How to Make Your Vacay Dog Friendly

Posted by Nick Burton 07/02/2019 0 Comment(s)

How to make your vacay dog friendly.

 

As a dog parent, it’s easy to feel like you only have two options when you want to take a trip: rely on the kindness of friends and family to dog sit or pay a lot of money for a kennel or pet hotel stay.

However, there is an alternative: You can bring your dog along with you on the trip. However, you will need to plan a bit harder.

No matter what kind of vacation you’re craving, find out how to make your vacay dog-friendly for the adventure!

 

 

Camping  

Camping is one of the most dog-friendly types of travel. They love the great outdoors, you can fit in some amazing walks, and there is no hotel to turn your pooch away. That said, you should always make sure to closely follow any campsite rules regarding dogs.  

The US National Parks are a great spot for camping, but many of the most popular National Parks severely restrict where pets can go. Luckily, there are always lovely dog-friendly alternatives to be found to these; for example, instead of camping at Yellowstone, where dogs cannot go beyond 100 feet of the road or campground, head to Custer Gallatin forest next door.  

You will definitely need some specific gear when you go camping with your dog. A few basics include an ID tag, pet first aid kit, portable pen, dog bed and/or blanket, collapsible food and water bowls, and a jacket to fit the weather.

Dog at lake.

Photo credit via Pexels

 

 

City Break

If you prefer museums to mountains and all-day shopping sprees to hikes, you can still have a great vacation with your dog. First, try to pick a city that is overall dog-friendly — meaning it has a high number of dog parks and businesses that welcome pups. The most dog-friendly cities in America include popular tourist destinations such as San Francisco, Las Vegas, and New York, as well as some more low-key cities like Albuquerque and Denver.

Even when picking one of these destinations, chances are you will want to do a few non-dog-friendly activities. Try to plan these together, and then hire a local dog sitter for a few hours. PetSitter.com makes this super easy, with qualified, reliable dog sitters across the country.

 

Worried about your budget? You offset this cost by looking for Groupon coupons for various activities, hotels, and restaurants.

Dog walking in the city.

Photo credit via Pexels

 

 

Road Trip

The classic American road trip is a national institution, but it is also one of the best ways to travel with a dog by your side. Unlike most other forms of transport, traveling by car puts you in complete control of the schedule and itinerary, including things such as breaks for your dog to drink water and stretch his legs.

Of course, this can only happen if your dog is comfortable riding in a car for extended periods of time. Many owners struggle with this, especially when the only time the dog tends to be in the car is to go to the vet. It is, however, possible to train your dog to feel comfortable on car journeys.

 

The key is very gradual exposure combined with plenty of treats and encouragement.

Dog riding in the car.

Photo credit via Pexels

 

 

Overseas Travel

Traveling overseas is the biggest challenge for a dog owner who wants to bring their furry friend along. The main reason for this is, of course, that you have to put them on a plane.

It’s worth mentioning that the ASPCA does not recommend traveling with a dog at all unless they are small enough to fit in a carrier under your seat. While it’s not necessarily dangerous, there are risks involved, and it is best avoided.

If you do have to fly with your dog, do some digging on your airline options and what their track record is with pets.

 

Some examples of dog-friendly airlines include American Airlines, Southwest, and Frontier, while some to avoid include Delta (high fees) and United (highest rate of pet death and injury in the industry).

Dog flying overseas.

Photo credit via Pexels

 

 

Summary

Any trip can be made dog-friendly, as long as you prioritize your dog’s safety and comfort. This starts at the planning stage, so careful research is more crucial than ever.

 

Whether you are opting for camping, a city trip, a road trip, or to another country, please do your homework!   Then, as long as you remain aware of their needs, you will both be able to enjoy a wonderful experience together while making a special memory.

 

 

Taking your dog on vacation?

 

Where are you going?   Comment below!

 

About the Author

You'll find Nick Burton on OurBestDoggo.com sharing all types of awesome dog information. He decided to create this website in order to pay forward the lessons he learned while mourning the loss of Willie, his 15-year-old lab/terrier mix dog.


 

For more travel minded reads, check out Top 6 Incredible Dog Parks in the United States, 13 Rocking Things to do at The Beach With Your Dog, and 10 Must Do's This Fall with a Dog.

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