November 09, 2022

Pet Friendly Car Hire

With an estimated pet population of 71 million with approximately 45% of households totalling 13 million owning pets. The top pets are Fish, Dogs, Cats, Rabbits and Birds but let’s cut to the chase, the animals that you are likely to want to be bringing in cars are either dogs or cats, usually! Pets need to be fed and looked after on a regular basis especially dogs and cats as they crave attention, this is where the issue around holidays comes along, do you or don’t you take your pet on holiday?

I have a dog and I know when I went on holiday I pretty much left him at home and had a relative come and walk and feed him on a regular basis but when I got back he started to bark at me almost as if to vent his anger, and thinking about it I should of brought him on holiday with me as I had a staycation within the UK. The only issue or so I thought with this was car rental didn’t allow you to have a pet in the car which is understandable due to hairs, dirt and everything else they trail in.

We at Indigo pride ourselves in offering pet friendly car hire. All that we ask is that you keep the cleanliness of your rental car as you found it. That means cleaning any mess including any pet hair that you may have to vacuum among other things. This applies for both long and short trips. Take a look at our guide below to learn all you need to know about bringing your pets on the road and pet friendly car hire in general.

Taking Your Pets in Cars Abroad – What Do I Need To Know?

• Make sure your pet finds itself a place in the car. It is very important that your pet is positioned safely, either be in the boot of the car or in a carrier case as if your pet becomes loose this could cause an accident, and in many countries is actually illegal.
• If you are taking your pets abroad you will be required to provide a pet passport and proof of anti-parasite treatment and be micro-chipped.
• You will have to make sure your pet finds itself a place in the car. It is very important that your pet is positioned safely, either be in the boot of the car or in a carrier case as if your pet becomes loose this could cause an accident, and in many countries is actually illegal.
• Walk your dog regularly – please be sure to take regular breaks to ensure you and your pet have the chance to stretch your legs and have a short walk.
• Be sure not to let your pet become dehydrated or become hungry and also be sure not to overfeed either.
• Find the right vehicile: Indigo will ensure that they find the best vehicle for you and your pet all the way up to either a 4 by 4 or people carrier.
• One idea for your pet is to have a blanket for those mud paw prints and loose hairs plus this will minimise any cleaning that may be needed at the end of your journey. A thorough clean will avoid any extra charges that may occur.

What About Crate Training for Pet Friendly Car Hire?

If you are planning a long journey with your pet you will be wise to crate train your animal otherwise your pet may become scared and aggressive within the crate and could make for a more stressful journey. It may take a couple of weeks to achieve this so your pet will feel comfortable in its crate so early training is advisable, This should be done in a gentle and gradual manner allowing the pet time to adjust. Please make your dog comfortable using the crate also leave the door open so your pet may venture in and out easily. You may want to try moving your pet bed inside the crate or feed your pet inside it, this will help your pet gradually become used to using it and will ensure it can be left alone comfortably.

Are Dogs Allowed In Rental Cars?

Pets, including dogs are allowed in rental vehicles if you use selected companies. Some companies have different restrictions and may require you to keep your pet in a crate, however there are some that may be fine with having a dog in the vehicle as it is. Before making your booking you should always double check this with the supplier, this is something we would be happy to do for you.

To find out more on this topic in general, check out our separate guide to dog friendly car hire.

Want To Have Pet Friendly Car Hire? Call Us

Pet friendly car hire is available in a variety of locations across the UK however and if you do choose to go with Indigo Car Hire we do please ask that you contact us before the time of the rental so that we can organise your hire with the right supplier who will accept this pet friendly car hire. There are certain conditions of this type of rental that we also need to make you aware of however if you are interested in hiring a car and having either a dog or a cat during the rental period then please call us on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or email us on [email protected].

is There Anything Else To Consider For Pet Friendly Car Hire?

As touched upon previously, you won’t be charged for having a pet in your car rental by several suppliers, however you may be charged if the car is returned in anything other than a very clean condition. As this is the case, if you have had a pet, like a dog or a cat in the car then it’s likely that it will shed and if you return it without cleaning it you could be subject to a fine.

Here at Indigo we require you to contact us prior to rental so that we may arrange your perfect hire car from the right supplier who is willing to give a pet friendly hire car. Unlike some companies Indigo will not ask you for any extra charges to bring your pet along.