When you are going on a road trip, why leave your dog at home if you can take him with you? With some research, it is easy to scout out dog-friendly places and spaces. Follow these tips for a safe and happy vacation with your pet.
Traveling with your furry best friend is occurring more and more nowadays. With a little effort, you will find plenty of places that will welcome you both equally.
Lodging & Itinerary
Before you book a hotel, call to make sure dogs are allowed. Ask the management about nearby attractions that are dog friendly. You may want to enjoy a café or restaurant with your pooch, and hotel staff should be able to tell you if there are nearby establishments that can accommodate you. Check that any parks, trails or waterways you plan to visit allow dogs.
Car Travel
A crate is the best way to protect your dog in the car and is handy if you need to restrict your pet in the hotel. The crate should be sturdy and large enough so your dog can stand, turn and lie down. When you are traveling, make frequent stops so your dog can have a nature break, stretch his legs and have some water.
Health & Safety
Make sure your dog is healthy enough to travel, especially if you will be making a long trip. His vaccinations should be up to date, and it is not a bad idea to pack his rabies certificate. Keep your pet feeling good by bringing his regular chow. Give him bottled water. You do not want your dog to get an upset stomach from unfamiliar food and water. It is vital that your dog has a microchip when you travel. He should also have a collar with your phone number, name and his rabies vaccination tag. Be sure you have a good photo of him. If your dog gets lost while you are traveling, you need to have the means of identifying him.
Accommodations
Many hotels and resorts offer pet-friendly options. There are websites dedicated to finding these accommodations and rate which ones truly get the love pet owners feel for their furry friends. Once you find a location, call ahead to verify whether they demand a deposit and the amount. Ask whether there is a nightly fee per animal. Some locations have a limit on how many pets you bring as well as the types allowed. There might also be a weight limit applied and may be rules regarding whether your pet can be left in the room alone.
Once you know your pet is welcome, research the property. Is there a sizeable space where your dog can run? Is there a trail nearby or other safe area where you can take your pet for a walk? Make sure the pet-friendly spaces are not too far from your room. Depending on your preference, you may also want to verify whether the rooms are accessible from the exterior or have interior entryways.
Many pet-friendly establishments also offer services onsite such as dog walking or dog sitting. For some larger establishments, grooming might be an option.
Eateries
In some regions, a traveler is almost expected to have their pooch at their side, and plenty of eateries cater to this trend. While food regulations usually prohibit non-service animals from entering the building, many have pet-friendly patios. At the very least, there are spaces on the other side of the patio gate where your pet can rest while remaining near your table. If you call ahead, many restaurants and cafés will reserve a pet-friendly table for your outdoors. Do not be surprised if you show up to find a water dish and a few doggie snacks waiting for you. Some pet-friendly eateries will even have a small section on their menu for dog treats.
A trip with your dog can be a lot of fun. With some extra planning, you and your pet can have a vacation full of dog-friendly activities and fun.
Do not be afraid to invite your pooch along on your journeys. There are plenty of places where you are welcome to bring your sidekick and many employees just waiting to offer an extra scratch or two behind the ears.