Blog

Dog Friendly Travel Tips and Information

Try One of These Dog-Friendly Weekend Getaways

Comments Off

You should be looking forward to vacation season, but you’re already growing concerned over what you’ll do with your dogs while you’re away. Will you board them with your vet, check them into an expensive pet hotel, hire a sitter, or drop them off to stay with your best friend again?

Skip those options altogether and bring Fido along! There are plenty of weekend getaway destinations that welcome your four-legged friend. Here are a few of our favorites:

Hotels

Pet-friendly hotel accommodations are more popular than ever, and many well-known hotel chains such as Holiday Inn, Clarion, Kimpton, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Residence Inn, and Comfort Inn accept pets at most of their locations. When planning your trip, visit DogGeek.com, a searchable database of dog-friendly resorts, parks, restaurants and more.

Best Dog-Friendly Spots

Dog-friendly locales can be found in just about any city in the nation, but there are a few places known for their exceptional pet-friendly amenities.

Orcas Island, off the coast of Washington, offers an impressive array of dog-loving fun. The destination features an off-leash dog park, lots of scenic swimming opportunities, and several on-leash hiking trails.

Austin ranks among the best cities for dog-lovers, and offers plenty of dog-friendly activities. The city is home to Bow-Wow Chow, Austin’s first mobile food truck for dogs, and hosts the annual Easter Pet Parade & Costume Contest and the Austin Dog Fair, along with many more dog celebrations.

In San Francisco, Faruk Zubovic’s Le Marcel Specialty Bakery for Dogs offers all-natural, gourmet doggy baked goods in another one of the most dog-friendly cities in the nation. While in San Fran, make sure that Alamo Square Park and Golden Gate Park are also on your list of places to visit with your furry friend.

In LA, several pet-friendly luxury hotels, like the Sunset Tower Hotel, cater to dog-lovers by providing pet beds, bowls, and treats, along with an off-leash dog park right next door where Fido can burn some energy before bedtime. Be sure to also visit Pussy and Pooch on South Santa Monica Boulevard, a lifestyle pet store, full of ways to pamper your pooch.

If your dog loves to swim, visit PetFriendlyTravel.com which offers users the ability to search beaches and swimming areas that are open to dogs across the nation.

Camping or RVing

Perhaps you’re considering a vacation under the stars. Thanks to RVs, new technology, and lots of high-tech gear, camping is now a great option for all levels of outdoor adventurers—and their dogs! If you can’t live without the comforts of a hotel while traveling, consider renting an RV. RVs can offer many of the conveniences of home, including a kitchenette and dining area, mini bathroom, cozy bed, and plenty of storage for your electronics, gear, and games. They’re also a good option for owners of smaller dogs, who may not otherwise fare well in cool nighttime temps, or around native critters.

Need to give camping a trial run before heading out with your pooch? Try a few camping shortcuts and sleep under the stars close to home before venturing out into the wilderness together.

June 20, 2015 | DogGeek

Top 3 Pet-and-Kid Friendly Cars for 2015

Comments Off

As a parent to both kids and dogs, you know that the two have a lot in common; one thing being they both require an astonishing amount of gear. Of course, they’re adorable, but they also love tagging along to wherever you’re headed and, no matter where that is, always happen to find mud and other messy substances to track into the car.

If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, there are a few things to take into consideration. The following three vehicles for 2015 are ideal for both kids and dogs.

Toyota Sienna: Spacious with tons of storage

In your pre-kid-and-pooch days you might have mightily declared, “I will never drive a minivan;” but never say never, as minivans are practical, comfortable and easy to drive. In fact, Kelley Blue Book lists the Toyota Sienna as one of the best family cars that money can buy. The minivan not only has an enormous cargo area, which is ideal for carrying big strollers and dog crates, the rear seating also folds flat, allowing your dog to lie down comfortably when you are out and about. It features an oddly high number of cup holders which will house both sippy cups and doggie treats with ease, and under-seat storage keeps toys, blankets and chew bones from rolling around on the floor.

Subaru Forester: Deceptively large interior

In most cases, a kid-friendly car will also be a dog-friendly car. Consumer Reports named the Subaru Forester SUV as one of the best vehicles for a mom to drive. Features like big windows are perfect for kids and dogs to watch the passing scenery, and large rear seating areas (one of the largest in its class) make it ideal for multi-kid-and-pet families. The vehicle also boasts impressive leg room, which is nice if your darling dog likes to lie on the floorboards under his or her little master’s feet. The Premium model comes equipped with a backup camera, which is a terrific safety feature to have on any vehicle to prevent busy parents from accidentally running over tricycles or toys that are left in the driveway.

Nissan Juke: Impressive cargo area

When it comes to dog-and-kid friendly cars, it’s a good idea to look for makes and models with low ride heights; this way, little legs can easily crawl or jump up into the vehicle. In addition, tailgates that fold down are good for dogs to hop up into the car; a good idea if your dog weighs more than 25 pounds. Car and Driver created a list of dog-friendly vehicles that are also perfect for kids. In addition to the aforementioned features, the Juke also has seats that fold flat and storage areas under the floor, plus an enormous cargo area in back that will easily hold all of the doggie and kiddie paraphernalia that you lug around on the daily. The interior is easy to clean—another bonus for when you are on the road with kids and pets—and the rear gate folds down nicely for easy access both for dogs and for loading it up with groceries, baby swings and more.

February 20, 2015 | DogGeek

4 Outdoorsy Vacations Your Pooch Will Love

Comments Off

Going on vacation is something to look forward to. If you have dogs at home, planning a trip can be stressful. Making kennel arrangements or pet sitting arrangements can be difficult. But don’t fret—there are plenty of great outdoorsy vacations you can take with your dog in-tow. Consider these outdoorsy and dog friendly destinations for your next trip:

A Trip to the Mountains

Travel to the mountains for a vacation filled with outdoor fun and activities. For a diverse experience no matter where you go, one of the best places to visit is Colorado. Breathe in fresh air as you and your pup go for a hike or simply relax by a cozy cabin fireplace.

Journey to the rugged Colorado Rockies and stay at a peaceful ranch like the Whistling Elk Ranch. Go hiking, mountain biking, wildlife tours, horse trail rides or go fishing. Dogs are allowed on the property with proof of vaccinations from the last year. Heading to the mountains is a great way to escape the mundane and experience the beauty of nature.

If you are into snowboarding or skiing, you should check out Winter Park Colorado for an upscale romp in the snow. Winter Park Lodging Company offers you a pet friendly getaway the whole family can enjoy.

The Land of 10,000 Lakes

Boating, jet skiing, tubing, fishing, swimming—you name it and they’ve got. Rent out a cabin by a lake, soak up the sun on a pontoon and fall asleep to the sound of singing loons.

Duck hunting is a popular sport in Minnesota. You can go on guided tours or venture off on your own. Waterfowl hunting is the perfect activity for you and your faithful hound. It is exciting for you and it helps your dog expel extra energy. If you want to try your hand at hunting, be sure to get your Minnesota hunting license. You can easily get your hunting certification online before your trip so you can get straight to the fun once you arrive.

Posh Beach Vacation

If you are all about rest and relaxation travelling to Nassau in the Bahamas might be just what you need. Nassau is a vibrant, spicy city full of culture and spirit. Find private vacation rentals in Nassau that are pet friendly using resources like DogGeek. You can also bring your dog to the beautiful, one of a kind Cabbage Beach. It is secluded and often not crowded. Your dog can run in the surf, go for a swim or relax with you under the palm trees. It is a luxurious getaway that anyone can enjoy.

Take a Trip to West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone has plenty of pet friendly hotels you can visit with your family and furry friend. Take a guided tour in Yellowstone National Park or take a kayak or white river rafting trip with the entire family. Go on a Gravelly Range trip through Montana’s Serengetti and see the beauty of Yellowstone all around you.

Remember, you don’t have to leave your dogs behind.

You can easily take your dogs to new locations and see the world. Depending on your interests, you can immerse yourself in the wilderness and partake in all of your favorite outdoor activities or take a luxurious trip to the beach. It’s easy to find a destination with pet friendly hotels, resorts or private property rentals and attractions.

January 14, 2015 | DogGeek

Get Out of the House for Some Furry Fun Times

Comments Off

Does your dog love adventure as much as you do? Do you want to bring your furry friend with you when you hit the open road? Depending on the dog’s size and temperament, you may be able to do just that with a little bit of preparation and the right gear. Motorcycle rides, hiking, camping, and other fun vacation and day trips are more fun and relaxing when you bring your dog along.

Hiking Trips

Take your dog with you when you go hiking and you’ll both get the benefits of physical exercise in the great outdoors. Erica May, outdoor enthusiast and REI contributor, regularly takes her dog Kiwi with her on hiking and backpacking trips. She’s advises to always plan ahead and check dog regulations for the trails and areas you want to explore, because some don’t allow dogs. She suggests being prepared for emergencies, possibly taking a first aid class, to be able to take care of your pet in case of injury while out on a trail. May finds a sturdy, short leash works best to keep good control of Kiwi, which is especially important around other people with dogs. She advises dog owners to be mindful of their dog’s physical condition before going on long trips.

Let’s Go Camping

The CampTrip Team says it’s important to prepare a dog camping checklist when you want to take your dog camping with you. She advises bringing the dog’s dog license ID and rabies tags, leash and collar, and a 20 foot lead and stake to hold it. Also bring a dog carrier, crate, or harness and hand wipes, paper towels, and air fresheners for unexpected accidents in the car, as well as poop bags to clean up after your dog wherever you go. Camping dog owners should bring a first aid kit, especially for the dog, that includes things like rubbing alcohol, gauze, vet wrap that sticks without pulling out hair, tick release and tick tweezers, styptic powder to stop bleeding, an extra sock to put over a paw if injured, and first aid gel for pets. She advises making sure the campgrounds are pet friendly and bringing your pet’s dog bed with for something familiar.

Motorcycle Trips with Fido

How can both you and your dog stay safe while on a motorcycle/dirt bike? The right gear from places like Bike Bandit comes in handy when you need gloves, helmet, or tie-downs. Wes Siler of Indefinitely Wild says that bigger dogs require a sidecar for motorcycle trips, but that there are still safety considerations to be taken seriously. He says riding on the open road is more stressful and risky than car rides for dogs, and they need safe restraints for sidecar rides. He uses a harness clipped securely inside the sidecar, but not with the collar, to avoid transferring any traveling forces from braking or stopping to the dog’s neck. He advises motorcycling dog owners to take care to condition their dogs to the new experience of riding with them with short slow trips near home before going out on longer trips.

September 24, 2014 | DogGeek

Five Fun Outdoor Activities You Can Do with Your Dog (Other than Walking)

Comments Off

Getting outside with your beloved pooch means grabbing his or her leash and going out for a nice walk around the neighborhood. In addition to giving your four-legged friend some exercise and a chance to check “p-mail,” daily walks are a great way to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy.

But for dogs and their humans who love to get outside as much as possible, there are a wide variety of other fun activities that don’t involve grabbing a leash and a plastic bag to clean up any business transactions that might occur along the way. Consider the following:

Agility

Dogs of all sizes seem to enjoy learning agility courses. As Best Friends notes, agility involves owners guiding their dogs through obstacle courses that include Fido-friendly things like tunnels, slides, balance beams, hoops and much more. Depending on your schedule and the temperament of your dog, you can either join a local agility club and do it for fun, or you can even enter various competitions. While televised agility competitions are generally chock-full of border collies, pretty much any type of dog can get involved in the fun sport. In order to find an agility class in your area, just Google “dog agility” plus the name of your city or town.

Swimming

Most dogs have a natural inclination to swim. While some dogs would rather lie in the sun at the edge of the pool and relax, the vast majority of them will happily dive right in and start dog paddling around. As Nylabone notes, swimming is also a terrific outdoor exercise for dogs because it is low impact; in many cases, even older pooches who have arthritis or hip dysplasia can get some much-needed exercise in a pool. If you have your own pool, invite your dog to join you for some lap swimming—just be sure to wash his or her fur off afterwards to remove as much of the chlorine as possible.

ATV Riding

If you love going out on your ATV but hesitate leaving your dog home alone, it’s very possible that your four-legged friend will enjoy an ATV ride as much as you do. In order to make the ride as comfy as possible for your pooch, visit a gear store like MotoSport to purchase some aftermarket ATV accessories like a rack; this will allow you to modify your ATV so that your dog can ride with you as safely as possible. In many cases, dogs will readily hop up on a rear rack and happily cruise around with you on your property or a local dirt trail.

Exploring a beach

Dogs seem to have a natural affinity for sand and water. As Active notes, if you live near a sandy beach, by all means take Fido along as often as you can and let him or her run, sniff and explore. If you are on vacation and fortunate enough to have your dog with you, you can also enjoy some beach time activity during your time away from home.

Hiking

While many national parks do not allow dogs on the trails, there are plenty of state parks that welcome hiking pooches. The Hike With Your Dog website will help you to find dog-friendly hiking trails that are close to home. To be on the safe side, bring along a K9 first aid kit, plastic poo bags and plenty of water for both of you.

August 18, 2014 | DogGeek

What to Leave for the Dog Sitter When Traveling

No one wants to leave their dog at home when traveling, it’s like going without your best friend! Sometimes you have to though and when you do we like to our’s to be able to stay at home so we get a dog sitter. Dog sitters are great! Not only do your pets get to stay at home, you also get a house sitter and sometimes, with multiple dogs, it ends up being cheaper than boarding. When leaving though, always check the list below to make sure you left everything the dog sitter will need.

Food – Always leave more food than the amount needed for the days you are away, you never know if you may be extended due to other circumstances.
Food bowls – Make sure the food bowls, scoops and anything else needed is out for them to find.
Medications – Leave out all the meds your dogs need along with exact instructions on how to give them and how often.
Emergency Contact – You may not be available if an emergency happens. Always have a backup plan in place and let them know they are the backup plan.
Toys – Make sure all your pup’s favorite toys are out. The dog sitter may not know where to get them.
Crates – If your dogs are crate trained and that is their safe place, ensure that it is open and accessible.
Treats – Ensure these are out but also ensure that you leave instructions about how and when you give them. Last thing you want is to come home to a dog that has been getting 10 treats an hour.
Old towels – In case of accident, you don’t want your good towels used ;-)
Poop bags – You know you want them to clean up!
Your contact information and itenerary – This way your dog sitter knows where you at and when they can get in touch with you.
Collar – Make sure your dog’s collar is on and that the contact information is readable just in case they get out.

Find a dog sitter for your next trip >>

July 21, 2014 | DogGeek