Nowadays, you can find at least one agency in every American city that has with a car rental policy allowing for people to travel with their pets. Some of the more well known are Alamo, Avis, Budget and Hertz. What you need to watch for is the cleaning fee. There are ways to avoid this however. Simply don’t allow your pet to damage the car’s interior. Besides being safer for traveling, a pet carrier will also make sure that your pet’s claws — no matter how short they are — won’t damage the leather or cloth interior. As an added precaution, you might want to purchase one of those very inexpensive fleece throws and place it under the carrier. This will help if the water in the carrier spills. You also want to make sure that you pick up most of the fur your dog sheds. It only takes a few minutes to do an extra swipe with a damp cloth to pick up the fur, which could save you a lot of money.

If you are traveling throughout the U.S. and need a car rental, you can book directly from Pet Hotels of America. We often have special deals. One thing to keep in mind, you will be charged much more for your car rental if you pick it up without making prior reservations. Plus, many times, they can’t find the reservation so make sure you write it down where you can find it easily, even if when hurried.

As far as ways to travel goes, traveling with pets by car typically is the best way to go. Most dogs have been in cars to visit the vet, groomer and even just for a ride to firend’s homes. If your dog is like mine, she will stand by the car as soon as she hears the keys jingling. If your dog is not used to traveling via automobile, then you might want to practice long before your trip–especially if your travel plans include long periods of being in the car. Make sure to bring along a portable water bottle or bowl, as first trips can make your hound nervous resulting in a dry mouth.

If, on the other hand, your pet is used to being in a car, their should be no problem. Either way, however, you may want to stop by your veterinarian to pick up some anti-anxiety medications should a long trip be in the agenda.

Alamo Rent-A-Car –Alamo allows pets to ride in a car rental, however you must return the vehicles clean and free of pet hair so you can avoid paying additional cleaning fees.

Avis Rent-A-Car — Avis allows pets to ride in rental vehicles, but again, if you want to avoid paying cleaning fees vehicles should be returned clean and free of pet hair.

Budget Rent-A-Car — Housebroken pets are more than welcome to travel in a Budget car rental. Although Budget doesn’t charge extra for pets, owners will incur an additional fee if any damage caused by animals is discovered, or if any special cleaning is required because of shedding or accidents.

Hertz Rent-A-Car — Hertz allows domestic pets to ride in car rentals without an extra charge. However, pet owners will incur an additional charge for damage caused by animals, or if any special cleaning is needed resulting from shedding or accidents.

National Rent A Car –Pets are allowed to ride in the vehicles. No additional fees are assessed. Pet owners/renters are responsible for damage caused by the animal, so to avoid cleaning charges, vehicles need to be returned clean and free of pet hair.

Thrifty Rent A Car — Thrifty Rent A Car’s pet policies are different for every location. According to Thrifty representatives, most locations allow pets in the vehicles provided they are in a carrier. The party renting the car is responsible for any damage caused by the pet. The vehicle needs to be returned clean and free of pet hair to avoid a cleaning fee. It’s best to call prior to booking online to ensure the location you are renting from accepts pets.

Pet Hotels of America wishes you a wonderful road trip with your pet.