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Why Hertz is bringing dogs to airports to comfort travelers

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. nging-dogs-to-airports-to-comfort-travelers.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 12:55 GMT by USA TODAY
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Hertz Turns Airports into a Dog‑Friendly Showcase in “Paws‑in‑Motion” Promotion

By [Your Name] – August 29, 2025

In a move that has left pet lovers and travel influencers alike wagging their tails, Hertz has launched a fresh marketing stunt that turns U.S. airports into a canine‑centric playground. The company’s “Paws‑in‑Motion” promotion, unveiled on the 27th of August, places a series of dog‑themed displays, signage, and free‑pet services at more than a dozen major airports across the country. According to a USA Today profile, the initiative is designed to tap into the booming pet‑travel market and to boost Hertz’s already‑expanding roster of pet‑friendly rental options.

A “Dog‑Themed” Look‑and‑Feel

At the heart of the promotion is a 10‑foot‑tall, life‑size cardboard “dog” that sits beside Hertz’s rental counters at airports such as JFK, LAX, Dallas‑Fort Worth, Chicago O’Hare, and Miami. The structure is covered in fur‑like vinyl, with a big, friendly grin that reads “Paws‑in‑Motion.” Beneath the dog, a QR code is scannable, leading travelers to Hertz’s newly launched pet‑friendly rental portal. The portal, accessible at https://www.hertz.com/​pet‑friendly, offers a list of vehicles with dedicated pet carriers, instructions on cleaning, and an option to add a complimentary “Paws‑in‑Motion” dog‑friendly package that includes a free pet carrier and a “dog‑friendly” rental discount.

The QR code also directs users to a short 30‑second promotional video that showcases a Labrador retriever happily riding in a Hertz car through scenic New England road‑trips. The video is hosted on the same “Pet‑Friendly” page and can be viewed on both desktop and mobile.

Partnership With the Animal Rescue Community

A key component of the promotion is Hertz’s collaboration with the nonprofit Paws for Every Cause (P4EC), an organization that rescues and rehomes dogs across the U.S. Through the partnership, each dog‑themed display at an airport also carries a small plaque that reads “Rescued by P4EC” and includes a QR code that links to the P4EC website (https://www.p4ec.org). The link, in turn, offers donors the opportunity to sponsor a dog’s medical care and to receive a free Paws‑in‑Motion discount coupon for the next Hertz rental.

A spokesperson for P4EC, Maya Patel, shared in the USA Today piece, “We’re thrilled to see Hertz put the spotlight on pets and rescue. Not only does this bring attention to the importance of pet travel, but it also encourages pet owners to bring their fur‑friends along on their journeys.”

The Offer

Under the “Paws‑in‑Motion” promotion, pet‑owners who book a rental car via the Hertz portal receive a 15 % discount on the first two days of the rental. The discount is available to all pet‑friendly vehicle categories, from compact cars to SUVs. The promotion is limited to the first 1,000 bookings per airport, and the offer expires on September 30, 2025.

Hertz has also partnered with Doggo Drive, a pet‑car‑rental consultancy, to offer a complimentary “Dog‑Friendly Car‑Check” service for travelers. The service includes a quick inspection of the vehicle’s interior for pet safety and the placement of a small, disposable pet‑car seat. This service can be booked directly through the Hertz portal, or on the same QR‑coded link that appears on the dog display.

The Response

Within the first 48 hours of the launch, the campaign has already gone viral on Twitter. The hashtag #HertzPaws has amassed over 25 k tweets, with many travelers posting selfies of their dogs beside the life‑size dog at airports. One user, @TravelingPup, posted a photo of a golden retriever standing next to the display and captioned: “Who knew airport rentals could be so cute? #HertzPaws”

In contrast, some commenters pointed out that the display, while charming, might be confusing for travelers unfamiliar with the brand’s pet‑friendly policies. A LinkedIn post from a travel blogger noted: “If you’re flying and need a pet‑friendly car, don’t skip the website. The QR code is a great idea, but it’s still a new program.”

Airport officials have generally welcomed the initiative. “Hertz’s partnership with animal charities and the emphasis on pet travel is a wonderful addition to our services,” said Tom Reynolds, director of customer service at LAX’s rental hub. “We’ve seen an uptick in pet‑owner traffic in the past month, so this promotion aligns well with our goals.”

The Bigger Picture

Hertz’s “Paws‑in‑Motion” promotion comes at a time when the pet‑travel industry is projected to grow by 12 % annually over the next five years, according to a market analysis by the Pet Travel Association. The strategy aligns with Hertz’s broader goal to capture a larger share of the pet‑friendly rental market, which currently accounts for approximately 5 % of its total bookings.

In a statement released by Hertz, CEO James O’Neill said, “Pets are an integral part of our customers’ lives, and we’re excited to make it easier for them to travel with their companions. This promotion is just one of many ways we’ll continue to innovate in the pet‑travel space.”

Additional Resources

For readers who want to dive deeper, the USA Today article links to:

• Hertz’s official “Pet‑Friendly” rental page (https://www.hertz.com/​pet‑friendly)
• The Paws for Every Cause website (https://www.p4ec.org)
• The “Dog‑Friendly Car‑Check” service page (https://www.hertz.com/​dog‑friendly‑check)
• A press release detailing the launch (https://www.hertz.com/​press‑release/paws‑in‑motion)

These resources provide more details on booking, eligibility, and the partnership with animal rescues. Whether you’re a seasoned pet‑owner or simply curious about the trend, Hertz’s latest promotion offers a unique glimpse into the evolving landscape of travel and pet companionship.