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Using a rental car with pets is often an important consideration when planning a trip, moving, or even just managing day-to-day life, especially for those who live a car-free lifestyle or need a vehicle temporarily. Whether your own car is undergoing maintenance, you’re transitioning between vehicles, or you’re traveling far from home, renting a car is often a convenient option for pet parents. At some point, it’s likely you’ll find yourself in need of renting a car with your pet along for the ride. Having everything you need to know sorted before renting a car with your pet will make the experience much smoother for you!
Before Reserving A Rental Car With Your Pet
While planning for use a rental car with pets, it’s crucial to ensure you’re fully prepared prior to booking.
✅ Confirm the pet policies and cleaning fees with the local branch you will pick up from – Rental car policies and daily rental car rates can vary across branches. It’s important to confirm the specific pet policies and applicable cleaning fees at your specific pick-up location at least 24 hours in advance.
✅ Review cross-border and inter-province/state policies – If your travels will take you and your pet across international borders, or even across state or provincial lines, it’s crucial that you review the rules for policies before booking to avoid problems.
✅ Book directly with the rental company – This helps avoid potential conflicts with third-party booking sites. Cancellations and modifications can be more time-consuming and costly when a rental car is booked through third parties, such as an online travel agency or through your credit card.
✅ Review the 3 Pre-Departure Pet Travel Tips – These 3 simple tips will help you to feel more prepared for your next trip with your pet.
Rental Car Companies Don’t Charge Pet Fees, However, Cleaning Fees May Apply
Unlike US and Canada based commerical airlines, many rental car companies don’t charge pet fees. However, when using rental cars with pets, you should be aware of cleaning charges if the car is returned in less-than-acceptable condition. According to the manager of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) In-Terminal Car Rental location, these are the main reasons rental car companies impose cleaning fees:
- Pet hair is difficult to remove with standard vacuums at many rental car branch locations
- Some vehicles require professional detailing after a pet has been inside, especially if fur, dirt, or dander has accumulated
- Lingering odors or stains may necessitate deep cleaning to ensure the car is in acceptable condition for the next renter
Essential Items to Bring for Pet-Friendly Car Rentals
To avoid paying cleaning fees and to ensure a smooth rental car experience with your pet, preparation is key. Having the right supplies on hand (or paw!) will help keep the rental car clean, protect both your pet, and rent the car with confidence! For a complete list of pet travel essentials when renting a car with your pet, be sure to check out the curated “Rental Car With Pets Essentials” list and download the Pet Travel Packing List at the bottom of this page!
Here are some key items to consider packing when using a rental car with your pet:
🛒 Towel to wipe muddy paws or dry wet fur
🏠 Carrier or crate for your pets’ safety
🧻 Paper towels to absorb spills and for easy clean up
💩 Poop bags to hold small quantities of trash and to clean up pet waste
🧼 Wipes for quick cleanups
🍲 Small reusable silicone bag to hold pet food and treats
🧊 Small cooler & ice packs to keep perishable food fresh or for any medications that require refrigeration
🔌 Phone charging cables (USB-C & USB) because you never know what charging port you’ll get in a rental car
🌀 Small handheld vacuum cleaner for cleaning up pet hair
Rental Car Pet Policies & Fees
Before renting a car with your pets, it’s important to familiarize yourself with each rental car company’s pet policies and cleaning fees!
The chart below provides links to common North American based rental car companies’ pet policy, rates on cleaning fees (if specified), and links to the pet policy websites. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, be sure to check the pet policies directly on the rental car companies’ websites to re-confirm specific guidelines and fees.
| Rental Car Company | Pet Policy | Cleaning & Detailing Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo Rent a Car | Pets are permitted and must be crated. The rental car must be returned in clean condition and free of pet hair to avoid cleaning/detailing fees. | Not Specified |
| Avis Car Rental | Pets permitted in rental cars at most Avis locations. Confirm policies by calling the pickup location before arriving. Rental car must be returned in clean condition and free of pet hair and smells to avoid cleaning fee. | Up to $450 |
| Budget Car Rental | Housebroken (potty trained) pets are allowed in rental cars. If damage is caused by a pet, or any special cleaning is required as a result of shedding or accidents, the pet owner will incur an additional cleaning charge upon return. | Not Specified |
| Dollar Car Rental | Pets are permitted. No advanced notice of pet is required. If the rental vehicle is not returned in clean condition (excessive pet hair, interior/exterior damage or soiling) it could result in a cleaning fee. | $50-$250 |
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | Pets are permitted as long as they are crated while inside the rental vehicle. Rental car must be returned in clean condition and free of pet hair to avoid cleaning/detailing fees. | Not Specified |
| Hertz | Pets are permitted. Pet owners should bring their own pet seatbelts and carriers. Cleaning fees are only charged if there’s damage or if the rental car requires special cleaning after the reservation. | Not Specified |
| National | Pets are allowed in rental vehicles. The pets need to be kept in crates while inside the vehicles. Rental must be in clean condition and free of pet hair to avoid cleaning/detailing fees. | Not Specified |
| Thrifty | Pets are permitted. Rental vehicles must be returned without damage and in clean condition to avoid cleaning fee. Excessive pet hair, soiling or damage caused by pets will results in an extra cleaning charge. | $50-$250 |
How To Choose The Right Rental Car
Selecting the right rental car for you and your pets will significantly improve your travel experience and make you feel safe. Not only does the right car ensure a comfortable journey for both you and your pet, but it also helps to avoid unnecessary stress. Here are key considerations to make prior to clicking reserving a rental car.
- Get a rental car similar to your vehicle at home – Familiarity can help your pet feel more at ease in the new environment. If your pet is used to riding in a compact sedan, for example, a larger SUV may be overwhelming. Opting for a similar car to the one your pet is accustomed to can make the transition smoother and may reduce their anxiety. Plus, you’ll feel more comfortable driving a vehicle that’s similar to your own, which definitely helps keep your pet calm throughout the trip.
- Select the right rental car for your destination – The best vehicle for your trip will depend on where you and your pet are headed. In busy urban areas, a smaller rental car will be easier to navigate and park. In contrast, rural or mountainous areas may require an SUV or 4×4 for better handling. Consider climate and time of year—winter weather might warrant a larger vehicle with four-wheel drive, while warmer destinations may be better suited for a smaller, fuel-efficient economy car.
- Select a rental location that is most convenient – Choosing a rental location near a train station, airport, or major transit hub that you’re arriving at will save you time and money. This is especially true if you have a pet in tow, as you’ll want to minimize the time spent in transit. If you’re traveling internationally, consider the logistics of ground transportation to and from the rental car location, especially if you’re traveling with luggage.
- Stay Within Budget – As a responsible pet parent, staying within your budget is important not only for your financial well-being but also to ensure that your pet’s needs are prioritized throughout the trip. Smaller vehicles like compact cars and sedans are generally more affordable to rent than larger SUVs and trucks. By selecting a rental car that suits both your needs and your budget, you can allocate funds for other important aspects of your trip, such as pet care supplies, veterinary service fees, or accommodations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a rental car with pets is a key part of planning your trip, moving to a new place, or even handling day-to-day needs while transitioning between vehicles. Whether you’re selecting the right vehicle for your journey or learning about rental car policies and fees, planning ahead is essential. Taking the time to prepare can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience for both you and your pet.
From road trips to long-distance moves, renting a car with pets requires careful planning to ensure comfort, safety, and convenience. With my pet travel and relocation consultation service, I can help you navigate the research into rental car rates, and confirm pet policies and cleaning fees of local rental branches. Additionally, I’m able to suggest the perfect rental car for you and your pet based on your personal preferences, destination’s climate, the number and type of pets you have, space needed for crates and carriers, and other essential items to have on hand while renting a car with pets!
📩 Reach out today for the personalized recommendations that you deserve so that you’re fully prepared for your next pet friendly adventure! And don’t forget to download the free Pet Travel Packing List below to get ready for the road ahead with your pets!
Don’t forget share this post with other pet parents too—even those who may not rent cars regularly! You never know when fellow pet parents might find themselves needing to rent a car with your pet, and it’s always better to be prepared!
