It’s no secret that the majority of us enjoy taking a good vacation. For many people, vacations provide some of our fondest memories, providing an exciting break from our daily routines. Thus, when planning your perfect dream vacation, there are numerous factors that typically come into consideration. Most notably, vacation costs are one of the biggest barriers
Furthermore, vacation planning can be even more complicated for families traveling with children. While there are many incredible vacation destinations across the globe, not all of them are going to be very kid-friendly. So, while a weekend getaway to explore the Las Vegas nightlife may sound like a super fun trip, chances are that it might not be the most kid-friendly vacation. Moreover, as more and more people become interested in going on kid-friendly vacations, a new trend has emerged in recent years: going on dog-friendly vacations.
Many households across the country own pets, so it’s no surprise that pets have become big parts of many families’ lives. As precious members of the family, pets provide us with endless amounts of happiness and companionship throughout all of life’s ups and downs. That being said, more and more pet-owners are bringing their pets with them on vacations. After all, why wouldn’t you want your beloved pets with you as you make everlasting memories together?
For many dog owners, the idea of vacationing with their dogs can seem quite complicated at first. However, it doesn’t have to be. Fortunately, there are many dog-friendly vacation destinations across the United States where you can relax and simply enjoy spending time with your four-legged friends. Check out our round up of the top dog-friendly states and national parks for you (and your furry friends) to visit on your next vacation.
The Top Dog-Friendly States
California
Southern California- or SoCal, is one of the most desirable vacation spots every summer. Known for its relaxed vibe and vibrant scenery, Southern California is one of the most dog-friendly areas to travel to. With beautiful year-round weather, the region offers an abundance of engaging outdoor activities for you and your pups. From dog-friendly beaches to walking trails, when vacationing in Southern California, bringing your dog along for your adventures is quite easy. Furthermore, many establishments throughout the southern California region have begun adopting the dog-friendly lifestyle as well. Today, more California-based restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers are allowing dogs, thus simplifying the travel experience for humans and their canine companions. Between San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles, the area is home to many dog-friendly beaches.
Similarly, in Northern California, the area has also shifted to become increasingly more dog friendly. For outdoor enthusiasts, the region offers a little more of a variety than SoCal when it comes to terrain. People traveling with their dogs can visit one of the many dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz, while also exploring the dog-friendly hiking trails of the Redwood forest in the same trip. Additionally, close by you will also find San Francisco, a vibrant city that is home to many dog-friendly dining and lodging options.
Florida
Florida, similar to California, is another sought after vacation destination due to its sunny weather during the spring and summer seasons. Cities along the Florida Coast, such as Key West, Miami, and Orlando are known for their popular beaches, many of which are dog-friendly. Throughout the coastal towns, dog owners can find many pet-friendly outdoor cafes and restaurants where they can relax in the sun with their four-legged friends. Thus, particularly for East Coast residents seeking a sunny getaway, Florida is one of the best places to visit with your dogs.
Idaho
Looking to embark on a more outdoorsy adventure in the Pacific Northwest? Consider taking a trip to the beautiful mountain towns of Northern Idaho. Coeur D’Alene, Idaho has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Situated on a vast lake surrounded by scenic forests and incredible mountains, Coeur D’Alene is known as one of the most picturesque destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. From the town’s numerous dog-friendly hiking trails, to the many pet-friendly establishments in town, there are plenty of fun activities for you and your pups to try. During the summer months, when many people prefer visiting, you can enjoy cooling off in the Coeur D’Alene lake with some water activities (such as paddle boarding, swimming, water skiing, and more).
The Top Dog-Friendly National Parks
Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
The Grand Canyon National Park attracts millions of visitors every year thanks to its breathtaking views and incredible natural scenery. Not only that, but the Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the western United States. The national park is home to numerous dog-friendly hiking trails above the canyon rim and many dog-friendly campgrounds for you to explore. Please note that the Grand Canyon National Park does require dogs to be on a leash at all times.
Acadia National Park (Maine)
Situated on the east coast, Acadia National Park welcomes many visitors- and their dogs, every year. Not only does the national park boast lots of diverse terrain for hikers to explore, but the park is home to over 100 miles of dog-friendly walking trails (just remember to keep your dog on a leash). Thus, Acadia National Park is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts to explore with their four-legged travel buddies.
Yosemite National Park (California)
In northern California, Yosemite National Park is one of the most infamous national parks- for a myriad of reasons. From the park’s notorious Half Dome to its jaw dropping waterfalls, it’s no wonder why Yosemite National Park attracts avid hikers from all over the world. While much of the terrain is deemed too dangerous for dogs, it is still very possible to enjoy visiting the national park with your pup. Dogs are allowed on most paved roads, sidewalks, and campgrounds- where you can still take in the stunning views. As with most other national parks, remember that your dog must be on a leash at all times.
Tips for Traveling with Your Dogs
Plan ahead.
Before embarking on any exciting adventures with your four-legged friends, it’s absolutely crucial that you do the proper planning and preparation. Doing so will ensure that everything goes smoothly, allowing you to focus on simply having the best time with your human and canine companions. Thus, before you head to your vacation destination, make sure you are prepared. Proper planning can really make such a difference, and the last thing you want is for your much-awaited vacation to go poorly due to insufficient planning. When traveling with your dogs, it’s recommended that you plan your travel route and book your accommodations well in advance. If you are planning to travel by vehicle, make sure you research the route you will be taking ahead of time. For example, your dogs will still need to go potty every few hours during your road trip, so it’s a good idea to make sure your driving route will have opportunities to pull over for potty breaks. Remember that whenever your dog is going potty- especially by a busy road- it’s essential they are leashed up at all times. Furthermore, do not wait till the last minute to book your accommodations. Not every hotel or homestay is going to be pet-friendly, and the few accommodation options for pets can easily get booked up well in advance. Thus, to ensure your vacation with your dogs is a success, it’s of utmost importance that you plan and prepare ahead of your departure.
Keep them secure.
Perhaps one of the most important parts of traveling with your dogs is ensuring that they are safe and secure during transport. Afterall, the goal is to ensure that everyone makes it to your final destination safely. That being said, just as us humans have certain safety guidelines during travel, ensuring the safety of your dogs is just as important. When traveling by plane, dogs are required to be in an IATA-compliant dog crate (with the exception of some service animals). Thus, if you’re flying with your dog to your vacation destination, it’s essential that you invest in an IATA-compliant crate that will protect them during transport. If you are traveling via car, it’s also crucial that you take the proper safety precautions when you’re on the road. Whenever your dog is in a moving vehicle, they must be secured in a heavy-duty crate at all times, as this is by far the most effective method to ensure their safety during transport. In the unfortunate event of a car accident, the best way to protect them is with an aluminum dog crate- rather than letting your dog roam around the vehicle unsecured.
Whether you are traveling by plane or car, keeping your precious pup safe every step of the way is vital. For dog owners planning on traveling with their canine companions, invest in your pup’s protection with the most trusted dog crate for travel: the Impact Collapsible Dog Crate. Constructed from heavy-duty aluminum, this safety-first dog crate is IATA compliant for flying and provides the maximum protection in vehicles. With the Impact Collapsible Dog Crate, it’s now easier than ever to keep your dog safe as you embark on your vacations together.
Pack the essentials: food, water, medication, and leashes/ collars.
Anytime you’re planning on bringing your dog along with you for a fun vacation, do not forget to pack for your dog as well. First and foremost, remember to bring your dog’s leash and collar, as well as any medication they take (if any). Secondly, bring plenty of food and water for not only the travel day, but for the entire trip. Afterall, many dogs have unique dietary requirements or preferences. Thus, it’s not recommended that you rely on picking up more food for your dog once you reach your destination, as not all pet stores carry the same brands. Moreover, switching your dog to new food, even for just a few days, can be quite risky. Rather than take the risk of your dog having a negative reaction to new food- which could very well impact your vacation, instead just pack a large enough supply of their food to last the duration of your travels. Additionally, especially in warmer climates, it’s vital that your dog has access to water at all times. So, it’s a good idea to have plenty of water with you, as well as a water bowl for your pup. Dogs, just like their human counterparts, rely on food and water to survive, hence why it’s imperative that they have plenty of both throughout your trip.
We hope you and your pups enjoy embarking on all of your future adventures!