A Handy Guide for Pet Parents on the Move
Bringing your pet along on your vacation or business trip can make your journey more meaningful—but it can also make things a little fuzzier. Whether you’re staying in a pet-friendly hotel or a cozy vacation rental, one of the most persistent issues for pet parents is dealing with pet hair.
Shedding doesn’t stop just because you’re on the road. Dogs and cats can leave behind fur on beds, furniture, carpets, and even inside your suitcase. Worse yet, excessive shedding in a rental or hotel may leave a bad impression—or even result in extra cleaning fees.
To help you travel stress-free, we’ve created this practical guide for managing pet hair while staying in hotels, Airbnbs, or temporary accommodations.
🧳 1. Choose the Right Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Not all pet-friendly stays are created equal. Some offer just the bare minimum, while others truly welcome pets and provide amenities to support a clean and comfortable experience.
What to Look For:
- Hard flooring (like tile or laminate) instead of carpet
- Pet policies that clearly outline cleaning expectations
- Rooms with easy-to-clean furniture and minimal fabric surfaces
- Amenities like pet beds, bowls, or a pet-friendly area outside
Pro tip: Read reviews from other pet parents to see if the property is truly pet-welcoming—not just “pet-allowed.”
🧼 2. Groom Before You Go
One of the best ways to reduce the amount of hair your pet leaves behind? Brush them thoroughly before your trip.
Whether you're traveling by car or plane, grooming your pet just before departure can drastically reduce the amount of loose hair they bring into your accommodation. Pack a portable grooming brush and give your dog or cat a quick brushing session daily.
Consider:
- A de-shedding tool (like the Furminator)
- Pet-safe grooming wipes for daily touch-ups
- A quick bath before the trip if your pet sheds heavily
🛏️ 3. Bring Your Own Pet Covers or Blankets
Never underestimate the power of a washable throw blanket or fitted sheet from home. Place these over beds, couches, or other areas your pet may rest on. Not only does this protect hotel linens, but it also gives your pet something familiar to help them feel at ease.
Choose lightweight, quick-drying fabrics so you can shake off or wash them easily during longer stays.
Bonus Tip: Pack a small collapsible laundry bag for storing pet-covered linens separately from your clean clothes.
🧹 4. Pack a Portable Cleaning Kit
A small pet hair cleaning kit can save you time, stress, and possibly extra charges. Your kit doesn’t need to be fancy—just a few reliable essentials.
Recommended Items:
- Travel-size lint rollers
- Rubber gloves (great for lifting hair from upholstery)
- Mini handheld vacuum or portable stick vacuum if you’re driving
- Sticky tape or packing tape in a pinch
Some pet travelers also swear by dryer sheets for wiping down surfaces and reducing static cling.
🤖 5. If You're Driving, Consider Bringing a Compact Robot Vacuum
If you're staying in a rental for more than a few days—especially with a shedding breed—you might benefit from packing a compact robot vacuum. Models like the Extravis V5 Robot Vacuum are lightweight, pet-hair-optimized, and can run on daily schedules to quietly clean up while you're out exploring.
While you won’t find this in every suitcase, it’s a game-changer for longer stays or road trips where luggage space allows.
🚫 6. Keep Pets Off Furniture (or Use Barriers)
Even in pet-friendly spaces, not all furniture is meant for paws and claws. Respect hotel and host policies by training your pet to stay off beds and couches—or use protective barriers like travel mats or crates.
Tips:
- Bring your pet’s bed or blanket and place it in a cozy corner
- Use furniture-safe sprays or repellents if your pet tends to jump
- Crate your pet when leaving them alone to prevent them from climbing onto beds or sofas
🚿 7. Clean Before You Check Out
A good guest leaves no trace—especially if they’ve brought a furry travel companion. Before checking out, give the room a once-over to remove visible fur.
Final Touch-Up Checklist:
- Lint roll pillows, chairs, and blankets
- Wipe down pet dining area or water bowl spills
- Shake out blankets and bed covers outdoors
- Vacuum or sweep up hair clumps if tools are provided
- Take any used pet linens with you in a sealed bag
This small effort can make a big difference in maintaining good relationships with hosts or hotels—and may spare you additional fees.
✈️ Extra Tip for Flights & Taxis: Contain the Hair
If you're flying or taking ride-shares, pet hair can also become an issue in carriers or on public seats. Always keep your pet in a well-ventilated, lined carrier and pack a lint roller for quick cleanup after rides.
🐾 Final Thoughts
Traveling with your pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience—but it also requires a bit more planning, especially when it comes to managing pet hair in shared spaces.
The key is prevention + preparation. Groom your pet, pack smart tools, and use covers whenever possible. With a bit of care and consistency, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about the furry mess you’ll leave behind.
And for extended stays or repeat travelers, don’t underestimate the convenience of tools like the Extravis V5 Robot Vacuum, which help you stay ahead of the hair—no matter where the journey takes you.