Are Dogs Allowed in Rental Cars?

There is always a moment of hesitation at the counter or before you book a car rental: are dogs actually allowed in rental cars, and will I get charged extra if there is hair or dirt?

The short answer is reassuring. Most major rental car companies do allow dogs, as long as you return the vehicle clean and free of pet-related mess. A high-quality dog seat cover is one of the simplest ways to protect the car and avoid surprise fees.

If you want full backseat protection from day one, a structured cover like the Whisker Bark Hard Bottom Dog Seat Cover keeps fur, mud, and drool off the rental’s interior while giving your dog a stable, comfortable place to ride.

Do Rental Car Companies Allow Dogs

Yes. Most large rental brands in the United States explicitly state that pets are allowed in their vehicles. The key rule is not about whether your dog can ride along; it is about how clean the car is when you return it.

• Dogs are generally allowed in rental cars.
• There is usually no separate pet deposit.
• You can be charged a cleaning fee if the car comes back dirty or covered in hair.

For example, Enterprise explains that pets are allowed, but customers must return the car in clean condition to avoid cleaning or detailing fees (Enterprise pet policy). Avis notes that pets are welcome in most locations, but vehicles must be returned free of pet hair and smells to avoid extra charges (Avis pet policy). Hertz offers pet-friendly rentals as well, with similar expectations around cleanliness (Hertz traveling with pets guide).

Peer-to-peer rental platforms may have different rules. On services like Turo, each host sets their own pet policy, so always check the listing description before you book.

General Pet Policies Across Rental Companies

While wording varies, most major rental providers follow a similar pattern with their pet policies:

• Pets are allowed in most standard rental vehicles.
• There is no additional upfront pet fee in most cases.
• Cleaning or detailing fees apply if the car is returned dirty.
• Pet hair is the most common reason renters get charged.
• Mud, sand, stains, and lingering odors can also trigger cleaning fees.

In practice, this means you are free to bring your dog, but you are also responsible for making sure the next renter is not greeted with fur, smells, or muddy pawprints.

Why You Should Always Use a Dog Seat Cover in a Rental Car

A dog seat cover is one of the simplest tools for protecting a rental vehicle. Instead of worrying about every hair or drip of drool, you create a dedicated, easy-to-clean zone for your dog.

• Prevents embedded hair in cloth seats and seat creases.
• Protects leather from scratches and nail marks.
• Shields against mud, sand, and wet fur from hikes or beaches.
• Blocks drool and accidents from soaking into the upholstery.
• Helps control odors by keeping mess on a washable surface.
• Makes it easy to shake out or vacuum before returning the car.
• Reduces the chance of a pet-related cleaning fee.

Structured covers with a hard bottom, like Whisker Bark’s design, add an extra layer of protection: they stay in place on slick leather, distribute your dog’s weight evenly, and cover the full seating area, which is especially useful in rental SUVs and sedans.

How to Protect a Rental Car and Avoid Cleaning Fees

Use this simple timeline to keep both your dog and your rental car in good shape.

Before the Trip

• Brush your dog to remove loose hair.
• Pack wipes, towels, and a lint roller in a small travel kit.
• Install a waterproof, full-coverage dog seat cover.
• Use a seatbelt-compatible harness to reduce sliding and scratching.

During the Trip

• Shake out the cover at rest stops if you notice heavy shedding.
• Wipe paws after hikes, dog parks, or beach visits.
• Keep windows slightly open when safe to help manage odors and moisture.

Before Returning the Car

• Remove the cover and shake it out away from the vehicle.
• Use a lint roller on seats, door panels, and headrests.
• Vacuum carpets or mats if you tracked in sand or dirt.
• Check under seats and in creases for stray hair or debris.
• Make sure there are no wet spots or strong odors left behind.

What Happens If You Return a Rental Car Dirty

If you return a rental car with heavy pet hair, dirt, stains, or odors, the company may apply cleaning or damage fees. While exact amounts vary by brand and location, renters commonly report charges ranging from modest cleaning fees to larger detailing or damage bills.

*Fee ranges are illustrative only. Always review your rental agreement for exact terms and charges.

A waterproof, structured dog seat cover prevents most of these problems by catching hair and messes on a washable, removable layer instead of the rental’s original upholstery.

Are Dog Seat Covers Allowed in Rental Cars

Yes. Dog seat covers are allowed, and in practice, they make life easier for both you and the rental company. A properly designed cover:

• Does not damage the seats.
• Does not leave sticky residue or marks.
• It can be installed and removed quickly.
• Protects seats from hair, dirt, and moisture.

Structured designs with a hard bottom are especially helpful in rental cars with leather interiors. They stay flat, resist slipping, and provide stable footing for your dog, which is valuable when they are riding in an unfamiliar vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Most rental car companies do allow dogs; the real requirement is returning the vehicle clean and free of pet mess. A dog seat cover is the simplest way to keep your rental in good condition, protect against surprise cleaning fees, and give your dog a comfortable place to ride.

If you frequently travel with your dog, a reinforced, waterproof option like the Whisker Rip-Resistant Dog Seat Cover can be your go-to setup for rentals, road trips, and everyday driving. It keeps hair, dirt, and moisture on the cover – not on the seats.

For more tips on staying ahead of mess, explore: how to keep your car clean as a dog owner, our waterproof and machine-washable seat cover guide, and how to clean a dog seat cover.