Vacationing with Dogs: Essential Tips for a Dog-Friendly Getaway
Going on vacation is an exhilarating experience, and what could make it even better? Taking your furry best friend along for the ride, of course! Planning a vacation with your beloved pup requires some extra preparation, but with these dog-friendly vacation tips, you’ll be well-equipped to have a tail-wagging adventure together. From choosing dog-friendly destinations to ensuring a comfortable journey, let’s dive into the secrets of a memorable vacation with your four-legged companion.
Researching Dog-Friendly Destinations
Before you pack your bags, ensure that your chosen destination is dog-friendly. Look for accommodations, parks, and attractions that warmly welcome furry guests. From urban destinations to picturesque camping grounds, numerous places cater to both you and your dog’s needs. Research local regulations, leash laws, and off-leash areas to make the most of your vacation without any unexpected surprises. These are some of our top tips for doing research.
Dog-Friendly Cities
- When choosing a dog-friendly vacation destination, don’t forget that weather can heavily impact your advertised dog friendly city. For example, Austin, TX, always ranks high on the dog friendly list but if you or your dog don’t do well in the dry summer heat you probably don’t want to plan a Texas trip mid-summer.
- Don’t just rely on one article or Google search claiming a city is incredibly “dog friendly” without doing a little additional research. Sometimes the rave reviews simply come from a city offering a lot of dog parks, lakes or trails. While those things are great, if you struggle to find dining or accommodations, those dog parks (which we already know are dog friendly….) aren’t going to mean much.
Dog-Friendly Dining
- Most US states that we’ve visited only allow dogs on patios at restaurants and bars, so keep this in mind when researching your options. A few exceptions that we’ve seen have been in Colorado, Minnesota, and South Dakota. As craft beer enthusiasts, we are fortunate that the majority of breweries have dog-friendly patios spaces!
- Double check the dog friendly patio rules. While this isn’t super common, did you know that some patios make your dog it outside of the fence from you?!
- Consider the season and the weather during your visit if you’re restricted to a patio. We’ve visited multiple places that have dog-friendly patios, but the patio was closed for the season. Even if the weather is perfect, sometimes patios aren’t always a guarantee especially in the off season or due to staffing.
- We like to search Google reviews for anyone mentioning the word “dog”. TIP: you can search Google reviews but you have to be on the Google Map app to search. Open Google Maps, find the business you are interested in, click reviews then you will see a magnifying glass icon to search for keywords. You can’t search reviews when finding a business through a normal Google Search. Yes, it’s odd.
Dog-Friendly Outdoor Adventures
- Just because something is outdoors, doesn’t mean it’s a dog-friendly destination. We highly recommend doing your research ahead of time for any specific parks, trails or other outdoor areas you plan to visit.
- If you’re interested in visiting National Parks, check out our blog post for a deep dive into planning. These parks are a perfect example that just because something is outside it doesn’t mean your dog can join you.
- We use AllTrails to plan our hikes and appreciate that they have a filter to help you find dog-friendly trails. Seek out dog-friendly hiking trails, beaches, or parks where your pup can stretch their legs and explore.
- Don’t always rely on what you read online, especially if you’re seeing older reviews talking about a location being dog-friendly. Rules and regulations change over time and some locations who had a patio during the COVID-19 pandemic may not have one available anymore. If it’s not clearly spelled out on a location’s website, we try to call ahead or message them online to confirm if they are dog-friendly.
Choosing Dog-Friendly Accommodations
When booking accommodations, search for pet-friendly hotels or vacation rentals. Many establishments offer dog-friendly amenities like dog beds, bowls, and even pet-sitting services. Read reviews from other pet owners to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free stay for both you and your furry companion.
#1 TIP: watch out for pet fees!
- If you’re looking to stay at a hotel, do your research into policies and fees. Sometimes these are a bit tricky to find and you have to click deep into disclosures and hotel details. Pet fees can really add up and vary greatly by location. In big cities, pet fees can even cost the same amount as your room! Don’t get surprised by unexpected pet costs!
- We book through Airbnb the majority of time that we’re traveling with our dogs. It is easy to filter options that allow pets, and better yet the majority of places don’t charge any additional fees. Look for places that have easy access to a yard or green space. An extra bonus is if you can find a fenced in location! Not having to leash up your dogs each time they need to go outside makes traveling that much easier.
Pack Essentials For Your Pup
Just like you, your dog needs packing preparation. Remember to pack essentials such as food, water, treats, bowls, medications, and their favorite toys or blanket. Don’t forget waste bags, grooming supplies, a leash, and anything else to help keep your dog on its regular routine. Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations prior to travel and ensure that you have ID tags and any necessary certificates needed for your trip packed. You can check out all our favorite dog travel products here. Here are a couple of our favorites:
Travel Bag
This travel bag works great for us to keep our dog products and food organized and accessible. We use it everywhere we go and is one of our top dog-friendly vacation tips!
Dog Car Seat
A dog seat is a great way to keep your dog safe and secure. It also elevates them up and allows them to see outside better enjoying the views. They are really comfortable and our dogs love passing out in them!
Be A Responsible Pet Parent
While on vacation, along with these dog-friendly tips, remember that you are responsible for your dog’s behavior and well-being. Always clean up after your pup and dispose of waste properly. Be mindful of your surroundings, other people, and animals, ensuring your dog’s interactions are positive and respectful.
Vacationing with your dog can be a rewarding and memorable experience. By doing thorough research, packing the essentials, and planning dog-friendly activities, you can ensure a fantastic trip for both you and your furry friend. Remember, safety, comfort, and responsible pet ownership are key to a successful vacation. We hope these dog-friendly vacation tips help you get the best adventure with your dogs! Check out our dog-friendly travel posts for more trip ideas and tips.