Dog-friendly vacations are soaring in popularity, with approximately 78 percent of American pet owners traveling with their furry companions at least once a year, according to a GlobalVetLink survey. Read on for some tips for pet travel and places to take your 4-legged buddy.
Dog-Friendly Travel Advice
We tapped Dr. Aziza Glass, DVM, CVA and Freshpet’s Expert Veterinarian for some quick tips on traveling with your doggo.
- Health Certificates:Â Inquire to determine if you need a domestic health certificate for your pet. Traveling internationally with your pet always requires an international health certificate. Your veterinarian can provide you with information before your appointment. You can also get additional information at www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel.
- Microchip or ID Tags: Ensure your pet has proper identification in case it gets lost. Also, ensure that all contact information registered to your pet’s identification is up-to-date with the latest and most accurate information.
- Medications: If your pet requires medication, ensure you have enough for the entire trip, plus a few extra days. If the medication requires refrigeration (such as insulin), ensure it has a designated area in a cooler and is well-insulated with ice packs.
BARK Air’s New Companion ConciergeÂ
BARK Air, a dog-focused airline and hospitality brand, has launched its Companion Concierge service, expanding its offerings beyond air travel. This premium travel planning service caters to dog owners flying commercially, privately or traveling by ground by working to simplify pet travel logistics.
The American Pet Products Association reports that 90 percent of pet owners travel with their dogs. BARK Air’s new service addresses this market by providing expert guidance and personalized support throughout the journey. Since its inception in 2024, BARK Air has transported over 1,000 dogs across 142 flights, covering nearly 4,000 miles and generating $6 million in revenue.
The Companion Concierge offers a range of services, including:
- Managing international paperwork and regulations for cross-border travel
- Coordinating USDA-accredited vet appointments and reviewing dog records for flight eligibility.
- Providing access to dog-friendly city guides, hotels, restaurants, and experiences.
- Arranging dog-centric ground transportation, from chauffeur services to luxury rentals.
- Recommending trusted local vendors such as veterinarians and groomers in unfamiliar cities.
- Offering dog chaperone services for solo canine travelers.
This service starts at $500; however, clients who book the Companion Concierge and choose to fly with BARK Air receive a $500 credit towards their flight.
For more information, visit air.bark.co.
Thompson Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Thompson Zihuatanejo, a luxury beachfront retreat on Mexico’s Playa La Ropa, goes beyond the traditional water bowl to offer your pet an actual robe to lounge in comfort before or after dining at any of the on-site restaurants—all of which welcome canine companions. Your clients can take advantage of the Suite Escape Package, available for booking until Sept. 30, 2025, for stays through Oct. 31, 2025, by using code SUITE. They’ll receive daily breakfast, a seasonal welcome gift and a $150 USD resort credit per stay. This credit is applicable towards massage treatments, dining or cultural experiences.
For more information, visit hyatt.com.
The Shay, Culver City
The Shay in Culver City welcomes dogs without weight restrictions, allowing guests to bring up to two pets per stay. Of note is the contribution to local animal welfare: From each $100 pet fee, $15 is donated to K9 Youth Alliance, a non-profit organization that connects youth from under-resourced communities with shelter dogs.
Guests and their pets can explore The Shay, nearby neighborhoods and Ivy Station’s public green space. This pet-inclusive approach extends beyond the hotel, encouraging visitors to experience Culver City with their 4-legged friends.
For more information, visit hyatt.com.Â
Pierre Mundo Imperial, Acapulco
Pierre Mundo Imperial in Acapulco is redefining pet-friendly luxury on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The resort caters to 4-legged guests with plush bedding, water bowls and tailored amenities. Unique experiences include Tibetan singing bowl meditation by the sea and a property-wide pup rally, fostering deeper connections between pets and owners.
The resort’s lush gardens and tranquil pools provide a serene environment for both humans and animals. Its location offers easy access to pet-friendly attractions, such as the Malecon and Parque Papagayo.
For more information, visit mundoimperial.com.
The Reserve, Madeira
The Reserve, part of Madeira’s Savoy Signature collection, is elevating luxury pet hospitality. Their refined Pet-Friendly Policy includes chef-prepared meals, premium grooming products and in-room comforts like comfy bedding and fresh water bowls.
The program extends beyond amenities, contributing to local animal welfare organizations with each pet stay. Bespoke add-ons such as garden walks, spa sessions and 24-hour veterinary access are available to enhance the experience.
For more information, visit savoysignature.com.Â
Mondrian Mexico City Condesa
Mondrian Mexico City Condesa offers a pet-friendly experience that extends throughout the property, including its restaurants and accommodations. The hotel welcomes both dogs and cats, offering practical in-room amenities, including food and water bowls.
An off-leash area for dogs is available on-site, along with pet-sitting and grooming services, both of which are offered for an additional fee. The hotel’s modern design and prime location in the Condesa neighborhood make it an ideal base for exploring Mexico City with pets.
For more information, visit mondrianhotels.com.
Hotel Viata, Austin
Austin’s Hotel Viata, a swanky hillside boutique retreat, invites your clients to enjoy its Very Important Pet program. The pet-friendly amenities include in-room dog beds and welcome treats, as well as dedicated menus at the hotel’s restaurants. A specially designated relief area provides added convenience. The concierge team is well-versed in local pet-friendly attractions, helping your clients explore Austin with their buddies. Spacious suites comfortably accommodate both humans and pets.
The hotel is conveniently located adjacent to both downtown Austin’s attractions and natural spaces, including Lady Bird Lake, Barton Creek Greenbelt and Zilker Park. Of note: The pet program runs year-round.
For more information, visit hotelviata.com.
Dawn Ranch, Sonoma County
Dawn Ranch, known for its human wellness offerings at The Spa, now extends its restorative experiences to your client’s fur babies. The Sonoma County retreat is pioneering a unique sleep wellness program for canine guests. The 22-acre retreat’s Rover’s Recharge initiative addresses a gap in the hospitality industry’s approach to pet accommodation.
This innovative program combines familiar comforts with calming tools to help dogs adjust to their new surroundings, ensuring both pets and owners enjoy a restorative stay. The package includes a Pendleton Mountain Plaid Pet Bed, ElleVet Sciences’ Calm & Comfort Chews, a Thunderworks calming scent mist, a dog-safe weighted blanket and access to Spotify’s dog-friendly playlists via an in-room QR code.
For more information, visit dawnranch.com.
Andaz for Doggos
Andaz West Hollywood is pet-friendly for pooches up to 50lbs, and its location is ideal for walkies: it’s a short walk from the William S. Hart Dog Park and an 8-minute drive from the scenic Runyon Canyon Park Trail and its views of the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory. The doggos get a water bowl and doggie bed included with the pet fee.
In Mexico City, Andaz Mexico City Condesa welcomes pets in more ways than one. The Wooftop Beer Garden & Canine Club offers a distinctive dining experience that caters to both humans and their canine companions. This permanent rooftop venue provides separate menus to dogs (think “woof sliders” made with ground beef and beetroot, and a non-alcoholic “Beer Terrier” beverage) and their owners, allowing them to enjoy meals together in a relaxed setting.
The Wooftop features a dedicated play area for dogs to get their zoomies out. A standout feature is the on-site boutique, Perro de Mundo, which showcases a carefully curated selection of pet products (no animal products). The boutique’s offerings range from comfortable beds and interactive toys to stylish accessories, clothing and travel essentials. The boutique also advocates for pet adoption, with a particular emphasis on mixed-breed dogs.
Reservations are encouraged.
For more information, visit hyatt.com/andaz/laxss-andaz-west-hollywood or hyatt.com/andaz/mexaz-andaz-mexico-city-condesa.
Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resort, Portugal
Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resorts’Â The Bay Houses category features spacious accommodations with fully fenced gardens, providing a secure environment for even the most escape-prone dogs. The resort goes above and beyond to welcome four-legged guests, providing essential amenities such as dog beds, bowls, treats, toys and specialized shampoo.
Martinhal Sagres boasts a prime location on Portugal’s southwestern coast, offering stunning ocean views and access to pristine beaches. The resort features a range of family-friendly facilities, including pools, restaurants and a spa.
Of note: Starting May 2025, United Airlines launched a new direct route from Newark to Faro, making it easier for U.S. travelers to access the Algarve region. The route will operate four times a week through September 23, 2025.
For more information, visit martinhal.com.Â
