Summer Vacation Tips for Traveling with Dogs

By Suzanne Alicie

The warm weather of summer often has us humans making vacation plans and heading out of town. For those of us who want our canine pals to have a summer vacation with the rest of the family, we have some choices and preparations to make to ensure that it’ll be a safe and fun trip for everyone.

Road Trips

Taking your dog with you on a long road trip can be enjoyable or traumatic, depending upon the dog. For dogs who like to ride and don’t get carsick, it’s a fun thing to go on a road trip. For dogs who don’t like to ride or get carsick, it can be a miserable experience for everyone involved. Be sure to take along a bowl for food and water, a fresh bottle of water and some dry dog food. Also pack paper towels and check with your vet for an anti-nausea remedy. Don’t forget the leash for rest stops and a comfy place for Fido to curl up when he’s tired of looking out the window. Read “What to Pack for a Road Trip with Your Dog” for more tips.

Vacation Rentals

Nearly all places that offer vacation rentals have at least a few properties that are dog friendly. You may have to pay an extra deposit and ensure that your dog has a crate for when you have to leave him at the strange house all alone if you and the family go out. Be sure to bring along his favorite CANIDAE treats to reward him for being such a good dog, and his favorite blankie or bed so that he feels safe and comfy in the vacation home.

Pet Friendly Motels

Along the way toward your destination, you may need to plan an overnight stop at a roadside hotel or motel. Try to plan ahead and follow the handy instructions in our article “How to Find Pet Friendly Motels.” A portable crate is a good idea, as well as making sure you have a leash on hand. Pet friendly hotels may retain the smells of other pets that have visited – and dogs have such wonderful noses! – which means you may spend a lot of time trying to keep him from marking the territory as his own. You may want to take an odor neutralizing spray with you, and spray any areas that are of particular interest to your dog.

Regardless of where you plan to travel to, there are a few things you’ll need to pack for your four legged traveling companion. A pet first aid kit, food, water and containers are the basics. Collar and leash and any medications your dog may take regularly also need to be kept close at hand, not buried beneath suitcases. You should also make it a point to locate the nearest vet to your vacation destination, just in case.

Traveling with dogs can be done, and it can be an enjoyable experience as long as you are a responsible pet owner and plan ahead. As you travel, keep in mind that not everyone loves pets and some people are very allergic to dogs. This is why many places that offer lodging are strict about their “no pets” rule. Take the time to find vacation lodging that welcomes your dog, and always follow leash rules and keep your dog under your control.

If you aren’t able to take your dog on vacation with you, there are a few options. You could hire a friend or relative to come and stay in your house to take care of your dog while you are gone, or you can check with your vet to find a trusted and safe boarding kennel.

Photo by Elisha Marshall

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

Dog Friendly Cities for Summer Vacation

By Julia Williams

If you’re thinking of taking your canine buddy along on your summer vacation, you will certainly want to know ahead of time that your destination is dog friendly. But what does that mean? Essentially, it means that where you’re going offers some of the following: dog-friendly lodging, beaches, parks, shopping, campgrounds, transportation, attractions and outdoor restaurants. You need to know ahead of time that your chosen vacation spot will welcome your dog and result in a memorable vacation for the entire family – Fido included!

If you’re really serious about taking the dog on your summer vacation, and think you might want to make it an annual affair, I recommend investing in one or more of the travel guides from dogfriendly.com. You could go with their all-inclusive dog-friendly Travel Guide (774 pages) which covers the U.S. and Canada and includes over 20,000 dog-friendly places including hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, tourist attractions and National Parks. The 2010 4th edition has current information on every aspect of dog-friendly travel. At $17.95, it’s reasonably priced and a good resource for any dog owner.

Dogfriendly.com also has more specific offerings including a Campground and Park Guide, a Lodging Guide, and regional guides such as East Coast, Napa Valley and  Central States. Of course, you don’t have to spend a penny to take advantage of what dogfriendly.com offers. Their website is chock full of useful information for dog owners who travel, including a state-by-state guide to lodging and attractions. Another website I like that offers similar information is doggieswelcome.com.

Here are a few dog-friendly cities to consider for your summer vacation:

Carmel, California – this charming “city-by-the-sea” is known as Dog Town West because of its reputation for being dog friendly. Carmel has approximately 25 quaint inns, hotels, and bed-and-breakfasts that welcome pooches of every size, and more than 40 restaurants, bars and coffeehouses that offer seating where dogs are permitted. Carmel also has one of the few leash-free beaches in California, and many of the city’s shops and galleries offer canine visitors tasty dog biscuits and fresh water.

Boston, Massachusetts offers an abundance of picturesque parks, including the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Back Bay Fens and Boston Common, the oldest city park in the U.S. You and your dog can walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile red brick path that takes you past 16 significant historic sites including Bunker Hill Monument and a naval frigate. When you’re tired of walking, take a horse-and-carriage ride or tour Boston Harbor by boat; leashed pooches are even allowed to take the subway.

Colorado Springs, Colorado has more than 13,000 acres of public park space –which amounts to almost a tenth of an acre for every resident pet. Situated near the base of Pikes Peak, one of the most famous mountains in North America, this dog-friendly city has six off-leash dog runs/parks where you can hike on wildflower carpeted grasslands or enjoy spectacular views of rock formations that stretch to the sky.

San Antonio, Texas has quite a few historical attractions, walks, off-leash parks and outdoor restaurants that you can enjoy with your four-legged friend. Although dogs are not allowed inside the Alamo, you can take a scenic stroll along the famed River Walk, a two mile public park that’s lined with restaurants, vendors, hotels and attractions.

Portland, Oregon is home to the Lucky Labrador Brewing Company which has four casual establishments where you can sip a cold one with your best friend, even if he does have four legs and fur. Dogs are also welcome at the renowned Rose Gardens, the 187-acre Hoyt Arboretum open space, and the Saturday Market featuring over 350 artisans along with live music and tasty food.

To avoid disappointment on your summer vacation, be sure to thoroughly research any destination you’re thinking of taking your dog. Policies regarding pets do change, and you’ll want to know exactly what they are before you go. Ultimately, what makes a city the perfect dog-friendly vacation spot will largely depend on what you, your family and your four-legged friend like to do. Whether you want to soak up the sun at the beach, take a tour of a historic site or frolic in a park, you’re sure to find plenty of places where dogs are welcome.

Read more articles by Julia Williams

Take a Vacation with Your Dog at Canine Club Getaway

By Julia Williams

Even though I’m a diehard “cat lady,” I love all animals including dogs. Lately, I’ve been having a strange desire to get a dog. I say “strange” because I’ve always bonded more with cats than dogs. Plus, it takes considerably more time and effort to be a responsible dog owner than it does to be a responsible cat owner. If your cats are poorly trained it doesn’t really matter, because no one expects you to be able to train cats anyway. Ha ha!

But seriously – one big advantage dogs have over cats is the potential for fun outside the home. There are umpteen dog sports and activities you can participate in with your canine best friend. Cats generally prefer to stay home getting their 16-18 hours of beauty sleep. Most dogs enjoy road trips, and pet-friendly lodging makes it easier than ever to take the pooch along on summer vacations.

Elevating that idea to a whole new level is Canine Club Getaway (CCG), a once-a-year opportunity to take an amazing vacation at a beautiful resort that caters to people AND dogs! Uh oh. I was already feeling the itch to get a dog – and now, after looking at all of the pawesome activities the Canine Club Getaway offers both its two and four-legged guests, I really, really want a dog!


About the Canine Club Getaway

This year’s Getaway is scheduled for June 25-29 in Lake George, New York. Just a 3-1/2 hour drive from the Big Apple, the picturesque Roaring Brook Ranch offers majestic views of the Adirondack Mountains, a beautiful lake and a serene woodsy setting. Roaring Brook Ranch is pet friendly too, which means it’s a perfect place to vacation with your canine best friend!

As long as your dog is friendly towards people and other dogs, is at least four months old, potty trained and immunized, he’ll be welcomed with open paws at The Canine Club Getaway. It doesn’t matter if your dog is young or old, purebred or mutt, an accomplished athlete or a rookie ready to learn some new tricks– there’s plenty of fun to be had by all, including you!  The professional, dog-loving CCG staff includes trainers, dog sport instructors and veterinarians who are committed to making sure you and your dog have a great vacation. 

The Activities

This year’s Canine Club Getaway has something for everyone, from active, sports-loving doggies to the more intellectual types who enjoy learning new things. A partial list of planned activities includes: agility for all levels (beginner to advanced), “barks and crafts,” costume contest, flyball, Frisbee, guided hikes, lure coursing, obedience classes, preparation for the Canine Good Citizen test and the Therapy Dog International test, seminars on canine nutrition, emergency first aid and behavioral issues, swimming lessons, tricks and water games.

Human guests can partake of “yappy hour” at the Bow-Wow Bar, go for a swim in the pool (dogs welcome!), or just relax poolside with your pup. And should your pooch get bitten by the love bug while on vacation, they even have a lovely gazebo for doggie weddings!

Resort-Style Accommodations

There’s no need to “ruff it” just because you’re taking your dog along on your summer vacation. The resort’s spacious rooms are air conditioned and have private bathrooms, and your dog can even sleep on your bed with you, if that’s what floats your boat. The all-inclusive Canine Club Getaway rates start at $1075 and include lodging, three meals daily (Saturday evening through Wednesday morning) and all dog activities. For more information, you can visit the CCG website.

Now, about that dog I’ve been itchin’ to get – I just may do it one day, but probably not in time for this year’s fabulous Canine Club Getaway. Does anybody have a dog they’d be willing to loan me?

Read more articles by Julia Williams

Camping With Dogs: What to Know Before You Go

By Julia Williams

Most dogs enjoy spending time in the “great outdoors,” and taking them on a family camping trip can be a lot of fun. You can go for a hike in the woods, go swimming in the lake, or just relax together at the campsite. However, before you go camping with a dog, there are things to consider and precautions to take. Careful planning will help keep your dog safe and ensure that the experience is pleasant for everyone.

Guard against fleas and ticks. These nasty pests can be found anywhere, but they’re particularly plentiful in wooded areas. Though it’s important to have some type of flea and tick protection for your pets at home, it’s vital if you take your dog camping with you. Whether you choose to use a chemical based topical flea control or natural flea control products is up to you. Your vet may also recommend the Lyme disease vaccination. Speaking of vaccinations, before you take your dog camping, make sure their required shots are up to date. It’s wise to carry your certificates with you in case park officials ask to see them. While camping, inspect your dog frequently for ticks and if you find one, remove it immediately.

Identification is a must. Make sure your dog wears a collar with an i.d. tag that has your cell phone number on it. If your dog should get lost, either at a campsite or rest area, identification will allow you to reunite quickly.

Make sure the campground allows dogs. The website campingpet.com lists dog-friendly destinations in the U.S., along with pet rules and policies at all State and National Parks and Forests. To avoid disappointment and/or incurring fines, you should also confirm the pet policy with your chosen campground directly when you make your reservation.

Campground “pet-iquette.” Don’t allow your dog to run loose at your campsite, on hiking trails or during walks around the campground where they could encounter (and chase) wildlife, people or other dogs. If your dog causes problems, you could get kicked out of the campground, so keep your dog under control at all times. Clean up and properly dispose of all doggie doo at the campsite and while hiking or walking your dog around the campground. Don’t leave your dog unattended at your campsite, because they might bark out of boredom, fear and/or loneliness. A constantly barking dog greatly annoys people who cherish the peace and quiet a campground offers, and they may complain to the park ranger if your dog makes too much noise.

Store pet food safely and securely. Seasoned campers know how important it is to keep bears, raccoons and other forest critters from getting into their food rations, and that goes for dog food too. Clean up as soon as your dog finishes eating, and if you’re tent camping, suspend the dog food from a tree limb with your own food, or lock it in your vehicle in a sturdy storage container.

Keep your vehicle clean. Cover your seats with sheets or blankets to protect them from pet hair, dirt and muddy paws. Bring along extras in case those get soiled and there are no laundry facilities. You should also pack a clean soft blanket that you can spread on the ground for your dog to lie down on at the campsite.

Additional supplies for camping with dogs:

* Dog food to last for the duration of your camping trip plus a few extra days just in case.

* Bowls for dog food and water. Collapsible bowls are convenient and nice to have, and they’re usually small enough to fit into your backpack so you can take them along on hikes.

* Bring enough bottled water for everyone, humans included, since you won’t know for certain if the water supply is safe to drink.

* Dogs can get dirty on camping trips, so pack some dog shampoo and towels, and waterless shampoo in case you won’t have a place to wash him.

* A pet first aid kit is handy to have– you can buy these at pet stores, or make your own.

* A regular (not retractable) 6-foot leash for hiking and walks around the campground.

* Tie out cable and tie out stake, and/or portable fencing.

* Dog toys for playtime.

* A collapsible dog crate, in case you need a safe and secure way to confine your dog.

If you plan ahead and pack smart, camping with your dog can be a wonderful experience. The fresh air, exercise and peaceful surroundings will do wonders to rejuvenate you and your dog.

Read more articles by Julia Williams

Sailing the Seas with Pets

Think that traveling with your pets isn’t possible? Think again. This week, we’re taking a look at some of the top luxury journeys that you can take with your furry family members. According to the latest National Pet Owners Survey taken by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 63% of U.S. households, or 71.1 million homes, own a pet, and nearly 19% of dog owners and 3% of cat owners take their pet with them when traveling for at least two nights. That’s by land.

But, what to do if you didn’t have a land destination in mind? Not to worry. We’ve got you covered.

You may want to consider embarking on a transcontinental cruise aboard a luxury ocean liner. The Queen Mary 2 is a pet-friendly seagoing vessel where your pets are sure to get their sea legs. With fresh-baked biscuits at turndown and indoor or outdoor walking areas, your pets are sure to love the calming effects of the sea.

Cunard, owners of the Queen Mary 2, are proud to welcome pets on board with their “Pets on Deck” program. Fido and Fluffy can choose from a selection of pet beds comfortable enough to host any pet, and they will receive a complimentary gift pack that features a coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop, a portrait with their owners, a “crossing” certificate, and a personalized cruise card.

The Kennel program on Deck 12 may seem unusual to most travelers, but for those who regularly travel with their four-legged family members, it’s a sight to behold. According to Cunard, “guests may visit their pets during specified hours and my even take them for – ahem – ‘walks’ in specified areas of the deck.”

Kennel managers, whose qualifications are more than worthy of our seagoing friends, oversee the unique program.

Luxurious travel with pets is possible! Board the Queen Mary 2 with your furry friends, as all are welcome. Fees range from $300 (U.S.) to $500 (U.S.) per cruise. Call Cunard to pre-arrange an ample supply of your favorite pet food. They happily accommodate special requests.

Stacy Mantle

Flying High with Pets

From sea to land to air, we are looking at the best ways to travel with your pets this week. Today is a spotlight on JetBlue Airlines and their “JetPaws” program designed specifically for high-flyin’ pets. They even offer pets who sign up for the free program a specialized list of p’etiquette tips, a pet travel guide, and when they are ready to board their flight, a new bag tag that lets everyone know your pet is fully content to board that flight!

All parts of their planes are fully pressurized and temperature controlled to ensure that your pets receive the best care and are purr-fectly safe while in-flight.

If you really want to fit in with the JetBlue crowd, pick up a new custom collar from the airline’s custom design, a specialty pet travel kit, or maybe even a stylish pet carrier that offers the ultimate luxury for jet-setting canines and felines. All are available from JetBlue’s line of custom pet products.

Another favorite of ours is the Midwest Air Premier Pet Program. Earn frequent flyer points for your pets as they accompany you to your next vacation spot. They’ve even teamed up with Drs. Foster & Smith to offer you some luxury deals on all of your pet travel needs. Whether you choose their “In-Cabin” or “Below cabin” specials, your pets are sure to experience the same luxury service as they have all become accustomed too.

No matter what your dream vacation is, there is a luxury destination out there that will host both you and your pets in the way you’ve become accustomed.

Stacy Mantle