If you follow my blog regularly, you know my dog Cooper goes just about everywhere with me. We have traveled as far north as Monterey, California and down south to San Diego. He loves to dine out with me whether we are at home or on vacation. Cooper has gone whale watching, kayaking, hiking, wine tasting, pedal boating, shopping and to the movies (outdoor of course!). Along the way, I have picked up a few best practices and travel tips to make vacationing with your dog easier. Read on to find out more.

My First Travel Tip Is Do Your Research

Before taking a trip with your furry best friend, you must do your research. Think of Google as your friend. Not only will you want to know if your vacation spot is dog friendly, you will want to scout out accommodations, restaurants and activities that will happily welcome you and your pup.

I always start out by searching the following phrase: Is (insert city or location) dog friendly. It is amazing how much information pops up. Cities looking for tourist traffic have begun to recognize the importance of dog-friendly travel. Many have pages dedicated to what makes their location pet friendly. In addition, blogs (such as Out of the House with TLC), Reddit feeds and other dog centric sites will appear and offer insider’s information on how to make the most of your trip.

Travel Tips to Find the Perfect Accommodations

Finding dog-friendly accommodations is pretty easy these days. You can discover all sorts of unique places to stay, even a treehouse like the one above. Just go to any third-party booking site such as Expedia, and use the filter “pet friendly” to narrow down the choices to those who allow dogs. On Airbnb, you can include your dog in your total number of guests. There are a couple of things you should be on the lookout for.

• Pet Fees – Investigate if the accommodation charges a pet fee. I have seen fees range from $10 to upwards of $150. It is also important to note whether they charge the fee per night or per stay. While $25 per night might sound affordable, if you are staying for a week, that is an extra $175. Most places will charge a pet deposit to guard against any damage done by your pet, but some will tack on a pet cleaning fee which is non-refundable.
• Rules – Not all pet-friendly establishments are created equal. Some will have special rules regarding your pup that they expect you to follow. One I see a lot is no animals on the furniture including the bed. If your dog sleeps with you at home, it most likely will be impossible to keep him or her off the bed when traveling. In cases like this, it is a good idea to be up front and contact the owner or hotel. Offer to cover the bed with a blanket. I find that 90% of the time this is an acceptable solution. Bottom line, make sure the rules are something you and your dog can live with. Otherwise, you might be kissing your cleaning deposit good bye.

Travel Tips for Dog-Friendly Dining

Again research will be key in finding dog-friendly restaurants. I have learned that most with an outside patio will allow dogs, but not all, so don’t assume. Pups are rarely allowed inside, but there are a few exceptions. If in doubt, make a quick call to confirm the pet policy of the restaurant.

Some commonsense travel tips to follow when dining with your pooch are never allow your dog on the chairs or benches unless explicitly stated that you can, don’t allow your dog to eat off the dining plates or utensils, and bring your own water bowl. While many dog-friendly eateries provide water bowls and even have pup menus, some do not.

If you have never taken your dog out to a restaurant, you might want to test the waters before dining with your pup during a busy lunch or dinner rush. Pick a slower time with a restaurant that is not crowded. Ask for a table away from others. Bring treats. With a little training, your dog will love to eat out as much as Cooper does.

Travel Tips for Your Dog-Friendly Adventure

There are so many dog-friendly activities out there. From kayaking in Big Bear to wine tasting in Paso Robles, the internet will lead you to an abundance of fun things to do with your dog. Some travel tips to consider before you embark on your next adventure include:

• Check the weather forecast. If your pup gets cold like Coop, make sure to bring a sweater.
• Always bring water for your dog. One of my favorite dog water bottles is the Iesotc bottle on Amazon. It has a foldable water bowl as the lid, so no need to carry an extra bowl. Plus, a gasket keeps water from spilling out. (Note – I do not receive any commission from this product, I just really like it!)
• Don’t forget the treats and poop bags.
• I like to do many things on the water. I have even taken Coop whale watching! To be safe, bring your own doggie life jacket when planning a water activity. Even if life vests are offered, they may not be the right size which will be uncomfortable for your dog. You can find a variety of styles and sizes for under $50 on Amazon. An added bonus is they come with a handle which makes hoisting your dog onto a boat a breeze (well, at least if they are smaller).
• If you are spending the day at one of the many dog beaches in California, consider an umbrella or pop-up to shade your pup.
• Don’t assume all outdoor activities are dog friendly. This includes hiking trails.

One Final Travel Tip

Believe it or not, one of the hardest parts of dog-friendly travel, especially if it is just you and your pup, is finding a place to use the bathroom. I am not talking about for your dog, I am talking about for you! With many vacations occurring in the heat of summer, it may not be safe to leave your dog in a car while you run into the gas station to use the facilities.

One hack is to find a PetSmart or Petco. Most have customer bathrooms and allow leashed dogs inside the store. Be on the lookout for park bathrooms and of course, rest stops. I have also found when dining at a dog-friendly restaurant, if you ask, they will usually allow you to make a quick pit stop in their restroom with your dog.

I hope my travel tips encourage you to include Fido on your next vacation. With a little planning, it can be fun and hassle-free.

Share your dog-friendly travel tips in the comment section below.