More travellers than ever are choosing to bring their pets along for the journey rather than leave them behind. According to GlobalVetLink, approximately 78% of American pet owners reported travelling with their pets in recent years, and the trend is accelerating globally. Pet-friendly hotels, airlines, and travel apps have multiplied in response. But travelling with a pet — especially internationally — requires meaningful preparation. This guide covers everything you need to plan a smooth, safe, and enjoyable trip with your dog, cat, or other companion animal.

The foundation of any pet travel plan is transport. Road trips are generally the easiest and most pet-friendly option — you control the pace, can stop every two to three hours for walks and water, and your pet stays with you at all times. A secured crate or purpose-built pet restraint system keeps animals safe in the car and reduces distraction for drivers.

Flying with a pet requires research before booking. Each airline has its own policy on pet size, breed, and placement — in-cabin under the seat, or in the hold as checked luggage or cargo. Small dogs and cats under approximately 8kg can typically travel in-cabin on most carriers, inside an approved soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat. Larger dogs must travel as checked baggage or cargo in an airline-approved hard crate. Some breeds — particularly flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs like bulldogs and pugs — face restrictions or outright bans on many airlines due to breathing risks at altitude. Always verify your airline's current pet policy before purchasing your ticket, as rules change frequently and differ by route. Traveloka's flights platform lets you compare and book flights across Southeast Asian carriers for the most convenient routing.

For domestic travel, a current vaccination record and identification — microchip and collar tag — are typically sufficient. For international travel, requirements become significantly more complex. Most countries require a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of departure, confirming your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations, particularly rabies. Many countries have specific quarantine requirements for incoming animals — some of the strictest include Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and the UK — and these must be researched and prepared for months in advance, not days. Failure to comply with destination country requirements can result in your pet being quarantined at the airport at your expense, or denied entry entirely. Contact your destination country's embassy or official veterinary authority for the most current requirements, as rules change without notice.

Pet-friendly hotels are more widely available than many travellers expect, but availability varies significantly by destination, property type, and pet size. In Southeast Asia and most of Asia, purpose-built pet-friendly hotels are less common than in Europe or North America, but the number is growing rapidly. When searching for accommodation, filter specifically for pet-friendly properties, read the fine print on weight and breed limits, and check whether there are designated relief areas.

Many hotels that accept pets charge an additional cleaning fee or pet surcharge, typically ranging from a nominal amount to a full night's rate. Traveloka's hotels platform lets you search and compare properties across Southeast Asia, with detailed amenity listings to help identify pet-friendly options for your destination.

Travelling pets need many of the same things as humans — familiar comforts, consistent routines, and everything they need to stay healthy and comfortable away from home. A practical pet travel kit includes food and portable water bowls; a sufficient supply of your pet's regular food (not just enough — changing food abruptly can cause digestive problems); a familiar blanket or toy for comfort and scent familiarity; any regular medications, clearly labelled; waste bags; a leash and harness; your pet's health documentation in a waterproof folder; and a recent clear photo for identification in case of separation. Keep your pet's routine — feeding times, walk times — as consistent as possible while travelling, as disruption to routine is a primary cause of anxiety in travelling pets.

Travel is inherently stressful for most animals, and preparation makes a meaningful difference. If your pet has never flown or travelled long distances, start with shorter journeys to build familiarity with carriers, car travel, and new environments. For dogs with high anxiety, consult your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications or calming supplements before the trip — these work best when trialled at home before travel, not administered for the first time at the airport. During flights, avoid feeding your pet heavily in the hours before departure to reduce motion sickness risk. In the cabin, keep your pet's carrier under the seat with the door facing you, and talk calmly to your pet periodically. Never open the carrier during a flight.

Some destinations are significantly more welcoming to travelling pets than others. In Southeast Asia, resort areas like Bali's Seminyak and Canggu have developed a notably pet-friendly hospitality culture, with beach cafés, restaurants with outdoor seating that welcomes dogs, and a growing number of explicitly pet-friendly villas and boutique hotels. Urban destinations like Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur have developed excellent veterinary infrastructure — an important consideration if your pet needs care while abroad. For nature-focused travel, national parks and outdoor recreation areas vary widely in pet policies; always verify whether pets are permitted and leash requirements before planning a trail hike. Browse pet-friendly stays and activities through Traveloka for your next trip with your companion.

Travelling with a pet adds logistical complexity but also genuine joy — many travellers report that having their companion along transforms a trip from a holiday into a shared experience. Traveloka, Southeast Asia's leading travel platform trusted by over 100 million users, offers flights, hotels, activities, car rentals, eSIM, and travel insurance — all in one app. Check Traveloka promotions for the latest deals on pet-friendly destinations, and download the app to start planning your next adventure.