Travel Planning Tips to Help You and Your Dog Have an Awesome Trip

Travel Planning Tips to Help You and Your Dog Have an Awesome Trip
Vacationing is all about breaking your routine, discovering new sights, and finding rest and relaxation. What better way to accomplish these than by bringing your canine companion along on your trip? Although it definitely takes a little more planning and preparation to travel with a dog, having them with you can enrich the experiences of everyone involved. If you’re a dog owner who is going on a trip soon, these travel tips will help make sure everyone is comfortable and can enjoy their time — your faithful pup included!

​Find a Good Pet Sitter  
Even though you’re bringing your dog along for the trip, there may be times when they can’t join you for an activity. For instance, maybe you’re going out to eat at a fancy restaurant or going bowling one night. When you must leave your pup behind for a little bit, you want to make sure they’re well taken care of. Search online for a qualified pet sitter that has a good reputation. That way, you can truly enjoy your time knowing that someone is keeping your dog company. 

Take Advantage of Deals, Discounts, and Coupons
As you’re planning your trip, be sure to look for all the money-saving tools you can find. Sites like Groupon offer tons of deals on travel, including pet-friendly accommodations, activities, and restaurants.

Search for Dog-Friendly Activities
Wherever your destination is, you will want to make sure there are things for you and your pup to enjoy together during your vacation. Look online for dog parks, pet cafes, lakes for swimming and any other kind of activity you can think of for your pet. If you’re going to the beach, find out if there are any specific areas that welcome dogs. A long stretch on the beach can be heaven for dogs because they have lots of space to run, play, and splash in the water.

Search for Dog-Friendly Lodging
You also need to consider your dog when you’re booking the places where you will stay. There are several websites that provide a list of the most popular pet-friendly hotels in the country. If you’ve already booked a hotel, contact them for information on their pet policy. Whether you stay at a hotel, RV park, vacation home, bed and breakfast, or any other type of establishment, it’s essential to abide by the guidelines — particularly if there are other guests trying to enjoy their stay as well. Also, be sure to practice basic dog owner etiquette, such as cleaning up after your dog when they potty and keeping them from barking at passersby. 
Of course, don’t limit yourself to hotels. In today’s market, you can find vacation rental properties and Airbnbs that are very pet-friendly. When you’re digging through the options, look for rentals that offer fences, safety, and, if possible, a dog run to give your four-legged buddy some exercise during your adventure. As HomeAdvisor points out, a good dog run will be around 10 feet in width, flooring such as gravel or wood chips, and some sort of enclosure (dog houses are always a welcome addition). At the end of the day, just ensure that whatever property or rental you choose takes your dog’s needs and mannerisms into consideration.

Search for Dog-Friendly Restaurants
If you plan to dine out several times on your trip, look online for restaurants that allow dogs. Many establishments have patios open to dogs, some welcome them inside, and some are even dog-themed.

Keep Them Moving
Finally, dogs can become especially anxious when traveling. A lot of this has to do with the change in routine, so try to maintain as much of your pup’s routine as you can. For instance, try to feed them, walk them, play with them, and potty them consistently each day. This will help them feel grounded in a new environment.
Traveling with your dog can be a great experience as long as you plan for it. Find a pet sitter you can trust if you need to, and be sure to search for discounts when booking your trip. Also, look for dog-friendly activities, lodging, and restaurants en route and at your destination. Lastly, maintain the important pets of your dog’s routine, and they will enjoy themselves much more. 

Nick Burton - nick.burton@ourbestdoggo.com
Ourbestdoggo.com

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