Vacations can be a highlight of the year for anyone, but your furry friend usually has to stay home. Sadly, hotels, attractions, and famous landmarks do not always allow pets to join in on the fun. However, there are plenty of options for pet owners eager to plan their next excursion with an animal companion in mind!
Across the country, exciting opportunities await humans and their pets. Here are some of the top pet-friendly travel destinations to visit with your furry companion and ideas for what to do once you’re there.
Before You Go
Before heading out on your grand adventure, make sure you and your pet are prepared. If staying in hotels, confirm that they’re animal-friendly for standard pets as well as service animals.
As you think about your itinerary, bear in mind that your furry friend will need to stretch, stop for potty breaks, and eat and drink more often than you might. This can impact how you plan your trip and where you choose to go along the way.
Also, keep in mind your pet’s interests and abilities. It might be problematic to commit to a long trail hike with a senior dog who needs plenty of breaks. What will the weather be like at your destination?
Will water be available if it’s hot, or warm shelter if it’s cold? If your pet will be walking on pavement for much of their vacation, consider how this could lead to sore paws and achy joints depending on how long your excursions are.
Dog Mountain: St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Who can say no to a place called “Dog Mountain”? The cozy town of St. Johnsbury is home to this sprawling 150 acres of private fun.
From ponds and trails for the nature-loving pups to a dog chapel and plenty of beautiful, scenic views for the humans, there is plenty to do. Leashes are always optional at Dog Mountain, and pets are encouraged to socialize with other visitors — furry and otherwise!
The Dog Beach: San Diego, California
While San Diego is fairly dog-friendly in and of itself, few places within are as popular with pets as the area’s bustling dog beaches. In the afternoons and evenings, multiple beaches welcome dogs along the Mission Bay area to run leash-free and enjoy the water.
Just be careful if you’re navigating using Google Maps. The shortest way to the biggest beach is through a military base, so if you’re navigating via GPS, keep an eye out to avoid that route, or you might have some explaining to do! Past the base, drivers can turn and reach the beach just a few blocks down.
Grand Canyon National Park: Arizona
If you’re looking for a vacation spot with plenty for human companions and their pets to do, it’s hard to beat Grand Canyon National Park. Dogs are welcome throughout the national park area, but be sure to follow safety signs and stay away from the barrier-free edges of some lookouts.
There is plenty to do inside GC National Park besides viewing the canyon. Consider staying after sunset to view the stars away from the lights of the city; the Milky Way is clearly visible to the naked eye!
Brohard Beach & Paw Park: Sarasota, Florida
If you’re not into the California vibe, Brohard Beach and Paw Park offers another beachside pet retreat, this time in Florida. With designated bathroom break areas for pups and animal-friendly showers to clean up after a romp in the sand, it’s easy to see why people favor Brohard for excursions with their pets.
Pet-Friendly Cabins: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is an iconic Tennessee destination, and the city makes visiting easy thanks to its wide range of pet-friendly services. From scenic cabins that allow animals to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Bone Diggity Bakery’s pet-safe treats, there’s plenty to experience in this must-see city. Most activities include pets, and you can even take your dog on the Gatlinburg Skylift!
Explore the World With Your Furry Friend in Tow
Vacations need not exclude your favorite furry companions! However, you need to do some preemptive planning to make sure they also have a great time.
Or, if your vacation isn’t compatible with bringing an animal friend, be sure you entrust them to a reputable pet sitter so you can enjoy your trip in confidence, knowing your pet will be well taken care of until you return.
The experts at Paw Pals provide a wide range of pet care services, so as you plan your next vacation, consider whether your pet will be joining you and how we can help. Contact Paw Pals to learn more!
