by Sally Writes
More people than ever are bringing their dogs on vacation. Approximately 40% of dog owners brought their furry friend on vacation within the last year, a number that has doubled in only a decade. While it has become more acceptable to bring well-trained dogs out, many hotels and destinations remain decidedly not dog friendly. Though there are numerous ways to make temporary separation easier for dogs, a properly planned trip can be a great bonding experience for you and fido. For those wishing to bring the entire family on vacation, there are varied options for trips sure to please any pup.
Sleeping Under The Stars
Camping is the best option for vacationing dogs. Most campgrounds allow leashed dogs virtually anywhere on the property, provided that they are fully up to date on their vaccinations. Staying in an outdoorsy atmosphere is preferable as it affords ample time for exercise and stimulation for your dog, particularly after sitting through a long car ride.
If staying in a tent isn’t preferable, renting an RV for a road trip can be ideal. There’s ample space for your dog to move around during the trip, and no need to worry about hotels with anti-pet policies. Just be sure to clean the upholstery carefully before returning as pet hair and stains can result in extra fees.
Ocean Spray Makes For Great Play
A trip to the beach is great for any water-loving breed. Many beaches, however, are not dog friendly, but there are options for dogs to get on the water on both coasts. California’s beaches in particular are welcoming to pets, including Huntington, Long Beach and Del Mar. Several of New Jersey’s shore points have dog friendly areas, among them the ever-popular Wildwood.
When visiting the ocean, safety is key for humans and dogs alike. Be vigilant in checking for rip tides and don’t allow your dog to swim if lifeguards aren’t allowing people in the water. Avoid letting the dog play in the water at dawn or dusk as their splashing and jumping can mimic a distressed fish, attracting larger predators during their most active hours. Keep an eye out for fishermen to prevent your dog from being tangled or caught on a line. Limit their time on the hot sand during mid day to prevent burns on their pads. Remember: if it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for theirs.
Metropolitan Mutts
While the beach and campgrounds are great outdoorsy options for traveling dogs, some do prefer taking an urban vacation. Many cities are dog friendly with lots of parks, accommodating restaurants and public spaces. The West Coast in particular favors dogs, with San Francisco, Las Vegas and San Diego being consistently ranked high for fido friendly trips.
Regardless of where you’re going, your dog will be happy to be included in the adventure. For a well behaved dog, going away with their owner is preferable to staying at home. So cut back on separation anxiety and give your dog new sights to see, new smells to smell and new sticks to fetch by bringing them on your next family trip.
