posted on July 17, 2026
Traveling with your dog doesn’t mean leaving road trips off the itinerary. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, relocating, or visiting family, it’s possible to find car rental options that accommodate four-legged passengers.
Before hitting the road, it’s important to understand pet policies, cleaning expectations, and best practices for keeping both your dog and the vehicle comfortable throughout the trip. This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a car with your dog.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Can you bring a dog in a rental car?
- Dog friendly car rental policies by company
- How to find a dog friendly car on Turo
- Tips for traveling with your dog in a rental car
- What to pack for a road trip with your dog
- Frequently asked questions
Can you bring a dog in a rental car?
Yes, most major car rental companies allow you to travel with dogs in the car. Each car rental company has its own rules and policies you must comply with.
Most companies require you to return the vehicle clean, free of pet hair, odors, and damage. Special cleaning fees may apply if the car isn’t returned in good condition.
Keep in mind that the rules usually differ between service animals (who are always permitted by law and exempt from any extra cleaning charges) and pets (that are allowed subject to company policy). Always check with the specific branch or rental location you’re planning to book from, as local rules can differ from a company’s national policy.
Dog friendly car rental policies: What the major companies say
When comparing pet-friendly rental cars, each company’s policies differ more than you might expect. Here’s a breakdown of how traditional car rental providers approach dog-friendly car rentals. Keep in mind that policies can vary by pickup location, so always verify directly before booking.
| Company | Pets allowed? | Cleaning fee if dirty? |
|---|---|---|
| Turo | Yes | Yes; a cleaning fee may apply if you return the vehicle with significant pet hair or bring a pet in a non-pet-friendly vehicle without approval |
| Avis | Yes | Yes; return your rental car in clean condition and free from pet hair and smells to avoid a cleaning fee of up to $450 |
| Enterprise | Yes | Yes; you’ll be charged a fee of $50 + costs incurred if the next driver reports pet hair or mess in the vehicle |
| Hertz | Yes | Yes; excessive pet hair, soiling, or damage may incur extra cleaning charges |
| Thrifty | Yes | Yes; extra cleaning charges of $50 to $250 may apply depending on the damage caused |
| SIXT | Yes | Yes; a cleaning fee may apply if the vehicle is returned with heavy soiling |
Regardless of which company you book with, thoroughly cleaning your car before returning it is essential. Keeping pets crated and protecting car seats with blankets and seat covers are among the best steps you can take to avoid cleaning fees.
Finding a dog-friendly rental car on Turo
On Turo, it’s easy to find a dog-friendly car to rent. Each vehicle owner decides whether they allow pets to travel in their car, and many explicitly list their vehicle as pet friendly.
When searching for vehicles, use the “pet friendly” filter to explore available cars near you. If you can’t book a “pet friendly” vehicle, use Turo messaging to ask the car owner for written permission to bring a pet. Keep in mind that Turo requires all pets to be in a crate or carrier while riding in the vehicle at all times.
All vehicles on Turo are open to guests traveling with service or assistance animals (and these service animals aren’t required to use a crate or carrier while in the vehicle).
On Turo, you may be charged a cleaning policy violation fee for:
- Transporting a pet that isn’t a service or assistance animal in a vehicle that isn’t “pet friendly” without approval
- Returning the car with a significant amount of animal hair
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Tips for traveling with your dog in a rental car
Before you hit the road, it’s worth planning ahead and getting prepared to ensure a smooth driving experience with your pooch.
- Protect the car’s interior from the start: Bring a seat cover or blanket to lay over the back seat before your dog gets in. This is the single most effective way to keep pet hair off the upholstery and avoid a large cleaning fee.
- Keep your dog secure: A dog harness or travel crate helps keep your dog safe during sudden braking and prevents them from distracting the driver. Many rental companies require pets to be crated, so be sure to check the company’s pet policy before you go.
- Take regular breaks: Dogs need frequent bathroom breaks, water, and a chance to stretch their legs. Plan stops every two hours on longer road trips; it will keep the driver feeling fresh, too.
- Clean up before you return the vehicle: Be sure to thoroughly vacuum everything (floor mats, trunk, and seats) and wipe down hard surfaces. Dogs love to get their noses on the windows, so give those a good spray and wipe. If you’re concerned, take the car to a professional car wash before returning it for a deep clean.
- Take photos before and after: Document the condition of the interior when you pick up the vehicle and again before you return it; this can help to protect you in case of any disputed cleaning charges.
- Groom your dog before the trip: A freshly groomed pooch is less likely to shed or leave odors in the vehicle.
Tip from the author: A lint roller and a small handheld vacuum are worth packing; a quick once-over of the seats before you return the car can save you a lot in cleaning fees.
What to pack for a road trip with your dog
Securing a pet-friendly car rental is just the first step. Before you hit the road, stock up on these travel essentials for a comfortable, stress-free drive:
- Collapsible water bowl and plenty of water: Plan to bring enough water for your dog to stop for water breaks every one to two hours. A collapsible water bowl or spill-proof dispenser can be handy to leave in the trunk, too.
- Dog food and treats for the road: Keep your pooch’s stomach settled with enough food for the drive. Avoid heavy meals or large amounts of food prior to long drives to avoid car sickness.
- Leash, dog bags, and a small first aid kit: Bring the essentials along with supplies like bandages, medical adhesive tape, and even tweezers (for removing ticks or splinters).
- Seat cover or blanket to protect the interior: Install this prior to loading your pet into the car to keep the car seats in good, clean condition.
- Travel crate or dog harness: Keep your pet safe and secure, and ensure you’re following the car rental companies’ crate policy.
- A comfort item from home (blanket or favorite toy): Give your dog the best chance of settling in a new space by bringing some of their familiar items, blankets, and toys.
- Lint roller and small handheld vacuum for clean-up: Take the stress out of cleaning the car with a few items to make the job quicker and easier.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car with a dog
Can you bring a dog in a rental car?
Yes, most major rental car companies in the US allow dogs. Be sure to return the vehicle clean and free of pet hair; otherwise, you run the risk of an extra cleaning fee.
Do rental car companies charge extra for dogs?
Most companies don’t charge a pet fee upfront, but all will charge a cleaning fee if the vehicle is returned with significant pet hair, odors, or damage. Cleaning fees typically range from $50 to $250 depending on the company and the extent of cleaning required. The best way to avoid this is to clean the vehicle thoroughly before returning it.
What happens if I return a rental car with dog hair?
Most rental car companies charge a cleaning fee if you return a vehicle with excessive dog hair. Fees typically range from $50 to $450, depending on the amount of hair and whether professional detailing is required. To avoid extra charges, vacuum the interior, use a lint roller on seats and carpets, and remove any pet odors before returning the vehicle.
Are service dogs allowed in rental cars?
Yes, service and assistance animals are always permitted in rental vehicles under federal US law, with no additional fees or crate requirements.
Is Turo pet friendly?
Turo allows pets, with individual vehicle owners setting their own pet policies. Many Turo vehicle listings are explicitly marked as pet-friendly, and you can filter for these when searching. Returning the vehicle clean is still essential, and owners can charge a cleaning fee for pet hair or damage.
Hit the road with your dog, stress-free
Renting a car with your dog is simple and straightforward when you know the rules going in. A little preparation goes a long way: the right vehicle, a seat cover, and a quick clean-up before return is all it takes to make it a great experience for everyone.
Browse and filter by pet-friendly cars on Turo to find a vehicle that suits you and your dog, with flexible pick-up options and a wide range of vehicle sizes.
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Lucinda Starr
Lucinda Starr is a travel and automotive writer with 5+ years of firsthand experience road-tripping across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. She writes road trip guides for Turo, drawing on her experience behind the wheel to share practical insights on long-distance drives, destinations, and vehicles. Her travels have taken her across Australia’s East Coast, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, and both islands of New Zealand. One of her most memorable journeys was an 11-day, 2,600+ km route from Auckland to Punakaiki and Queenstown. Lucinda has a particular passion for classic, rugged 4WD vehicles and the freedom they bring to exploring new places.
