The Ultimate Guide to Pet-Friendly Travel in 2025: Destinations & Tips

Traveling with pets has become increasingly popular, with dog parks, pet-friendly hotels, and even pet menus emerging across the globe. In 2025, as more travelers see their pets as family, the hospitality and travel sectors have answered the call, making it easier than ever to share extraordinary journeys with your furry (or even feathered) companions.

Whether you’re flying across continents with your cat, taking a cross-country road trip with your dog, or seeking the best pet-inclusive beaches, this guide covers top global destinations, essential travel strategies, and the latest advice to ensure you and your pet have a seamless, joyful adventure—no matter where the road takes you.

Why Pet-Friendly Travel Matters in 2025

Pet-inclusive travel has skyrocketed, driven by a new generation of travelers prioritizing wellness, adventure, and shared experiences with their animals. Airlines, hotels, and attractions are adapting, offering a range of services that cater to pets, including pet beds, walking services, gourmet treats, and dedicated pet playgrounds. Meanwhile, pet travel tech—from GPS collars to noise-shielding kennels—makes hitting the road safer and simpler than ever.

By planning pet-friendly trips, you’re not just avoiding the stress of leaving your pet behind; you’re also giving both of you the chance to explore the world and create special memories side by side.

The Best Pet-Friendly Destinations for 2025

United States & Canada

1. Asheville, North Carolina, USA

• What Makes It Great: Mountain hikes, downtown breweries, and zero pet weight limits at places like Aloft Asheville Downtown.

• Must-Do: Hike Craggy Pinnacle, stroll Biltmore Estate gardens, play at Azalea Park dog run.

• Bonus: Year-round pet festivals like “Bark in the Park.”

2. Banff National Park, Canada

• What Makes It Great: Leash-friendly mountain trails, lakeside walks, and outdoor-loving locals.

• Must-Do: Walk Lake Louise Lakeshore, explore Johnston Canyon, ride the Banff Gondola (designated pet cabins).

• Packing Tip: Bring a pet jacket for chilly mountain air, even in summer.

3. Portland, Oregon, USA

• What Makes It Great: Legendary for dog parks, friendly people, and dog-welcoming breweries.

• Must-Do: Play at Forest Park, relax at any of the city’s 30+ off-leash areas.

4. Austin, Texas, USA

• What Makes It Great: Outdoor music, food truck parks, and swimming spots all welcome well-behaved dogs.

• Must-Do: Barton Creek Greenbelt, Zilker Metropolitan Park.

Europe

1. Lisbon, Portugal

• What Makes It Great: Walkable, affordable, sun-kissed, and famous for pet-welcoming culture.

• Must-Do: Sunbathe at Praia de São Pedro do Estoril (leashed dogs allowed), stroll Jardim da Estrela, sip coffee at LX Factory.

• Tip: Pack your pet passport (required for EU travel).

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

• What Makes It Great: Endless leafy parks, canal boat rides, and tolerant attitudes toward dogs.

• Must-Do: Roam Vondelpark, take a pet-friendly canal tour.

3. Berlin, Germany

• What Makes It Great: Most public transit systems welcome dogs, and numerous “hundewiese” (dog meadows) across the city.

• Must-Do: Lakeside swimming, sidewalk coffee culture.

4. Paris, France

• What Makes It Great: Dogs in cafés, city parks, and many boutique hotels.

• Must-Do: Picnic at Jardin du Luxembourg, wander Montmartre’s dog-friendly terraces.

Asia-Pacific

1. Sydney, Australia

• What Makes It Great: Vibrant city, endless beaches with off-leash hours, and ferry rides for pets.

• Must-Do: Rose Bay Dog Beach, Centennial Parklands, dog yoga on Bondi Beach.

• Import Tip: Australia has strict pet entry rules—plan paperwork early!

2. Tokyo, Japan

• What Makes It Great: Pet cafés, designer pet boutiques, and high-tech hotels with gourmet pet menus.

• Must-Do: Socialize at Yoyogi Park, walk Ueno Park, splash at Odaiba Beach.

• Import Tip: Pets must be microchipped and have rabies documentation.

3. Bali, Indonesia

• What Makes It Great: Growing pet-resort scene, pet yoga classes, and beaches that welcome leashed dogs.

Latin America & Beyond

1. Buenos Aires, Argentina

• What Makes It Great: Pets welcome on café patios, neighborhood plazas, and even pet bakeries.

• Must-Do: Relax in Palermo’s parks, try a pet-friendly art tour.

2. Santiago, Chile

• What Makes It Great: Mountain hikes, green city spaces, expanding pet hospitality.

• Must-Do: Cerros (hills) and the Metropolitan Park.

Pet-Friendly Cruises, Trains, and Unique Modes of Travel

• Pet-Friendly Cruises: Select luxury liners now offer pet-friendly cabins, “pet parks” on deck, and grooming options (book early!).

• Train Travel: In Europe, Amtrak (USA), and Canada, more trains allow pets under certain size/weight rules.

• Specialty Transport: Try pet bike trailers in Amsterdam or kayak rentals with dog harness attachments in Australia.

Seasonal Pet Events and Festivals

• San Francisco: Annual Pet Parade and free “Dog Days” in Golden Gate Park.

• London: “Dog Day on the Green”—outdoor festival with dog sports and agility.

• Australian Beaches: Summer pop-up pet yoga classes and dog socials.

Must-Have Pet Travel Gear for 2025

1. Collapsible Travel Crates: Lightweight, easy to assemble, and airline-compliant. (Petmate, SoftKRATE)

2. Smart GPS Pet Trackers: Real-time updates on Fido’s location—even abroad. (Whistle Go Explore, Tractive)

3. Pet Cameras: Clip-on cameras for your pet’s perspective.

4. Cooling Mats and Gear: Perfect for tropical or summer travel.

5. UV-Protection Goggles (“Doggles”): For sunny hikes, boating, or biking.

6. Eco-Friendly Waste Solutions: Plant-based biodegradable bags, portable litter boxes.

Essential Tips for Planning Pet-Friendly Travel

Planning & Documentation

• Check All Pet Policies: Airlines, hotels, trains, ferries, and attractions differ. Apps like BringFido and PawStay help.

• Vaccinations/Health: Ensure rabies and core vaccines are up to date; request a recent health certificate.

• Pet Passports: Essential for International, EU/UK Travel—Plan Months Ahead.

• Microchipping: Increasingly required for both travel and safety.

Packing Checklist

• Familiar food & treats (stomach upsets are common)

• Collapsible bowls & portable water bottle

• Leash, harness, and waste bags

• Favorite blanket, toy, or calming plush

• Any medications, flea/tick prevention, and a first-aid kit

• Copies of medical/vaccine records (paper + digital)

Booking and Transport Hints

• Flights: Direct flights are best; book pet travel early, as spots fill up.

• Car Travel: Harness, crate, or car seat; plan breaks every 2–3 hours.

• Trains/Buses: Research ahead—rules change by route and region.

• Hotels: Ask about pet fees, weight/breed restrictions, and on-site pet amenities.

Wellness, Safety, and Etiquette

• Pet Anxiety: Train with short trips, use pheromone sprays or calming treats, and consult your vet on anti-anxiety options.

• Hydration and Nutrition: Never abruptly change your diet during travel.

• Local Laws: Observe leash rules and always pick up after your pet.

• Insurance: Consider travel insurance that covers pet-related illness, cancellation, or emergencies.

• Pet ID: Always travel with updated collar tags and ensure your pet is microchipped with current info.

Beyond Basics: Making the Most of Your Pet-Friendly Adventure

Unique Activities

• Agility Forests: Norway, New Zealand, and Canada offer obstacle courses you can tackle with your pet.

• “Sniffari” Scent Trails: Specially designed for canine enrichment, found in UK and Germany.

• Art in the Park: Many museums now feature dog-friendly sculpture gardens or open-air installations.

Local Support

• Apps for Pet Sitters/Walkers: Need a Human-Only Museum Day? Use trusted apps to find local pet care.

• 24/7 Vet Telehealth: Growing availability ensures peace of mind worldwide.

Eco-Conscious Pet Travel

• Choose hotels with green certifications and facilities that compost pet waste.

• Buy biodegradable travel essentials.

• Support local businesses that advocate for animal welfare.

Memories That Last: Documenting Your 2025 Pet Travels

• Take scenic selfies, try a “dog’s eye” GoPro, and share on dedicated pet travel socials.

• Some destinations offer pet-specific photographers and even “pet-vlog” walking tours.

Conclusion

2025 is the perfect year to embark on that long-awaited road trip, city escape, or overseas adventure, with your pet by your side. With more welcoming destinations, smarter gear, and resources than ever before, traveling as a true family unit is easier and more rewarding. Whether mountain hiking in Banff, eating pastries in Paris, sunbathing in Sydney, or paddling Lisbon’s coastline, you and your pet can discover a world that’s increasingly open to both of you.