Summer is here again and it’s time for vacations. But this year, you want to take Fido with you, which now limits where you can go. Here are some vacation spots that Fido is sure to enjoy with you.
- The Outer Banks, North Carolina: This beautiful beach destination is dog friendly, with many hotels and restaurants that welcome fur-babies. You can spend your days swimming, playing frisbee, and exploring the beaches.
- Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: This stunning lake sits on the border of California and Nevada, is another excellent option for pet-friendly vacations. There are plenty of hiking trails, boat rental outfits, and fishing opportunities.
- The Smoky Mountains, Tennessee: This mountain range is home to a variety of pet-friendly activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. There are also several dog-friendly towns and villages in the area.
- The Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia: These mountains offer a similar variety of pet-friendly activities to the Smoky Mountains. There are also several wineries and breweries in the area that welcome dogs.
- The Pacific Coast Highway, California/Oregon: Starting in Astoria, Oregon and traveling down US Highway 101/Highway 1, this scenic road trip is a great way to see some of the pacific coast’s most beautiful beaches and coastal towns. Many of the hotels and restaurants along the way are pet friendly.
When planning a pet-friendly vacation, there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind:
- Make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations and you have an effective flea/tick prevention method whether it’s a spray or Bravecto.
- Pack enough food and water for your pet.
- Bring a leash and collar/harness for your pet.
If you need to fly for your summer vacation, here are a few of the pet-friendly airlines.
- Alaska Airlines — They allow dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds in the cabin for an extra fee. For larger pets, a pet crate is permitted, along with the purchase of an extra seat. Pets such as dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish can also travel in the climate-controlled cargo for an extra fee.
- Southwest Airlines — They allow one fully vaccinated cat or dog to be in their crate for the entirety of the flight. The crate must also be able to fit under a regular airline seat. Pets are not allowed to travel in the cargo area.
- United Airlines — Per the United website, "United doesn't have any breed or weight limitations for pets flying in the cabin. However, the animal must remain inside a carrier, with the door closed, underneath the seat in front of you for the entire flight. The animal must have room to stand up and turn around inside the kennel, and United only allows one pet per kennel".
- American Airlines — Their pet policy is much like United Airlines, and only military and state department members may transport an animal in the cargo area.
- Delta Airlines — All dogs, cats, and household birds are allowed in the plane's cabin if they can travel comfortably in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you.
- Jet Blue — All dogs and cats 20 pounds and under are allowed in the cabin of the plane as long as they can travel comfortably in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you on domestic flights.
With a bit of planning, you can easily take your furry friend on a fun and memorable vacation.
