So at what point do you have so many constraints that you "don't get to do it"? You've mentioned you need your animal, but you can't afford a one-way car rental, or a hotel, and that flying is affordable regardless of what happens to folks with allergies. At what point is there not a workable solution in completing your travel task?

You missed out on a great life experience. My partner and I had an incredible time moving across the country and driving our pets with us.

I drove long distance and it was not much experience. Most difficult is to have discipline to not drive too much.

Are you able to rent one?