Dog Friendly Travel Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Dog Friendly Traveling!

Tired of leaving your best friend behind to miss all the summer fun? Traveling with your dog may be easier than you think. With a little careful planning and preparation many dog owners are finding that there are many more options open to them than in the past.
Not only are there more and more hotels, motels and B&B's that welcome dogs, but there are now tours and travel clubs dedicated to dog friendly travel.
I hope this guide will help you and your dog to enjoy your best vacation ever!
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New Table of Contents

10 Tips for Car Travel
Are We There Yet?
Top 10 Dog Friendly Cities
Add Your Dog to Your Auto Insurance Policy
Don't Drink the Water!
Keep Your Dog Safe Around Water
Travel Fashions
Dine with Your Dog
This is the Life!
Spending Quality Time with Your Dog
Share Your Favorite Dog Friendly Restaurant or Pub
Dog Friendly Travel Guides on Amazon
Reader Feedback

10 Tips for Car Travel

Plan Ahead. If you are rushing around at the last minute your dog will pick up on this and become fearful.
Avoid car sickness Don't feed your dog for at least 2 hours before a long car ride, but make sure to provide plently of water.
Make sure the temperature of your vehicle is comfortable for your dog. Keep the car well ventilated and your dog out of the sun while riding.
Do not let your dog ride with his head out the window! Yes, I know your dog likes it, but serious eye injuries can occur from road dirt or flying debris.
Make sure to stop and allow your dog to relieve himself. Yes, I know your husband wants to "make good time", but remind him that neither you nor the dog can "hold it" for as long as he can!
Use a crate, car seat or dog seat belt. This not only protects your dog, but all the passengers in your car as well.
Always keep your dog on a leash when leaving the car. Even dogs that are well trained off leash can become confused or disoriented when they are in unfamiliar surroundings.
Make sure your dog's ID tags are up to date! Remember your home phone number on your dog's ID tag won't help if there is no one there to answer it.
I know you've always heard, "Dont leave your dog in a locked car with the windows closed." Well I say,"Don't leave your dog in a car unattended AT ALL!" Dogs left alone can become frightened or may fall prey to kidnappers (dognappers).
Don't forget to travel with a copy of your dog's health and vaccination records. Take along a first aid kit especially if you are planning an active or outdoor vacation.

Are We There Yet?

Top 10 Dog Friendly Cities

Pack your bags and go!

San Diego, CA - While you are there visit the Ottay Ranch Shopping Center. It features and off-leash dog park and dog sitting for $5 an hour so that you can get some shopping done or dine in one of the restaurants. More into outdoor fun? Take your dog kayaking around La Jolla Bay!

Long Beach, CA - This city host several annual dog parades and festivals. You can enter your dog in the Most Beautiful Bulldog Contest!

Carmel, CA - Dogs are welcome on this city's famed walking tours.

Portland, OR - Visit the Iron Mutt Coffee Company, the state that their mission is to gives dogs and there owners a place to enjoy quality time together.

Seattle, WA - Stay at the Pensione Nichols Bed and Breakfast.

Chicago, IL - Be sure to dine at the Cucina Bella and your dog will be served a complimentary bowl of pasta.

New York City - While here be sure to visit the William Secord Gallery on E. 76th St. They specialize in 19th Century Dog Art and your dog is welcome to browse too!

Orlando, FL - While visiting sunny Florida don't forget to take your dog to dine at Sam Snead's Tavern. It is here that Govenor Jeb Bush signed Florida's ground breaking "Doggie Dining" Law that allow patrons to dine with thier dogs in all outside establishments in the state of Florida!

Colorado Spring, CO - The Broadmoor Hotel and Resort a five star destination will provide outstanding accomodations for both you and your dog.

Austin, TX - Austin has 12 off leash parks, many dog friendly restaurants and your can even enjoy a carraige ride together! How romantic!

Add Your Dog to Your Auto Insurance Policy

Many auto insurers are now ofering Pet Accident insurance as part of your auto policy. If you own a pet I would suggest calling your company and finding out if this insurance is available.

GMAC Insurance has teamed up with the Humane Society to provide this coverage.

Don't Drink the Water!

Take water from home or use bottled water for your dog while traveling. Just as with humans, dogs can get an upset stomach from unfamiliar water.

Keep Your Dog Safe Around Water

Summer Water Safety-: Summer is the time when we all want to beat the heat and enjoy a dip in the pool, lake or ocean. Although we will all look forward to these activities it is important to keep the safety of your pet in mind when around water.

Dogs, like children need to be taught how to swim into and exit open water. Not all animals can automatically swim and some breeds of dog actually have a hard time keeping afloat. Never throw your dog into the water! You should get in first and call to your dog.

Even the best swimmers can have a hard time exiting the water. Climbing ladders to exit the water is not automatic. Most dogs have a hard time exiting a pool by ladder because their paws can not grip the rungs. Steps that are below the water are not easily seen by dogs since the stairs are below their sight line. Each year many pets drown in backyard pools. Please consider purchasing a safety ramp for your dog.

While attending the recent Pet Industry H.H. Backer Trade Show in Baltimore we were quite impressed with the Skamper Ramp. This ramp is available in two models. The original Skamper Ramp is excellent for small dogs and backyard wildlife. The
Super Skamper Ramp
is perfect for larger breed dogs and use on boats and docks.

We are so anxious to have our customers keep their dogs safe this summer that we are offering FREE UPS ground shipping on both models.

Travel Fashions

Before you leave on your trip this year, make sure you stop in and visit us first. See what the well-dressed dog is wearing!

Dine with Your Dog

Here is a list of outdoor restaurants around the country that will welcome you AND your dog!

Jordan Pond House: Located in Bar Harbor, ME this gem of a restaurant dates back to the 1800's. Lunch, tea and dinner are served on the porch May-October.
Sally's: Located at the Manchester Hyatt Grand Hotel in San Diego. The open air restaurant is on the beach and completely dog friendly.
Kemo Sabe: Another San Diego find!
The Boat Basin Cafe: Located in New York City it is one of many dog friendly establishments!
The Park Bench Cafe: Breakfast, lunch on the beach plus a dog's menu. Orange County, CA
Freddie's Place: Located in Austin, TX one of the most dog friendly establishments in town. This restaurant headed the fight between dog lovers and city council to pass an ordinance allowing restaurants to choose whether or not they would allow dogs to dine with their owners. Freddie's has a wonderful patio area, complete with a stage for nighttime entertainment, a washer pit with weekly tournaments, a fire pit for chilly nights, a pool table, outdoor bar, Christmas lights year round, and giant 100 year old oaks. Very laid back, very "Austin"-y always welcomes well behaved, leashed dogs in the expansive patio area.
The Laughing Seed Cafe: Asheville, NC a vegetarian restaurant open for lunch and dinner.

This is the Life!

Spending Quality Time with Your Dog

These dog friendly destinations are sure to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Get out there, have fun together and meet other "dog people"!

Pets Welcome.com: Travel resource website with pet-friendly seal of approval for lodging and travel listings in the US and Canada.
Dog Friendly Hotels: Find a great place to stay with your dog!
Gramercy Park Hotel: For more than 75 years this classic NYC hotel has been catering to a legacy of guests including the Kennedys and Humphrey Bogart, to name names. Now your dog is a welcome guest too!
The Tuscany Hotel, NYC: Expect doggie beds, place mats for their bowls and treats, of course.
Dog Paddling Adventures: Have a ton of fun and learn how to paddle Ontario's rivers with your pet in tow.
The Paw House Inn: This 1878 Vermont Farmhouse caters to dog owners and thier dogs! Homemade dog biscuits are served next to the French toast. You can enjoy outdoor activites with your dog. They even have an outdoor "Dog-in" Theater.