Which Car Rental Companies Allow Pets and Dogs?
Most leading car rental companies in the United States allow pets. These include Hertz, Budget, Enterprise, and Avis. Renters can bring their pet dogs, cats, small birds, and other domesticated animals to the car.
However, you will need to keep them safely inside a crate throughout the journey. Alongside, the car should be clean, odor-free, and damage-free to avoid cleaning fees.
What are the Best Pet-Friendly Car Rental Companies in the USA?
Generally, pets are allowed in the rental cars of almost every major company. Here is the list of the top-rated pet-friendly car rental companies and their policies:
1. Avis: It is one of the top-notch car rental companies that allows people to travel with their pets. To have an enhanced travel experience, the following should be kept in mind:
All pets, including dogs, are welcome at Avis.
Keep the pet in a cage during the trip.
Place a seat cover before putting the carrier on it.
While returning, make sure the car is clean and odor-free.
A cleaning fee will be charged for damaged and dirty cars.
It can range from USD 125 to USD 450+.
2. Hertz: It is a strong option for traveling with a pet due to its stress-free and straightforward pet policy and easy booking. With no extra fee involved, the following are important points to remember:
It allows pets inside the rental cars.
For safety and cleanliness, it is mandatory to keep your pet in the kennel.
You can also bring service animals in the rental cars without a carrier.
But before returning the car, remove all dirt, odors, pet dander, etc.
A dirty car will incur a fee between USD 60 and 400+
3. Budget: This is a budget-focused car rental option in the United States that can help you travel with pets at no extra fee. When traveling, have the following pointers in mind:
Budget allows all housebroken pets in the rental cars.
It does not charge any fee for bringing pets.
However, the renters will be liable for any damages caused by animals.
It can be up to USD 450+.
Service animals are also allowed to travel with renters with disabilities at no cost.
4. Enterprise: It is an exceptional option to bring your pet for a smooth travel experience. It is best known for its consistent and easy-to-follow rules. Since it has widespread availability, you can have a great experience with Enterprise.
Enterprise is among the top-rated pet-friendly car rental agencies in the country.
You will need to use an appropriate carrier to keep your pet safe.
Make sure the pet is inside the cage to avoid the mess.
Take regular breaks to avoid stress caused by hunger, thirst, etc.
A damaged and dirty car will lead to a cleaning fee, ranging from USD 150 to USD 700+.
5. Thrifty: This company allows almost all housebroken pets in the rental cars. Here are some important points to have in mind:
Pets can travel at no extra cost.
However, they should be inside the crate throughout the travel.
Before returning the car, it should be thoroughly cleaned.
Make sure the car has no traces, i.e., pet hair, odor, or damage.
Failing to ensure this will incur a heavy cleaning fee.
It can be USD 50 to USD 250+.
6. Alamo: Alamo Rent-A-Car is yet another car rental company in the United States that welcomes feline. To have a smoother experience, renters are advised to have the following pointers in mind:
Although no extra fee is included, a cleaning fee is imposed.
This could be between USD 50 and USD 250+.
Alamo charges this fee when the car is returned excessively dirty.
To avoid this fee, keep pet animals inside the crate and use blankets.
Service animals are exempt from this rule.
7. Fox: Travelers can bring their pets on rental cars when renting from Fox Rent-A-Car. Again, avoiding damage and mess is a mandatory prerequisite.
Pets, such as cats and dogs, are allowed to travel in rental cars.
No extra fee is charged for this.
However, they should remain inside their cage, placed on a protective cover or blanket.
A cleaning fee will be added to the bill when clean-up is not done properly before the return.
Look for excess stains, odors, and hair to avoid the cleaning fee.
USD 250 or more is the cleaning fee levied by Fox.
8. National: To travel with your pet cat, dog, domesticated birds, and other small-sized animals for free, you can also choose National Car Rental. Being a popular name in the country, it allows pets, but the following aspects should be kept in mind:
Using a kennel is officially required.
Only service animals can stay outside the carrier.
You will need to pay for the damage and mess done by your pet or service animal.
The minimum cleaning fee is USD 50.
However, for deep cleaning and excessive mess, it can go up to USD 250 or higher.
National gives its Emerald Club members (loyalty program of the company) the benefit to choose their preferred car rental.
Eligible members can choose an SUV or a car with solid leather seats to better accommodate their pets' needs.
Branch-specific rules for traveling with pets and availability of vehicles may vary.
Renters are advised to check the same beforehand.
9. Dollar: This is among the most prestigious pet-friendly car rental options in the country. However, Dollar Rent-A-Car charges a flat cleaning fee and a deep cleaning fee (as needed) separately. Below are some aspects you should know about:
The rules for pets are not stringent.
Keeping pets inside the crate is not mandatory, but cleanliness should be maintained.
Pets and service animals can travel for free.
Dollar may have location-based rules.
For instance, airport locations, such as Miami Airport, may refuse pets in the luxury and other high-end vehicles.
For minimal dirt, a flat cleaning fee of USD 30 is charged.
Deep cleaning, on the other hand, will incur a hefty cleaning fee of USD 450 or more.
10. Ace: Although pets are allowed, the car should be returned clean and mess-free. Anyone who returns the car without following the cleaning rules will need to pay a penalty, depending on the level of dirt and damage.
All housetrained pets are allowed.
These include dogs, cats, hamsters, small birds, and rabbits.
During the transit, they should remain inside their cage.
Always place a blanket or protective sheet under the pet’s kennel.
When returning the car, make sure it does not have any damage, foul odor, excessive hair, etc.
A dirty car will lead to a detailing or cleaning fee of USD 250+.
Note: Other leading pet-friendly car companies in Los Angeles and other regions are also available.
What Charges to Expect When Traveling with Pets?
Even though car rental companies that allow dogs and other pets do not charge an extra fee for bringing them, you may need to pay for cleaning, damages, and other related issues.
Cleaning Fees: Returning a car clean is mandatory when traveling with pets. If you return it dirty without removing pet hair, odor, sand, etc., you will need to pay a fee of USD 50 to USD 450+.
Odor Removal Fee: A persistent smell, specifically in upholstery, will result in a higher fee for specialized cleaning.
Damage Expenses: Renters will need to pay for physical damage, such as a chewed seatbelt, surface, and scratches on the seat.
‘Out-of-the-Service’ Charges: When the car is getting repaired due to the damage caused by pets, the company will charge a no-service fee from the renters.
Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise are among the best pet-friendly car rental companies. However, you should be familiar with the rules and policies before booking. Additionally, check the applicable charges to better plan your travel budget. Lastly, choose the right rental car to help you keep the pet relaxed.
