We Mapped Out the Ultimate Pet-Friendly Road Trip (so You Don’t Have To)
By: Annie TurnerHit the road with your pet by your side. Figo Pet Insurance maps out top routes, travel tips, and stays that welcome fur-covered companions.
Road trip, anyone? Grab the leash and go! These pet-approved routes and tips make traveling with your sidekick a total breeze.
The windows are down, the leash is packed, and someone in the backseat is already trying to stick their head out the window (again). Whether you’ve got a dog who lives for the ride or a cat who’s reluctantly agreed to a new adventure, a pet-friendly road trip can be one for the memory books, especially when you’ve planned ahead.
We mapped out six laid-back routes across the U.S., each with pet-approved pit stops worth wagging or purring about. From how to find hotels and Airbnbs that welcome pets to how often your travel buddy might need a break, this guide is your go-to for smoother, safer, and way more fun adventures with your favorite sidekick.
East Coast: New England Charm & Coastal Views
Route: Boston, MA → Acadia National Park, ME
Start your road trip with pets in historic Boston, where you’ll find pet-friendly hotels and city parks like the Boston Common. From there, cruise along the scenic coast to Portland, ME, for some lighthouse photo ops and seafood (some restaurants even welcome dogs on the patio). End your journey in Acadia National Park, one of the few national parks where pets are allowed on many trails.
Pet travel tip: Looking for pet-friendly hotels or Airbnbs along the way? Use a pet-friendly road trip planner or filter by “allows pets” on booking sites. Many even offer treats or pet beds on arrival!
Midwest: Great Lakes & Great Vibes
Route: Chicago, IL → Traverse City, MI
Kick things off at Chicago’s Montrose Dog Beach or take your pup for a stroll along the Lakefront Trail. Then head north through Michigan beach towns like Saugatuck and Grand Haven, all known for their charming pet-friendly stays. Traverse City is a perfect final stop, full of wineries, hiking trails, and sandy lakeshore beaches ideal for dogs to stretch their legs.
Where to stop with dogs on a road trip: Look for rest stops with grassy areas, state parks, and dog-friendly downtowns along your route. Just be sure to offer bathroom breaks every 2–4 hours. Yes, dogs can hold it longer, but they really shouldn’t have to.
South: Music, Mountains, and Southern Hospitality
Route: Asheville, NC → Nashville, TN
Start in Asheville with dog-friendly breweries and trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then head west through the Great Smoky Mountains (a few pet-welcoming hiking trails await) and finish in Nashville, where pups are welcome in several parks and on live music patios.
Traveling with a cat? Make sure your feline friend is in a well-ventilated carrier and feels secure. Bring a small litter box lined with disposable liners for scheduled potty breaks in quiet, safe spots. Some cats can be trained to use a travel litter box in the car. Just make sure to practice before you go.
Southwest: Desert Beauty & Big Sky Roads
Route: Santa Fe, NM → Sedona, AZ
This one’s for road trippers who love wide-open views and sunny skies. Explore the art galleries and pet-friendly cafés of Santa Fe before driving west through Petrified Forest National Park, where leashed pets are allowed on trails. Land in Sedona, a dreamy desert stop filled with hikes and pet-friendly accommodations with stunning views. More of a city pup? Phoenix may be an essential stop along the way.
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How long can cats/dogs hold their pee on a road trip? Most adult dogs can go 6–8 hours max, but on a long road trip with pets, aim for a stretch break every few hours. Cats may hold it longer, but stress and motion can make things unpredictable, so pack that litter box just in case.
Pacific Northwest: Evergreen Adventures
Route: Seattle, WA → Cannon Beach, OR
Start your pet-friendly road trip in Seattle with a romp through Discovery Park or a treat from a pet bakery. Then cruise south along the coast to Cannon Beach, where pups can roam free on the sand. Along the way, stop in Olympia or Astoria for fresh air, good coffee, and lots of pet-friendly patios.
Pet-friendly road trip planning tip: Research dog parks and walking trails near your overnight stays so your pet gets plenty of exercise between drives.
West Coast: Coastal Cruisin’
Route: San Francisco, CA → San Diego, CA
Cruise down iconic Highway 1 for one of the best pet-friendly road trips in the U.S. Stop in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a famously dog-loving town with leash-optional beaches and pet-friendly hotels galore. Santa Barbara and Los Angeles also offer plenty of pit stops where pets are welcome, before you wrap things up with sunshine and dog beaches in San Diego.
Pet-friendly stays: Whether you prefer a cool pet-friendly Airbnb or a hotel with pup perks, California has no shortage of options. Just double-check pet policies before you book as some places have breed or size restrictions.
Road Trip Safety Tips for Pets
Before you hit the gas, make sure your pet’s road-trip setup is safe and secure:
Buckle up: Use a crash-tested harness, travel crate, or carrier to keep your pet restrained from roaming the backseat.
Pack essentials: Bring water, collapsible bowls, food, treats, meds, ID tags, a leash and harness, vet records, poop bags, and a pet first-aid kit.
Plan potty breaks: Dogs should stop to stretch and relieve themselves every 2–4 hours. Cats? Try offering a travel litter box during longer breaks in a quiet spot.
Never leave pets in a parked car: Even with the windows cracked, cars heat up fast…dangerously fast.
Do a practice run: If it’s your pet’s first long road trip, take a few shorter drives first to help them adjust.
A little prep goes a long way to keep your co-pilot comfortable, calm, and safe from point A to point Z.
Ready to Roll?
From scenic highways to small-town stops, the best pet-friendly road trips are all about exploring together. You’ve mapped the route, planned the stops, and kept your pet’s safety in mind. Now it’s time to enjoy the ride.
Figo Pet Insurance helps you focus on the fun, not the what-ifs. Adventure’s waiting. Let’s go!
Annie Turner is the senior copywriter and editor for Figo Pet Insurance. Based out of Columbus, Ohio, she loves synonyms, enjoys painting rocks for her kids to hide in their garden of towering sunflowers, and rocks a mean messy bun.
