We like to think that U-Haul is dog-friendly. But don’t take our word for it. Just visit this link and you’ll find plenty of pics of dogs enjoying their upfront seat in U-Haul trucks.
I was wondering, are dogs allowed in U-Haul trucks?
Are Dogs Allowed In U-Haul’s?
Yes, dogs are unofficially allowed in U-Haul. The U-Haul company does not have an official policy. This major do-it-yourself moving truck company isn’t necessarily unfriendly to dogs, but they don’t recommend transporting them in the cabs of their trucks as they can shed hair or leave a smell that must be dealt with. At the same time, they are not forbidden.
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One thing is certain, however. Under no circumstances are dogs allowed to travel in the cargo section of a U-Haul truck.
We mention this only because, while it should be common sense, common sense isn’t always practiced.
Official Dog Policy for U-Haul
As noted previously, UHaul has no written dog policy. But when we reached out online through the online chat feature on the U-Haul website, we received this response:
We do not have anything in writing. Customers have had their dogs in the cab but we typically suggest against it as there are always chances of having a smell or hair resulting in a cleaning fee. The cleaning fee can vary but it is typically no less than 25 dollars.
The U-Haul website also includes a blog, and one of their posts, “Five Things Not To Do While Driving a Moving Truck” addresses allowing passengers and pets in the cargo sections of their trucks.
Of the five pieces of advice, this item appears at the top of the list:
Don’t allow passengers or pets to ride in the cargo area. A teenager might think it’s the greatest idea ever to ride in the back of a moving truck, but it is against the law and is also very dangerous.
Passengers or pets riding in the cargo area risk injury due to shifting cargo, asphyxiation, and lack of collision protection. Please make sure that passengers ride in the cab with a safety belt, or ride in another car to your moving destination.
Positive Reviews From Customers Who Were Happy With U-Haul’s Dog Policy
For positive reviews, we went straight to the source: Puppy Love with U-Haul on the UHaul website!
There you can find plenty of #Uhaulfamous furry friends that, as the site says, “could melt anyone’s heart.”
These are all pics of dogs enjoying moving days with their human companions. One pic submitted by Abpetro from Alabama shows a dog on his hind legs helping out with the boxes.
Another from @jusst from Arizona features a dog in the cargo area–doors wide open and looking out–perhaps saying one last goodbye to his old home.
Others show their pets firmly planted in the front seat, ready to roll.
It just goes to show you that moving day can be fun and exciting for everyone.
Customers Who Were Unhappy With U-Haul’s Dog Policy
Sadly, there are people who don’t understand why dogs and other living creatures are not allowed in the cargo section of the trucks.
Or perhaps they do understand, but they don’t care. This has sometimes resulted in tragedy.
In August 2021 police responded to a call about dogs left in the cargo portion of a U-Haul in a Corpus Christi, Texas shopping center.
Subjected to extreme heat and with no ventilation in the compartment, by the time they were found, nine of the fourteen German Shepherds inside had already died.
Of the remaining five that were transported to a veterinary hospital, two more had to be euthanized. The owners of the animals were charged with animal cruelty.
These stories are unfortunately all too common. It cannot be overstressed that U-Haul and other moving trucks are intended for moving furniture, not for living creatures!
Does U-Haul’s Dog Policy Vary By Location?
When we contacted customer service, we were told that the recommendation to not bring your dog in the cab is a general rule that applies at all U-Haul locations.
Additionally, if any local laws prohibit animals in the cab, then those laws would also apply.
However, because dogs are not outright prohibited, some people simply recommend that putting down a few blankets to catch any shedding hair will generally solve the problem.
And, of course, good vacuuming can work wonders!
Tips For When Moving With a Dog
Moving to a new home can be both exciting and stressful. Inserting your pet into the mix can add an additional element of uncertainty, but you can make the trip fun and enjoyable by doing a little planning ahead.
Keep in mind that a U-Haul truck is an unfamiliar truck for all of you, so if you’re planning to let your dog ride shotgun, make sure he is safely restrained and the window is not open too wide – enough to let in air, but not enough for him to hang his head out.
The last thing you want to deal with in a move is a dog jumping around in the cab, out of a window, or in any way getting injured while you drive.
Again, if your dog is going to be traveling in the cab, be sure to put down a few blankets and towels or puppy training pads to catch wayward hair, drool, or in case of any other mishaps.
And depending on how far your move is, make sure your dog is comfortable on the trip by bringing along treats, a water bowl, and taking necessary bathroom breaks.
Bring along cleanup bags and be sure he is leashed when he gets out of the truck.
If your moving trip is a long one, be sure to plot your course and locate pet-friendly hotels or motels if you need to stop for a night or two.
By the way, dogs can get carsick too, so while you want them to be comfortable, don’t give them too much to eat before the trip.
Final Thoughts On U-Haul’s Pet-Friendliness
You may have been talking about your big move for months, but chances are good, even if he knew something was up with all those boxes getting shifted around, your dog will only begin to start figuring out he’s got a new home in the days and weeks after you’ve settled in.
Be patient with him if he gets confused in his new surroundings and has a setback or two in his training.
In time, we’re sure he’ll love his new home as much as you do!
