Quck answer
If you’re planning a vacation with your furry friend, here are the top 10 pet-friendly vacation spots to consider:
1. Asheville, North Carolina
2. Bar Harbor, Maine
3. Key West, Florida
4. Lake Tahoe, California
5. Napa Valley, California
6. Portland, Oregon
7. San Diego, California
8. Santa Fe, New Mexico
9. Seattle, Washington
10. Sedona, Arizona
These destinations offer a variety of pet-friendly accommodations, outdoor activities, and dining options for both you and your pet. Just be sure to check each location’s specific pet policies and restrictions before booking your trip.
Pets
Even our furry friends deserve a day at the beach. See more photos of dogs here.
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For many of us, our pets are like our children. In fact, the number of American families with pets is double the number of families with children, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. We love and pamper our pets, and can’t imagine leaving them behind when we travel. Fortunately, more and more hotels and restaurants are accommodating pet owners. Travel guides and websites indicate whether pets are welcome at various establishments, and some organizations even produce guides specifically for pet-friendly vacations.
While some vacation experiences, such as cruises and art museums, aren’t pet-friendly, there are plenty of destinations that welcome pets. In this article, we’ll explore 10 vacation themes and destinations that offer a warm welcome to both you and your furry companion.
10: Into the Wild
If you and your pet love the outdoors, there are plenty of hiking adventures to be had! Most states have public use lands that allow leashed pets to explore nature alongside their owners. Wisconsin has 99 state parks, forests, and recreation areas, while Arkansas has 1,500 miles of hiking trails and 2.9 million acres of national forest [sources: Wisconsin, Arkansas]. For the more adventurous, the Appalachian Trail spans 2,170 miles from Maine to Georgia. Each venue has its own rules and restrictions, so check with the state’s department of natural resources before embarking on your adventure.
Protected Areas
It’s important to note that pets are often restricted or completely disallowed in certain public land areas. Most U.S. national parks only allow pets in developed areas, meaning they can camp with you but can’t hit the trails or beaches with you. Additionally, numerous historic sites and most buildings on state and federal lands prohibit pets altogether.
9: Camping Excursions
Maybe your pet would prefer a relaxing camping trip.
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Many campgrounds and parks allow pets, so why not make it a weekend camping trip? Your pets will likely need to stay leashed, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a leisurely doze while you swap ghost stories around the campfire after a long day of hiking. Call ahead to find out what restrictions a campground enforces so you’re prepared to comply.
To ensure a successful camping trip, it is advisable to bring additional supplies besides your regular camping gear. It is recommended to bring a separate tent with bedding for your pets if they are not staying with you. You should also bring your pet’s leash, food, water, treats, toys, vaccination records, first-aid kit, grooming supplies, and flea and tick repellent. This will prevent any unwanted pests from ruining your vacation.
For those who prefer to ride horses instead of hiking, there are plenty of public lands available for horseback riding. Parks like Watson Mill Bridge State Park in Georgia offer rental stalls and riding trails, as well as tent, trailer, and RV campsites. The Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area in Tennessee and Kentucky offers horse-friendly accommodations like Charit Creek Lodge, which can only be reached by horseback. The Bureau of Land Management manages vast wilderness areas, including the Palen/McCoy Wilderness in California, which offers horseback travel and primitive camping. Wildlife management areas throughout the US also offer equestrian trails and basic camping.
To keep pet-friendly venues open, it is important to be courteous to other visitors and respectful of the environment. Always follow the rules, keep your pet under leash or voice control, and clean up any messes it makes.
For those who prefer a faster pace, there are pet-centered events like “Bark in the Park” in various communities in the US. These events include fun-runs, agility courses, Frisbee games, food, and demonstrations by police dogs. It is important to restrain your pet for safety while traveling on the open road.
Some towns have unique annual events, such as the Annual Brewer’s Memorial Ale Fest in Newport, Oregon, where beer lovers and their dogs gather to commemorate the chairman of Rogue, a black Labrador retriever who appeared in local television commercials until his death in 2006. Further south in Hollywood, Florida, the Super Bowl is celebrated each year with the Dog Bowl, where pets and owners dress in their favorite team’s colors and take part in games and canine good citizen testing. The United States Dog Agility Association offers agility courses for talented dogs, and there are many events held across the country. For those interested in dog and cat shows, the American Kennel Club and the Cat Fancier’s Association host competitions all around the world each year. Some pet-friendly destinations, such as vineyards and theme parks, welcome pets and even have facilities to board them while owners enjoy their activities. When traveling internationally with pets, it’s important to check specific restrictions and requirements well in advance.
If you’re feeling tired and bored on a long road trip, why not leave your car behind and dive into some water fun at the destinations listed below?
3: Take a Dip
Make sure your pet stays cool during those hot summer days.
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Water attracts vacationers looking to escape the heat of summer or admire the beauty of the ocean. While cats may not be interested in the sound of waves, most dogs love splashing around in water. Michigan, known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, offers boating opportunities close to the East Coast. With 3,288 miles of shoreline bordering four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan has more shoreline than any other continental state. Most of Michigan’s state parks offer water and boating activities, such as shoreline fishing, kayaking, motor boating on the Great Lakes, and more. Traverse City, Ludington, Tahquamenon Falls, and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Parks are some of the parks that offer kayak and rowboat rentals during the warmer months.
If you prefer to let someone else captain the boat, pet-friendly sightseeing tours are available from the Atlantic to the Pacific. For instance, the Nature Cruises Aboard the Acadian in Maine and the Canine Cruise of the Chicago River both welcome well-behaved animals.
For those who want to swim and not just ride on water, numerous state or municipal parks and beaches have dog beaches. Coronado Dog Beach on Coronado Island, California, and Susan Kimmelman Off-leash Dog Beach at Montrose Beach in Chicago are some of the beaches that allow dogs to swim and roam without leashes. The Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit in Campbellsport, Wisconsin, even has a designated area for training dogs in water skills.
Had enough of the great outdoors? Keep reading to discover pet-friendly urban hot-spots.
2: City Getaways
Big cities have become some of the most pet-friendly places. Luxury hotels in Atlanta, New York, Beverly Hills, and Nashville offer special programs for pets that include massages, bathrobes, canine cocktail hours, and voice coaching lessons.
On a more modest budget, many urban hotels now welcome pets and even offer treats and special meals for furry guests. They also provide owners with listings and directions to nearby pet-friendly restaurants, attractions, and veterinary contacts upon check-in.
After settling in, there are plenty of outdoor restaurants and cafes in most cities so you and your pet can dine together. And there’s no shortage of activities for pets in the city, including pet-centered events and guided or self-directed canine walking tours. Along the way, you can visit pet boutiques and other shops that cater to pets, such as those on Second Street in Long Beach, California, where store owners provide fresh water and treats for their canine customers.
If you want to let your dog off-leash and have some fun, you can visit a dog park. These fenced areas provide acres of space where your pet can socialize with other dogs, play games, run through an obstacle course, drink water from a watering station, and even swim in a pond. You can join in the activities or simply relax on a bench and watch. If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch special events like working-dog demonstrations or the human barking competition that’s part of Santa Maria, California’s Woof Pac Park’s Dog Days of Summer program.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxing vacation, you might want to consider a spa or resort that caters to both pets and their owners.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) ranked cities in 2006 based on the number of pet-friendly hotels approved and rated by AAA. The top 10 cities are Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Dallas, New York, Orlando, Nashville, and Tucson.
Dogs tend to vacation with their owners more often than cats. According to the U.S. Travel Association, people who vacation with pets include 78% dog owners. However, at resorts and spas that cater to cats, felines receive the love and care they deserve. Typical accommodations include litter boxes, scratching posts, custom pet beds, room-service menus, and food and water bowls. For example, the FireSky Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers in-room spa packages for cats and their owners. The W Hotels in New Orleans provide catnip toys, massages, and birthday cakes, while the Ritz-Carlton in New York offers fashionable carry bags for sightseeing with Fluffy.
Similarly, dog-friendly resorts offer similar amenities, but with more rigorous activities. After canoeing down the New River, guests at the Dog House Resort in Jefferson, North Carolina, can relax in suites named after famous movie dogs. San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California, has over 17 miles (27 kilometers) of trails through the ranch gardens where both pets and people can enjoy in-room massages. Room-service menus, fenced play areas, and pet-sitting services are standard at dog-friendly resorts.
Use the links on the next page to plan a fantastic vacation that includes your furry friend.
The article titled “Lots More Information” provides readers with various related articles, links, and sources. Under the “Related Articles” subtitle, readers can find articles such as “How Pet Microchipping Works,” “6 Pets that Traveled Long Distances to Get Home,” and “Do pets suffer jet lag?” Additionally, readers can find information on the top five risks when driving with a pet and all about pet shipping. Under the “More Great Links” subtitle, readers can find links to websites such as the American Kennel Club, BringFido.com, and Horse and Mule Trail Guide USA. Lastly, under the “Sources” subtitle, readers can find sources such as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, and the National Park Foundation, among others.
The article provides a list of resources for dog owners to find pet-friendly destinations and activities. These resources include websites such as the United States Dog Agility Association and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, as well as articles from publications like Dog Fancy and MSNBC. The sources offer information on dog-friendly beaches, resorts, and state parks, among other options.
FAQ
1. What are the top 10 pet-friendly vacation spots?
The top 10 pet-friendly vacation spots are:
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Austin, Texas
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Key West, Florida
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Napa Valley, California
- San Diego, California
- Seattle, Washington
- Sedona, Arizona
2. What should I consider when traveling with my pet?
When traveling with your pet, you should consider the following:
- Transportation – Will you be driving or flying? If flying, make sure to research the airline’s pet policy.
- Accommodations – Find hotels or vacation rentals that allow pets.
- Activities – Look for pet-friendly activities and attractions.
- Veterinary care – Locate a veterinarian in case of an emergency.
3. What are some pet-friendly accommodations in Asheville, North Carolina?
Some pet-friendly accommodations in Asheville, North Carolina are:
- The Omni Grove Park Inn
- The Aloft Asheville Downtown
- Haywood Park Hotel
- Residence Inn Asheville Biltmore
- Kimpton Hotel Arras
4. Can I bring my pet to the beach in Key West, Florida?
Yes, you can bring your pet to the beach in Key West, Florida. However, pets must be leashed and owners must clean up after them. Higgs Beach and Key West Dog Beach are two popular pet-friendly beaches in the area.
5. Are there any pet-friendly wineries in Napa Valley, California?
Yes, there are several pet-friendly wineries in Napa Valley, California. Some of these wineries include:
- St. SupГ©ry Estate Vineyards & Winery
- V. Sattui Winery
- Trefethen Family Vineyards
- Castello di Amorosa
- Rutherford Ranch Winery
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