Coming with your dog for a vacation can be a wonderful experience for him and you. And because a lot of people these days go with their dogs for trips, it shouldn’t be difficult to find activities and lodgings where your pet is welcome. You can check out this site to browse dog friendly holiday homes. Still, not every destination will be dog-friendly. There are a few factors to consider when choosing a vacation that allows pets. Some of them include deciding on the type of vacation you want, finding restaurants that permit dogs, researching dog-friendly hotels, and planning activities according to your dog’s age.
You are guaranteed to have a smooth vacation, especially with a well-trained dog. On that note, I would like to recommend a top dog training program by Adrienne Faricelli and it’s called Brain Training for Dogs. This program is available for a one-time fee and is online-based so you can access it anywhere and anytime provided you have an internet connection.
Write down the vacations you want
When you want to travel with your pets, you may not have the luxury of choosing the specific destination to go to. Rather, you should be guided by the kind of gateway that you want. These could be a beach vacation, a mountain getaway, or a city adventure. Having known these, it is now okay to embark on getting a dog-friendly destination.
Research
Not all dog-friendly destinations are equal and some will always be better than others. Check out dog-lover blogs and websites for information about the best places to take your pup with on a vacation. Before you choose a place, research on it to be sure that it is dog-friendly:
For instance, Colorado has many dog-friendly destinations. Others you may want to think of are South Carolina and Charleston. These have proximity to beaches with large dog parks and even beaches for dogs. There are many dog-friendly destinations in Florida, with St. Augustine even having a dog-friendly cruise.
Choose a Pet-Friendly Hotel
Before you book into a hotel, check on its website to be sure that it allows you to come with your dog. You can also call them to know what their pet policy is and how much extra you will need to pay for a dog-friendly room.
- There are also pet-friendly cottages, RV parks, and bed and breakfasts
- Just search the internet to find pet-friendly hotels. If you are using a discount booking site, go for the option of a pet-friendly one.
I don’t need to add that having a well-mannered dog is easier to travel with. You must ensure your dog is properly trained. One of the programs I like to recommend is the Brain Training for Dogs by Adrienne Faricelli. It tackles all aspects of training your pup right from the time you bring him home.
Select a spot that your dog can travel to easily.
If your dog doesn’t find a problem riding in a car, it’s okay to subject it to longer road trips. But if it hates riding in a car, you will be much better off choosing a vacation spot that’s close by.
- When going for a long road trip with your furry friend, ensure you have packed lots of food and water, treats, poop bags, and an extra leash.
- Allow for frequent bathroom breaks. Rest stops usually have pet walking areas that give you and your dog a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs.
Choose dog-friendly activities.
While planning for a vacation, it is important to decide on the activities that your family can take part in with your dog. Fortunately, many outdoor activities, for instance, swimming and hiking, are in dog-friendly places. National and state parks, as well as some amusement parks, also tend to be dog-friendly in general.
Before you decide on activity or pay for tickets, take time to check their websites or call. This is the best way to know if your dog is allowed to come with you.
Consider your dog’s age, health, and activity level.
Certain vacations are inappropriate for some dogs. If your dog is senior and overweight, or if it has some form of mobility and health problems, you should take that into consideration when choosing a vacation destination.
If your dog has previously never hiked or kayaked, you will be ill-advised to go for an outdoor adventure.
Small dogs that have small legs tend to have problems trudging for long distances.
If your dog is brachycephalic, for instance, pugs or bulldogs, or those that have long hairs, it may not like being in super hot climates or beaches. Consider setting up a pet insurance plan like Bivvy, just to make sure you always have backup options.
Find local dog sitters.
There are times when you may want to engage in an activity without taking your dog along. In that case, you will need someone to take care of your dog. Before traveling, research nearby dog daycares and dog sitters in the area.
You can find these resources on many dog travel websites. If none is forthcoming for your specific destination, go online and search for local dog sitting businesses.
It is advisable to contact a doggy care service or a dog sitter well in advance to find if there are openings.
Be Abreast of the Local Rules
If you plan to vacation within your country, chances are that you are already aware of the local dog rules for your country. But you still need to understand that different states, cities, and countries have different ordinances. Some places tend to be strict on leash laws while other areas are more lenient. Also, there are places where dogs aren’t allowed.
During the process of planning your trip, be aware of local pet or dog ordinances so you don’t contravene the rules and get into trouble.
Determine the Requirements of Taking Your Dog Overseas
If you have planned a vacation outside the country, you need to be aware of the rules and regulations of taking your pet to another country. There are usually some hoops you need to jump through, and this depends on the country you plan to visit.
Contact the consulate or embassy of that country to find out the regulations for moving with your dog and to obtain the requisite paperwork. Also, check with your vet to see whether there is anything that your dog will require to be in compliance with the regulations of the destination country.
You may, for instance, need shots, immunizations, or health certificates. You may even be required to quarantine your dog before it enters another country or when you are coming back home.
Take him to the Vet
Before jetting out for a vacation, you will need to have your dog examined physically by your vet. This gives you the assurance that it is not only healthy but also fit to travel. Also, you need to ensure that it is up-to-date with all immunizations and shots.
Conclusion
Traveling with your dog is fun and gives it a lot of exposure. And while a lot of destinations are today pet-friendly, not all of them will allow you to come with your dog. It’s important that, before you travel, you check to find hotels and restaurants that allow pets, as well as pet-friendly activities n the area. To make your experience as best as possible, it certainly helps if your dog is thoroughly trained. For all-round training, I prefer Brain Training for Dogs. It’s cheap but just as effective, if not better, than the more expensive options.
