One of the most memorable vacation trips I ever took was with my dog, Jesse. Invited to visit a friend on Nantucket, I drove to the ferry. The wait in the hot sun was long, and both cocker spaniel and travel companion were cranky by the time boarding took place in late afternoon.

Once the ferry left the dock and we began to travel out to sea, our vacation trip officially began. Soon the sun began to set and Jesse and I both started to relax. We had a bench to ourselves, and my dog clambered up beside me.

I took him in my arms, kissed him atop his head, stroked his long silky ears, got an affectionate dog lick in response, and held him close as we watched the play of dusky light sparkle upon the water. Heaven!

Why It’s Great to Travel with a Dog

Bringing a dog on vacation can enrich a trip in numerous ways:

• You’ll meet and engage with dog-loving strangers who might have otherwise passed you by.
• You will discover dog-friendly parks and attractions that wouldn’t typically feature in your plans.
• Your furry friend provides a built-in motivation to go outside, exercise, and enjoy adventures.
• Most importantly, you will have your best friend beside you throughout the journey.

However, it’s important to note that not every destination is pet-friendly. Moreover, not all dogs have the temperament to travel well. Therefore, carefully selecting suitable locations and accommodations is essential for a harmonious travel experience.

10 Great Dog-Friendly Vacation Ideas

If you love dogs as much as each other, consider planning your next vacation highlighting the following ten dog-friendly activities.

Essential Preparations for Pet Owners

Is your pet microchipped? Microchipping can significantly protect your pet. More than a million dogs and cats go missing every month in the USA. By having a microchip, which is painlessly inserted by a veterinarian, your pet will have permanent identification. Consequently, if your pet is lost or stolen, shelters or veterinarians will be able to help return your beloved companion to you.

Packing a Doggie Suitcase

Whether your dog is small enough to fit in a carrier or not, most pets don’t require their own luggage. Nevertheless, there are essential items that every pet owner should bring when traveling with their dog:

• Collapsible dog bowls
• Bottled water
• Dog food (stick to the brand your dog is accustomed to)
• Treats
• Favorite toy
• Blanket
• Dog first aid kit
• Copy of vaccination records

Travel Resources for Dog Enthusiasts

AAA PetBook
Provides information on 15,000 pet-friendly AAA Diamond Rated hotels and numerous campgrounds.

DogFriendly
Extensive resource for discovering dog-friendly beaches, cities, parks, ski resorts, hotels, and more.

PetFriendly Travel
A helpful lodging locator for pet-friendly accommodations.

Pet Travel
A worldwide travel guide tailored for cats, dogs, and their human companions.

Puppy Travel
A travel agent specialized in arranging transport and relocation for pets.

Sherpa Pet
Offers comfortable, durable carriers designed for small pets.

The Bark on Dog-Friendly Travel
Provides great ideas for experiencing the outdoors with your dog, courtesy of Bark, a well-regarded dog magazine.

Traveling with Your Pet FAQ
Information from the American Veterinary Medical Association, including details on obtaining a health certificate.

Travel Tips from the American Kennel Club
Insights and advice from kennel experts on traveling with your treasured friend.

Hotel Considerations When Traveling with Pets

Many hotels and resorts impose an additional charge for guests traveling with dogs. Some establishments may treat this fee as a deposit against damages, which could be refunded after an inspection. Moreover, accommodations that specifically welcome pet parents might be somewhat worn, so don’t expect luxurious amenities. Nonetheless, having your dog alongside you is the priority. Always act as a responsible pet parent by leading your dog to designated areas for bathroom breaks and cleaning up afterward.

The Pros and Cons of Traveling with Cats

Although some individuals choose to travel with cats, it is generally not advisable. Cats can be easily spooked, and the unfamiliar environment may provoke them to try to escape. Consequently, you would not want to waste your valuable vacation time searching for a missing cat.