Nothing beats the joy of exploring new places, hiking through scenic trails, or relaxing on the beach with your pup by your side.
When you travel with your dog, every trip feels like an adventure. Planning the perfect vacation with your dog does mean a little extra effort and preparation. But you'll head out on your joint adventure confident that both you and your dog will have a safe and memorable experience!
If you're dreaming of the best vacation with dogs ever with your beloved pup by your side, it's worth an advance walk-through of what you need to know and check off your list.
Let's jump into everything from pre-trip planning to choosing dog-friendly locations and activities to the gear that makes dog-friendly vacations the easiest, smoothest, most fun they can be.
Pre-trip preparations and packing essentials for a pet friendly vacation
Plan ahead for a smooth experience
A successful vacation starts with great planning. Dog-friendly travel usually requires more logistical considerations than human-only trips. Before your vacation, it helps to research the rules and requirements since different states or lodging options can have a range of specific regulations for dogs.
A few key factors to consider:
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Confirming destination regulations: Does your dog-friendly getaway destination require pet health certifications or specific vaccinations?
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Booking dog-friendly lodging: Always confirm in advance that hotels, Airbnb-type rentals, or camping sites welcome dogs.
Pack like a pro for your dog
To ensure a stress-free trip, pack everything your dog might need. Here's a checklist to help you get organized:
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Essentials: Collar; leash - standard length/dual handle or extra-long for exploring and more freedom with control, ID tags, and harness
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Medication: Any prescribed treatments and flea/tick protection products
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Food & Water: Enough food for the whole trip, water bottles, collapsible bowls
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Comfort Items: Blanket, bed, favorite toys and chews
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Travel Gear: Crate or carrier, poop bags, pet-friendly wipes, and a first-aid kit for dogs
Choosing dog-friendly destinations
Not all vacations are created equal when traveling with your dog. Choosing the right dog-friendly place will enhance your experience and allow your pup to enjoy the adventure.
Top dog-friendly vacation spots
Mountains and trails:
If you're looking for a natural, dog-friendly trail, numerous dog-friendly trails can be found in every state across the country and beyond. Dog parents rave about dog-friendly hiking trails in beautiful surroundings such as the Shenandoah Mountains (Virginia), along the Blue Ridge Parkway (from Virginia to North Carolina) or Banff National Park (Canada), and all are great for bonding with your pup.
Beach escapes:
Explore designated dog-friendly, pristine beaches from Carmel Beach (California) to Fort De Soto Park (Florida).
Special places on the East Coast like Acadia National Park in Maine, known for its pet-friendly cabins, offer both natural beach and national forest, pet-friendly trails experiences. On the West Coast, dog-friendly Baker Beach in San Francisco gives you and your pup a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Urban getaways:
Cities like Austin, TX, and Portland, OR, are known for their dog-welcoming local laws and many pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and parks. Major cities in the midwest and east are also in the top dog-happy cities such as Chicago and New York.
What to look for in dog-friendly locations
For a successful trip, you'll want to be sure your destination offers the following for a successful dog friendly vacation:
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Plenty of outdoor, pet-accessible activities (think walking trails, paddle boarding... is there a dog park or, depending on your preference, are there dog-friendly parks?)
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Places to eat or relax, such as cafes with dog-friendly outdoor seating
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Local accommodations that welcome dogs with open arms
Travel tips for safe, comfortable transportation on dog friendly vacations
Whether you're driving cross-country or flying to a distant destination, your dog's comfort and safety should always come first.
Traveling by car
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Bring a crate or travel harness and buckle seat belt designed for dogs: Keep your dog secure and prevent distractions while driving.
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Plan pit stops: Make frequent stops for bathroom breaks, water, and exercise.
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Ventilation is key: Never ever leave your dog in a hot car, even for a brief instant, as temperatures can rise life-threateningly quickly.
If you're flying with your dog
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Contact the airline: Confirm pet travel policies and reserve space in advance. Some airlines limit the number of pets allowed per flight.
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Invest in a pet carrier: Choose an airline-approved carrier that is comfortable and spacious enough for your dog.
Finding pet-friendly lodging
Not every hotel or rental property is designed to accommodate dogs, so finding the right place is crucial for a restful stay for both you and your pup.
Types of dog-friendly accommodations
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Hotels: Chains like Kimpton Hotels or La Quinta Inn & Suites welcome dogs and may even offer pet perks like dog beds or treats.
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Vacation Rentals: Browse Airbnb or Vrbo listings with pet-friendly filters to find homes that allow dogs.
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Campsites: From New Mexico to New England, you can find national parks with dog-friendly campgrounds. Do be sure to check pet policies beforehand since they can vary on details.
Tips for a happy stay with pets
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Keep your dog calm by bringing familiar items like your pup's bed or toys and chews.
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Exercise your dog before checking in to help your pup settle down in unfamiliar surroundings.
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Respect house rules, such as leash policies or restricted areas to ensure you're welcomed back. General awareness of others helps make pet-friendly vacations successful and keeps them a growing option for pet parents.
Keeping your pup active physically and calm mentally
Your vacation isn’t complete without fun activities. Engage your dog in interactive and enriching experiences to make the trip a memorable one.
Outdoor adventures and dog friendly activities
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Hiking: Explore dog-welcoming trails equipped with water stations and pet waste stations.
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Beach Days: Many beaches allow leashed dogs, while some have off-leash areas where pups can roam freely.
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Boating: Rent a canoe or kayak and hit the water with your pup. Don't forget a doggy life jacket!
Relaxation days
Not every day needs to be non-stop adventure. Spend time relaxing together on a sunny patio or attend pet-friendly events such as outdoor markets, festivals, or movie nights.
Pro tip on your dog friendly vacation:
Bring a favorite, healthful chew along for the car or plane ride and all those hang-out days. Dogs are hardwired to self-soothe through the act of chewing. Your dog can happily chew away for both the mental stimulation and relaxation that come when "feel-good" hormones in your pup's brain are released with chewing.
We have a variety of Mighty Paw all-natural chews dogs love, but on the road, our favorite is our all-natural yak chews. They're super-long-lasting, nutritious, great for keeping your dog's teeth clean, and not messy!
Your dog's health and safety on the road
When traveling, your dog's well-being is a top priority. Incorporating these health and safety measures keeps your pup happy and thriving wherever you go:
Vaccinations and check-ups
Visit your veterinarian before traveling to ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations, particularly if going to areas prone to certain diseases.
Hydration and nutrition
Always have fresh water (preferably filtered or bottled water) on hand, especially in warm weather. Stick to your dog’s regular diet to prevent stomach issues during travel.
Pet first aid
Accidents can happen even on the most well-planned, pet-friendly vacations, so pack a first aid kit specifically designed for pets. Learn basic first aid for your dog, like how to treat a scratch or identify signs of heatstroke.
Creating lasting memories with your dog
You don’t need to leave your best buddy behind for vacations anymore! With the right planning, a focus on your dog's comfort and safety, and a few dog-friendly destinations in mind, you can create experiences that both of you will treasure forever.
Start planning your next pet-friendly vacation with your dog today, pack your bags, and get ready for your happiest adventures together! Whether you're hiking through mountain trails, lounging on sandy beaches, or exploring urban parks, you're sure to strengthen your bond and make lasting memories.
Happy pet friendly adventures!
We're dog people, and we know the feeling of wanting your dog by your side everywhere. We're here to make it easier for you and your dog to live your best lives together every day, whether you're on the go or relaxing at home.
We're committed to creating high-quality products that are safe, healthful, and practical for everything you need from long-lasting chews dogs love, to healthful supplements, to durable, comfortable equipment for your adventures large and small.
