Tag: dog trip

Barktastic Dog-Friendly Vacations

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An open suitcase full of clothes with a tan and white dog sitting in it next to text that reads, ‘Pack a bag for me, too!’.

Everyone needs a vacation — even your furry friend! So instead of leaving your pets behind and wondering if they miss you (of course they do!), why not take them along with you on your next vacation or weekend getaway?

To help you out, we’ve got a list of pet-friendly vacation locations that are a big hit with the canine members of our Virtual Pet Park (VPP). Let’s see which activities they love to do!

Dog-Friendly Getaways for the Weekend

Bed and breakfasts are popular weekend getaway options for people, so it makes sense that your dog might like to come, too. Take your dog and “shop small” at local businesses and then take a break at a dog-friendly coffee shop. They may even have a special food or drink treat for your pup!

Camping is another good option for a weekend getaway. Your dog will love to experience the sights, sounds and smells of camping. Was that a squirrel? Was that a deer? Was that a bear? It looks like camping is a favorite activity for some of our VPP members, including The Bean and Juno.

Life’s a Breeze at Dog-Friendly Beaches

Ah, the beach. Endless sunshine, the sand between your paws and a bottomless sandpit for digging holes. A dog-friendly beach is a fun place for dogs and humans alike. Our VPP friends, Henry, Flynn and Goose sure look like they’re having fun at the beach, along with their other VPP beach buddies.

Remember, going to the beach doesn’t have to mean going to the ocean. If you’re landlocked, there are plenty of lakes that have nice beaches — and hiking trails, too! Just be sure to check out the leash laws of the beach, as some require dog owners to have leashed dogs at all times.

National Parks Are Pawsome Pet-Friendly Vacation Spots

If you’re looking for a vacation spot with dog-friendly hiking trails, you can’t go past national or state parks — or as we like to call them, National Barks. Check out our semi-regular guide to taking your dog sightseeing in national parks like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and Badlands National Park. We also cover how to become a B.A.R.K. ranger, a program that aims to increase awareness of positive dog behaviors and reduce the number of pet-related accidents within a park.

Nature lovers can enjoy dog-friendly trails in national and state parks; and if you’re climbing a mountain, the photo op with your furry friend is spectacular. Just ask our VPP members Toby and Hope!

See the Sights in Dog-Friendly Cities

Most cities could probably be labeled as dog-friendly nowadays. There are usually many pet-friendly hotels, vacation rentals and other pet-friendly accommodations for you both to stay in. Of course, making sure your dog is potty trained and socialized well is a must when staying in new places.

Many cities offer a little bit of everything for dogs and their owners: off-leash dog parks, dog-friendly hiking trails, pet-friendly restaurants . . . and it usually isn’t difficult to find a store that welcomes well-mannered dogs. There might even be a skatepark for dogs like Apollo that love to skateboard with their pet parents!

“Phone. Find Dog-Friendly Vacations Near Me”

Finding places pet owners can take their dogs to is much easier than it was decades ago. There are more pet-friendly places to visit and more ways to find those places. You can pop out your phone, ask or type in “dog-friendly vacation destinations,” and oodles of results are at your fingertips. There are even apps you can download to find dog-friendly places around you.

While you’re at the dog park or at a pet-friendly restaurant, you could also ask pet parents where they like to take their four-legged friends for a long weekend. They may have favorite dog-friendly vacation spots they can share with you.

You could also check out our article on dog-friendly vacation destinations, which highlights pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants and activities in Bend, Oregon; Duluth, Minnesota; Block Island, Rhode Island; and Plant City, Florida.

How to Travel with a Dog

When planning your dog-friendly vacation, it can be a little overwhelming to try to remember everything your dog will need and what to do before you go. To help you out, we’ve created a guide to vacationing with your pet.

Some important things to check before you head out is that your veterinarian agrees your dog is healthy enough to go to your dog-friendly vacation destination, especially if you’re traveling internationally with your dog. If you’re traveling with your dog out of state or out of the country, you’ll also need to check what veterinary certifications are needed to travel.

Schedule Some Rest Time, Too!

No doubt after all the adventures on your dog-friendly getaway, your pooch will be tuckered out like Mochi and ready to sleep for a day or two. But then they’ll be recharged and ready for some more pet-friendly vacations with you!

Adventures in the Wild: Road-Tripping with Your Pets

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Taste of the Wild

The best things about a road trip with your dog? He or she won’t complain about your off-key singing (although they may howl with you). They won’t roll their eyes if you finish the bag of cheesy popcorn by yourself. And they’ll never ask, “Are we there yet?”

If you’re planning to put your car odometer to work, here are some tips for safe and happy travels with your dog.

Prepare for the trip

  • Check in with your veterinarian. Make sure your pooch is current on vaccines and parasite preventives. Ask the doctor if there are any health risks you should be aware of at your destination and request a copy of your pet’s vaccination record in case you need documentation when crossing state lines.
  • Dogs who are low-energy couch potatoes should be checked to make sure they’re physically able to hike or participate in any other activities you have planned. If your dog is queasy on car rides, talk to your veterinarian about medications to help prevent nausea. Dogs who need sedatives for car travel are probably more comfortable left at home with a sitter or at a boarding facility.
  • Get your dog accustomed to car rides. If your pup hasn’t spent a lot of time in the car, start by taking short rides to fun places, like the dog park (see the “safety first” section, below). Then gradually extend the time in the car.
  • Pack all pet essentials. That includes food and water bowls, food, bottled water, poop bags, leashes, medications, grooming tools, a pet first aid kit, pet bed and toys.
  • Book rooms at pet-friendly hotels. Make sure your dog will be welcome at each stop by exploring websites like BringFido to find pet-friendly hotels.
  • Brush up on obedience. Commands like “come,” “drop it,” and “stay” may be crucial when your dog is in unfamiliar territory.
  • Check your dog’s ID. Because dogs can escape at rest stops or be scared by loud noises and run off, make sure ID tags include your current phone number. Call your microchip company to ensure your contact information is up to date. If you plan to stay at one location for any amount of time, make a temporary tag with that address.

Safety first

  • Make sure your dog is properly restrained in the car. Never let your dog ride “shotgun” or in someone’s lap in the front seat. This can lead to driver distraction, and in the event of an accident, your pet may be seriously injured by an airbag.
  • In an accident, an unrestrained dog can become a projectile, potentially harming other passengers and themselves. It’s best to keep your pet in the back seat in a harness that’s fastened to a seat belt, or in a kennel in the back of the car. The kennel should be roomy enough for the dog to stand, turn around and lie down inside. It should also be secured in place, so it doesn’t slide around.
  • For information about pet kennels and harnesses that have been safety tested and certified, visit the Center for Pet Safety, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group that works to protect pets during travel.

Hit the road

  • Prevent motion sickness. If possible, feed your dog about four hours before you leave. Try not to give your pup food or water during the drive, when the car is moving.
  • Keep your dog inside the car. Don’t let your dog hang its head out the car window; this can result in eye injuries, and dogs have been known to jump out of the car and into traffic. Dogs should also never ride in the bed of a pickup truck, even if leashed in (and of course, not in a carrier on the top of the car).
  • Use the child safety button to lock windows. This will prevent your pet from accidentally pushing any control buttons in the back seat that could create a dangerous situation with the windows. If it’s hot, aim an air conditioning vent at your dog.
  • Make a pit stop every 3 to 4 hours. Your dog will need to stretch his or her legs, go potty and have a drink of water. Let’s face it; you will too. If possible, put the leash on your dog before opening the car door.
  • Never leave your dog alone in the car. If you’re traveling to warm destinations, your dog can suffer from heatstroke in a matter of minutes. And pets can be stolen!

With a little preparation, there’s no limit to the road trips you can take with your best pal.

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