Blog

Dog Friendly Travel Tips and Information

3 Ideal Road Trip Destinations with Man’s Best Friend

Comments Off

According to American Pet Products, 37 percent of pet owners take their animals with them on vacation, a 19 percent increase from about 10 years ago. Now, most dog owners probably don’t need social proof to book their next vacation with their best four-legged friend. So the question isn’t whether to pack up and go, but rather where to go with your dog.

Fortunately, the world is getting more dog-friendly and embracing our favorite furry travel companions. From hotels that welcome man’s best friend to destinations with dog parks and bakeries, there are plenty of places from which to choose. Here are six places your dog will love.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Alaska is a paradise for dogs and their nature-loving owners. Pack up the car and head to Anchorage, Alaska, for year-round skiing, hiking and exploration. Make your first stop Fairbanks Park and look for special dog day festivals. According to Gray Line Alaska, the Anchorage area features six dog parks and off-leash areas where your pup can roam.

Evergreen, Colorado

Featuring rugged terrain hiking, dramatic landscapes and natural waterfalls, Evergreen is a dog lover’s paradise. Let Fido stretch his legs and run at the 107-acre Elk Meadow Open Space Bark Park. Or, head over to Mount Evergreen Loop for a five-mile round trip summit hike to Evergreen Mountain that’s designed for relative ease and leisurely beauty.

There are also plenty of nature-inspired, dog-friendly places to stay in the Evergreen area. Spend the night snuggled up next to your pooch and alongside nature at Evergreens Log Cabin and Wilderness Lodging. Fully furnished rooms are just 15 minutes from downtown Evergreen and showcase Colorado’s vast beauty.

Santa Barbara, California

Head to warmer weather in Santa Barbara, where dogs are welcome companions. Dog beaches are plentiful, allowing man’s best friend to play and splash at places like Arroyo Burro Beach Park and Summerland Beach. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day burrowing in the sand and meeting new furry friends.

Plus, there are plenty of dog-friendly hotels from which to choose. Surrounded in lush landscape, Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort features private balconies or patios and special dog-friendly meals. There’s even a dog park nearby, where man’s best friend can run free during a game of Frisbee.

Savannah, Georgia

The Southern shores are calling you and your pooch to visit Savannah, Georgia. Spend some time strolling Savannah’s historic district and cobblestone streets before heading to the 30-acre Forsyth Park for some leashed play.

The Savannah Riverfront is a perfect place for people watching and sitting outside at a waterside restaurant watching the barges go by. And for some special fun, head over to the A.T. Hun Art Gallery where dogs are welcome.

Finally, the Kimpton Hotels love their furry guests, and The Brice in Savannah is no exception. Two pets of all sizes are welcome to stay with their owners without an additional fee. Hotel staff even throw in a gift to welcome your dog to Savannah.

April 27, 2017 | DogGeek

5 Best Cities for Dogs and Their Owners

When you live in a city, it’s difficult for your four-legged friend to get the exercise a dog wants and needs. Of course, there are some cities that accommodate dogs better than others, but which are they?

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is usually thought of as a sprawled city, packed with people and polluted from the heavy traffic. But did you know LA also has some of the best parks in the United States, especially for dogs. For instance, Laurel Canyon Dog Park is known for it’s off-leash policy, as well as it’s simple location. Many Hollywood actors visit this park with their loyal friends, as it’s so centrally located near many apartments and homes. While your dog makes some new friends, you can scan other owners for familiar faces.

Portland

This isn’t just a dog park city, though Portland does have 33 different dog parks, this city is a dog lover’s dream. And that might just mean, it’s your dog’s dream as well, especially with 19 canine message therapists in the city. But the dog-mania doesn’t stop here; the Tin Shed Garden Cafe has a doggie menu, and the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub has a kibbles and bits breakfast for your spoiled pooch. Whether you let your dog run free in the leash-free parks, or you take your best friend to breakfast is up to you, but these options make Portland one of the best dog cities in the country, and perhaps the world.

Chicago

Chicago has three dog friendly beaches, and Montrose Dog Beach is even an off-leash one. Chicago has 18 other off-leash parks, like Norwood Park Dog Park, which is complete with doggie toys, and even swimming pools for dogs in the summer. Many of Chicago’s dog parks have different sections, one for smaller dogs and one for larger ones. With so many options, it doesn’t matter where in the city you live, you’re never far from a good walk, and a great dog park.

New York City

A pet-friendly apartment is difficult to come by in New York City, but in the Upper East Side, there are a couple dog parks near Central Park, Andrew Haswell Green Park, or closer to the river and Carl Schurz Park. There are also a whopping 166 pet stores listed on Yelp for this area, which makes the Upper East Side, a real hotbed for dog lovers. Midtown is also accommodating for your four-legged friend, as the easy access to Central Park is perfect for long dog walks. In the summer, Central Park is a lush green paradise, and when autumn comes, you’ll be treated to a colorful show.

Seattle

Seattle has 11 off-leash dog parks, as well as an outdoor shopping mall with many outdoor and dog-friendly shops. If your pooch is a well-behaved one, take him on the Fremont Sunday Ice Cream Cruise, where you can eat some sweets and see the city from the water. While this may not be a dog walk, per se, it definitely makes Seattle a dog-friendly paradise.

Dog Parks

Find a dog park wherever you travel to get your best friend’s ya-yas out.

July 22, 2016 | DogGeek

Tips for Taking Care of Your Dog When You’re Away

Comments Off

Just as parents struggle to leave their kids to go to work, separation anxiety can abound when dog lovers have to be apart from their dogs. You worry about them getting enough food and water, if they’ll be comfortable, whether or not they’re bored and if they get lonely. The good news is that there are many options for you to take great care of your favorite canines while you’re away.

Providing Food and Water

If you’re going to be away from your pets for any significant amount of time, it’s essential you find a way to provide them with enough water and food. The situation becomes a little more complex if your pet requires regular medication, too.

The best solution to these issues is to use a smart pet feeder, like the Feed and Go Smart Pet Feeder with Webcam & Wi-Fi. If you have an iPhone 6 Plus, you can easily set it up to work with the device. Fill the container with food or treats, and control it from a distance. Many new tech systems like this also include capabilities to dispense water or medication as needed. This gadget will keep your dogs in good health while giving you great peace of mind.

Combating Boredom

Dogs are active creatures and tend to flourish with physical activity and stimulation. If you’re gone all day and your dogs don’t have the opportunity to romp and play, it can negatively impact their state of mind.

One premier solution for keeping boredom at bay is CleverPet. Using custom light, touch and sound puzzles, CleverPet encourages your dogs to engage and exercise their minds.

Another idea is to find a puzzle toy that you can hide some treats in. Your dogs have to use their teeth, paws and nose to get to the reward. While it’s not the same as taking them for a run, at least they’ll be flexing their mental muscles and using some coordination at the same time.

Making up for Loneliness

Many dogs resort to barking or crying when their owners are away because of the isolation. Some people suggest turning your TV on when you leave so your pet can hear some human interaction. An even better idea is to give your pups a way to see or hear you while you’re gone. Leave a video of you saying hi and talking to your dog on your laptop, and set it to play at a predetermined time (make sure it’s not set to sleep). Or, if you have an old-school voicemail machine, call and leave a message for your dogs so they can hear your voice.

If you can’t take advantage of technology in these ways, ask a friend or neighbor to stop in once a day for a quick hello or a short walk. A little interaction can go a long way in making your pet feel secure and loved.

June 14, 2016 | DogGeek

Safety First: Preparing For a Dog-Friendly Road Trip

Comments Off

So, you’re planning a road trip with your significant other or a group of friends and you want to bring your dog along? Before you hit the road, here are a few things you should keep in mind as you travel with your dog.

Health and Safety First

Dog sitting in a car trunk and waiting for traveling

Prior to taking your dog on the road with you, make sure he’s ready for the trip. This means making sure he is in good health, is up to date with vaccinations and doesn’t have any serious impediments to traveling. For example, if he’s just been neutered, think twice before bringing him on a road trip. He may be sensitive or weak for the next few days, and having an unwell dog on a trip can make things a lot harder than it needs to be.

Keep your dog healthy and happy on the trip by bringing along a supply of his regular food, as well as bottled water you can easily access anytime. Don’t forget to bring a travel-friendly bowl so your dog can eat out of it comfortably. Bringing along food or snacks is important, because if your dog is hungry and you have no food for him, he may whine — and that’s no fun for anyone.

In addition to preparing a supply of food or snacks, exercise your dog before he gets in the car to avoid pent up excitement. If you’re concerned your dog might get motion sickness and throw up, don’t feed him right before the ride. Instead, keep small snacks on hand in case he gets hungry, but keep the feeding to a minimum unless you’re at a pit stop and your dog is able to relieve himself in a safe space.

Crates and ID, Please

Unless your dog is extremely tame and well behaved while riding in cars, using a crate is a great way to travel with him. This will give him a designated space to himself and also free you from any additional distractions on the road. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn and lie down comfortably. Additionally, bring your dog’s favorite toy or a nice bone so they will have something to occupy them during the long ride.

Based on your dog’s specific temperament, decide for yourself whether using a crate is the best option for you. If you don’t have room in your cart for a big enough crate or if someone can watch over your dog as he roams about freely, a crate may not be necessary. Just remember there are different state-by-state laws pertaining to traveling with pets, so make sure to educate yourself before hitting the open road.

You never know what can happen on the road, so it’s imperative your dog has an identification tag on him at all times. This way, if your dog gets away from you during your trip (heaven forbid), you’ll increase the chances of recovery by making sure he can be properly identified. Make sure your dog has a collar with his name, your name and your phone number.

Again, you can decrease the chances of your dog getting away by properly exercising him before the trip and making frequent stops so your dog can stretch his legs and relieve himself.

If you take the proper precautions, traveling with your dog will be an easy and enjoyable experience. Just be sure to follow the law in the areas in which you’re traveling. Take the necessary steps to keep your dog happy, healthy and comfortable during the trip and enjoy the open road together.

June 8, 2016 | DogGeek

Pet Vacation 101: Traveling With Your Dog

Comments Off

How to take your dog on vacation with you. Tips and tricks on what to do.

Thanks to PetSafe for sharing these tips.

March 14, 2016 | DogGeek

Ways to Travel Safely With Your Fur Baby

Comments Off

If you’re a pet parent, we’re sure you love your pets just as much as your children. You play with them, feed them, give them shelter and give them unconditional love. If you’re thinking about traveling with your dogs, you should. Vacationing with pets can bring you closer to each other. But before you start the engine and go, you’ll want to make sure that your pets are safe and secure in your car. You might be used to holding your furry friend in your lap when you take trips to the pet store or to the vet, but this is a long trip, so you’ll need to be safer than that. Plus, you need to keep your hands on the wheel, not on your dog.

Essentially, you have three options when it comes to securing your dogs in the car. You can use a harness, crate or car seat. The one you pick will depend on the size of your car, how much your pet weighs and how comfortable your dogs will be.

Car Seats

These are typically shaped like baskets and your dogs are lowered inside of them. The baskets are secured to the car seat with a single loop that hooks over the head rest and another one that can be locked in the back, just like a belt. There’s usually an interior loop where your dogs’ leashes can be hooked into, so they can’t leap out when you’re driving. These are nice options since your dogs can lay down in a cushioned seat while you’re on the road.

These tend to be better options for smaller dogs, though. Since you have to lower and lift your dog in and out of these, you don’t want to use them if you have larger dogs. The most important factor when it comes to picking one out? Size. You’ll want to ensure you buy a big enough size, depending on your pet’s weight. The site Top Dog Tips recommends Solvit’s Tagalong Pet Booster Seat.

Crates

These can be the most convenient option, since chances are high you already have one in your home. If your dogs are already comfortable inside a crate, even better. You won’t have to get them to used to a new option. You just have to ensure the crate is firmly secured in the car. Use some straps to do this. As with the other options, you’ll want to consider the size of your pets to ensure the crate is perfect for your furry friends.

Harnesses

A harness works just like a seat belt. Your dogs sit on the bench of the car and are secured. This is a good option for larger dogs since it’s easier for you to get your pet in and out of the car. Smaller dogs might be dwarfed by larger harnesses. You’ll want to ensure your pets are comfortable, too. Forbes recommends the Sleepy Harness. During crash tests, the model dog remained restrained at all times.

The Right Car

If you know you’ll be taking trips with your dogs, you’ll want to ensure you purchase a used car that’s big enough to hold them. Look for ones with a bench seat, so you can use a harness or bucket seat. Removable seats are another great option if you want to place a crate inside. Sites like DriveTime offer a variety of choices, so you can pick the best one for you and your dogs.

January 29, 2016 | DogGeek