Traveling with your Dog?

Pets play an integral part of our lives. Two-thirds of Americans Travel with their Pets.

Pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and events have increasingly become more plentiful and accessible, making taking a trip with your pet easier than ever before. But if you take your travel plans from ordinary to extraordinary, we have some ideas for making your next trip with your pet special, memorable, and delightful for you both.

Accommodations to remember

A wide number of B&Bs, vacation rentals, and hotels throughout the United States are pet friendly. But some accommodations take the cake when it comes to creating a truly special pet travel experience.

Kimpton Boutique Hotels

When it comes to chain hotels, our pick for a paw-fect stay is Kimpton. You can be sure to have a truly memorable trip at any one of their many locations, no matter what kind of pet you have, or how many pets are in your crew. Kimpton does not restrict pets based on breed, size, number, or even type – their motto is, “If your pet fits through the door, we’ll welcome them in.”  But Kimpton doesn’t stop there – some locations offer incredible pet-inclusive activities, like yappy hours, pet concierge, and pet-friendly wine events. If you truly want to pamper your pooch, some locations even offer pet masseuses.

Atlantis Lodge

If you’re considering a resort stay, Atlantis Lodge in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina id highly recommended. This welcoming lodge has been a pet-friendly beachside haven since it was established in the 1960s. Atlantis welcomes both dogs and cats, making a special trip with your favorite furry sidekick possible. At this establishment, pets are as much valued guests as people are. Dogs are greeted with gourmet treats when they arrive. The lodge features a designated dog park and a pet-friendly beach, and staff will provide your pooches with chaise lounges and umbrellas upon request. The beach even offers a doggy wash station, complete with organic shampoos. Suite rooms feature furnished kitchenettes and walk-in closets, so you’ll be perfectly comfortable on a long stay. If the beach is your happy place, Atlantis is an ideal spot for a memorable trip with your pet.

Mount Baker Lodging

Also needing a mention is Mount Baker Lodging in Mount Baker, Washington. This establishment features pet-friendly cottages, condos, and executive vacation rental homes, so you can have nearly any kind of lodging experience you’d like. Our favorite pet-friendly feature is access to majestic Mount Baker and the breathtakingly beautiful Snoqualmie National Forest region.  If you and your pooch enjoy hikes through nature and pristine mountain vistas, this is a can’t miss for a memorable vacation.

Memorable destinations

Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the vast and beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, NC is at the top of our short list of unforgettable, unique places to visit with your pet. Notably, Asheville is home to the Biltmore Estate, a famed historic luxury home once owned by the Vanderbilts. The home now features artwork, antique, and furniture collections, and is open to the public.  Pets can’t enter the home, but they are welcome in the hundreds of acres of fascinating and exquisitely beautiful trails and gardens that surround the estate. If you’re a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or a music lover, the city of Asheville itself is a perfect place for an unforgettable trip. Not only is it famous for its earthy, laid-back vibe, its vibrant food, wine, and music scene and its wealth of artisans and artists, it’s notably pet friendly, with an abundance of festivals, outdoor cafes, breweries, and cideries that happily welcome four-legged patrons.

Portland, Maine

There’s nothing quite like the storied charm of New England, and the quaint town of Portland, ME is the best possible place to experience it with your pet. This seaside city offers numerous pet-friendly restaurants and breweries, not to mention shopping, and fun activities. Take a walk down the historic waterfront, enjoy the sand and surf on one of the many local dog-friendly beaches, or–if you’re looking for a really unforgettable adventure with your pet, take an island-hopping tour on a pet-friendly ferry.

Huntington Beach, California

On the West Coast, a pet-friendly seaside oasis awaits beach lovers and their four-legged travel companions. Voted as one of California’s most pet-friendly cities, Huntington Beach, CA, loves canine visitors as much as human visitors. The city has a large, centrally located dog park, a designated off-leash dog beach, and any number of pet-friendly eateries. Plus, Huntington Beach frequently hosts a variety of dog-oriented events, including the "Running of the Wieners," “Corgi Beach Day,” and the Surf City Surf Dog Competition. Your pup can even earn surfer status himself with doggie surfing lessons at Good Karma Surf Instruction.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

On the Seacoast of New England is the charming small city of Portsmouth New Hampshire filled with dog friendly restaurants, boutiques, and even a Dog Art Gallery that shouldn't be missed! The best days to go are on the weekends. Visit the Peirce Island Dog Park (of leash trails). Stay the night in one of the Dog Friendly hotels such as The Hotel Portsmouth where they have an amazing suite for you and your dog. They offer the Garden Suite on our lower level. With a private fenced-in outdoor patio and hardwood floors this suite is our one pet-friendly guest room. This 650 square foot suite includes one king bedroom and a spacious living room. A private en suite bathroom with shower is included with this suite. Plenty of room for you and your dog(s)! Large indoor malls may seem to be a thing of the past, however, on those hot or rainy day you and your pup can roam around the Mall At Foxrun, the whole mall is dog friendly!

Wondering What to Pack For Your Dog

Keep this pet-friendly checklist handy when packing for your next trip:

• Secure collar with current ID tags

• Leash

• Crate, safety harness or other restraining device

• Litter box or poop bags

• Food, water and snacks

• Food and water dishes

• Medications and copies of written prescriptions

• Vaccination records, especially rabies certificate

• List of veterinary offices and emergency animal hospitals in the area to which you’re traveling

• First-aid kit

• Familiar blankets and toys

• Hikers should bring Bear Spray, Pepper Spray, and a Dog Break Stick