Planning for pet-friendly travel takes some extra work, but it’s worth the memories you’ll have with your furry friend on the trip. These are some of the best environments for a vacation with your pet, plus tips on how to make the trip go as smoothly as possible.
Top pet-friendly travel options
When deciding your vacation destination, consider some options that are naturally well-suited to bringing pets along. Here are three of our favorite ideas.
Beaches
Bringing your dog to the beach is a fun way to spend time with your pooch while also giving them an exciting experience! Many dog breeds are typically inclined to love the water, including retrievers, water spaniels, and great danes. Bring a ball or frisbee along to play together. All that exercise will make for a happy dog at the end of the day. Just remember to pack the essentials as well, including a harness and leash, water and bowl, and even some dog-safe sunscreen.
National and state parks
Not all national and state parks allow pets, so check the rules before you arrive. However, some of the country’s best national parks do let your furry friends join in the fun, including:
- Acadia National Park in Maine
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio
- The Grand Canyon’s South Rim Trail in Arizona
- Padre Island National Seashore in Texas
- Yosemite National Park in California
This is just a partial list, but use it for inspiration on where to take your next road trip.
Walkable cities
If you prefer to hit the road to an urban destination, do a little research on each location’s walkability and dog parks. This helps to make the trip more pleasant for everyone. A downtown condo Airbnb sounds fun, but it may be hard to walk your dog in crowded, congested areas. Instead, look for lodging in quieter, residential neighborhoods, or find an area with a nearby dog park to make the transition easier.
3 pet travel tips
A little extra preparation can lead to smoother sailing when you’re bringing your dog, cat, or other animal along on your trip.
Invest in the right travel gear
Providing for your pet’s safety and comfort is a top priority for a stress-free trip. Get a comfortable crate, whether it’s to use in the back of a car or on an airplane. Another pet airline travel tip is to get a crate with wheels for easy maneuvering to your gate. Also check to see if your airline has any size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have a weight limit for in-cabin pets that includes the weight of the carrier. If your pet is light enough to comfortably carry, you could also opt for a fabric and mesh collapsible crate so that it doesn’t weigh as much as one made of plastic or metal.
Make your pet trackable
A runaway pet at home is stressful enough, but it’s even scarier when you’re traveling since they may not recognize the way back to your hotel or vacation rental. One option is to get a microchip, which is a tracking device inserted under the animal’s skin. The procedure is quick and painless and provides a permanent way to find your pet if they go missing.
If you don’t want to microchip your pet, at least make sure they have a secure tag around their collar with your updated contact information. It will help others connect with you should they find your furry friend running around outside.
Bring your pet’s paperwork
In an ideal world, your pet won’t have any health issues while on a trip. But in case something does come up, it’s smart to have their health and medical records on hand. Bring their microchip registration, vaccination records, and any medical prescriptions you may need while traveling. If you have pet insurance, make sure you have access to your policy information in case your animal requires emergency care while on vacation.
Bring your veterinarian’s contact information with you in case you need a referral. Be proactive and scope out a vet close to where you’re staying as well.
Drive in comfort with your pet onboard
Avail offers clean, pet-friendly cars with an easy and convenient reservation process. Although your pet can’t tag-team drive with you, you can add a second human driver for free. Plus, your ride is insured through Allstate.
Ready for a memorable trip with your best furry friend? Book with Avail today.
