that double as a great way to meet locals and let your pet burn energy after a travel day.
More restaurants are offering outdoor seating that welcomes pets, and in some cities the culture around dining with your dog is so normalized that no one blinks. Do a little research before you arrive so you have a few options ready rather than wandering and hoping.
Traveling with a pet takes more planning than traveling without one, and it is worth being honest with yourself about whether your particular pet is a good traveler. Some dogs love the adventure. Others find it genuinely stressful. Your pet’s comfort and temperament matter as much as the destination.
That said, when it works, it really works. There is something about experiencing a new place with your dog beside you that makes the whole thing feel more grounded and more joyful. The world looks a little different when you are navigating it together.
Penelope may not make every trip, but she has taught me more about intentional, unhurried travel than any itinerary ever could. If you want to see the world through Penelope’s eyes, check out her adventures here.