When you decide to take a vacation, you must make a decision on what to do with your dog.  Many times you can leave your beloved animal at home with a sitter, or put them in a kennel.  However, many people choose to take a vacation with their dog.  There are many dog friendly vacation ideas that can make both owner and animal happy, and create memories that will last forever.

Hotels And Lodging

Dogs can enjoy staying in many family-friendly cottage resorts around the country when traveling.  This is a really good vacation idea for those who need lots of room for their pet to run round and play while they are on vacation.  If you are bringing a dog on vacation, always remember that they must be completely comfortable with the people around them.  They will also be required to be on a leash at most resorts, or confined to an enclosed pet area to run and play when off the leash.  Aggressive dogs should never be brought along on vacation, even if you think you can handle them.

Resorts are a great place for a dog friendly vacation.  You will be in a relaxed atmosphere, typically settled in for a few days.  Your dog will be able to get lots of exercise and enjoy the fresh air.  Many resorts even offer doggy daycares, so you can leave your dog in a fun-filled atmosphere to run and play, while you go off to enjoy a day of vacation.

Many people may not realize that they can bring their pets along to hotels and motels along the road.  If you plan on this course of action, remember to always make sure that pets are allowed in the room first.  There may or may not be a fee for the privilege of bringing your pet into the room with you.  Many major hotel chains now allow pets to remain in the room with you, provided they are quiet and do not make a mess.  Remember, if they chew anything up or ruin the carpet, you may be asked to pay another fee.

Destinations

Beach vacations for dogs can be a great way to bring your pet along for some fun in the sun.  Bring your dog along for your next beach vacation, and after finding lodging that allows dogs, head for the shoreline.  Your dog will love to run along in the water, pounding through the surf and sand.  Most beaches do allow dogs, although they must be leashed and kept under control at all times.  However, a beach is a great dog friendly vacation, as most dogs love the water, and can dig to their heart’s content in the sand.

The Garvan Woodland Gardens, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is one place to take pets for vacation.  Dogs that are on a leash are allowed to walk through the gardens with their owners.  Hundreds of rare shrubs, beautiful tree species, and dozens upon dozens of flowers of all types line this wooded area.

In Big Thicket National Park, dogs and their owners are allowed to enjoy the outdoors together.  Floating, swimming, and camping for dogs are allowed within the Big Thicket wilderness, located in the Beaumont area of Texas.  For more information on this park’s pet friendly activities, go to www.EastexCanoes.com.

Think your dog will enjoy a train ride?  In Santa Cruz, California, you can take your pet on a ride aboard the Big Trees and Pacific Railway Company.  Dogs are allowed to be on the train; however, the conductor of the train may ask the owner of the dog to muzzle him or her.  Muzzles can be borrowed from the ticket office at Roaring Camp.

In Virginia, pets are invited to jump on the Potomac Riverboat Canine Cruise. This fun cruise sets sail during the months of May through September, every Thursday.  It includes 40 minutes of an educational and fun tour of the seaport of the city of Alexandria.  All dogs are free, but their owners must pay a fee.  All dogs on the trip are required to be on a flat leash, 6 feet long.  Limited space is available, so reservations are suggested for this trip.

Traveling With Your Dog

Traveling on vacation with your dog will definitely take some planning.  Make sure your dog receives a full physical check-up before going on any type of trip.  You will want to make sure they are in peak physical condition before you get far away from home.  If your dog takes any type of medication, be sure that it is filled before you leave, or that you bring any prescriptions along with you.

Traveling with a dog can be a bit harrowing, especially if you have little room, a large dog, or both.  If you can, get a large cage or crate to set in the back of your car or truck, if you have the room to do so.  Make sure your dog has ample blankets and pillows to lie on to be sure that the ride is a comfortable one.  Bring along a lot of chew toys and other things such as bones to keep your dog happy and occupied.  Also, make sure that your dog is getting adequate ventilation whenever they are lying in the vehicle.

When traveling with a dog, it is important to stop as much as possible to let them get the exercise that they need.  Stop at many rest stops to get your dog to stretch their legs.  Most rest areas along major highways and interstates will offer a pet area, where you can utilize a lot more space to get your dog out for a walk.  Remember to bring a pooper scooper!  Also, bring along plenty of food and a bottle of water, just in case you cannot find a water fountain close by and your dog gets thirsty.  This is important, especially if you are driving in very hot weather.

There are many dog friendly vacation ideas that are fun and easy to do.  Take your pet along and have a great vacation!

Bookmark/Share This Page: