Let’s Talk About Traveling with our Dogs
We love adventuring with our dogs! Seeing them explore new sites, smell new smells, and meet new people (and dogs!) fills our hearts with joy. But there’s a lot to consider before deciding to take your furry friend with you. Read on for everything you need to know about traveling with your dog!
The Basics
I frequently embark on crazy road trips where I have to take my dog and cat. You should see my packing list!
Remember to consider your own pet’s special needs, like medicines, as well as the length and destination of the trip. If traveling with my dog somewhere cold or snowy, for example, I always pack her jacket and a jar of Musher’s Secret for her paws.
HOTELS
The good news: there are many pet-friendly hotels out there. The bad news: hotel policies can vary in strictness and cost. Let’s take a deeper dive.
Did you know that some hotels restrict based on size? Many only allow dogs under 25lbs. For those of us with medium, large, or XL pups, the options are more limited. If traveling with more than one dog (or a cat!), be sure to check with the individual hotel as some don’t allow more than one pet in the room.
What about other requirements? Some hotels require that your dog remain crated while they’re alone in the room, if they allow the dog alone at all. Also, many hotels will not provide housekeeping service if your dog is alone and/or uncrated. If you don’t mind re-using your towel a couple of times (it’s great for the environment!), this may not be a deal-breaker, but its definitely something to consider.
And then there’s cost. Many hotels require a pet fee which can vary from a one-time fee to daily charges. There are some hotels that do offer free stays for your dogs, however. These include Aloft Hotels, La Quinta Inn and Suites, and Kimpton Hotels, which has one of the most adorably pet-friendly policies out there.
Always call your hotel directly to verify their pet policies BEFORE deciding to take your pet!
ACTIVITIES
Alright. So you’re packed and your pet-friendly hotel is booked. What about when you get there? If you’re taking a trip to somewhere that is not dog-friendly and is an all day activity, like a theme park, it’s best to leave Rover at home unless you’ve found a local doggie daycare that will take him for the day. Leaving your dog locked in a strange place without you all day may make even the most relaxed dogs anxious, which can lead to unusual or destructive behavior, like forgetting their potty-training or chewing up that hotel remote (oops).
Are you vacation plans more outdoor focused? Awesome! Read up on the leash rules and pet friendliness of your destination. It may seem surprising, but dogs aren’t always welcome at beaches, national parks, and hiking trails. If they are, remember to keep your dog on a leash to avoid injury or loss, and to prevent them from potentially hurting wildlife or damaging trails. It can be tempting to let your dog off-leash in these areas, but the unfamiliar smells can cause them to run off and the terrain can be dangerous. Remember to pick up after them!
What about city-specific trips? Some cities are definitely more dog-friendly than others, and may allow you to eat with your dog on an outdoor patio, come into stores, and I’ve even come across dog-friendly boat tours! I think walking is one of the best ways to explore a new city, and I love enjoying the views with my dog at my side. When there are some non-dog-friendly sights on your trip, make a plan to get back to the hotel for a midday dog walk and playtime.
DOG BOARDING
Okay, okay. So this section is about choosing to travel without your dog instead of traveling with them. It’s definitely something to consider, however, when planning your next vacation. Let’s face it- sometimes bringing your pet along with you is not the best option for either of you, so it’s worth exploring the alternatives.
Dog boarding is a great way to ensure your dog is safe and cared for in your absence. It will help most closely mimic their routine, and, if the facility offers daycare (like Scottie Paws, which offers grooming, boarding, and daycare in Miami!), it can even help them burn some energy while you’re away.
The best thing about boarding? You can enjoy your time off knowing that your pup is in good hands!
