Traveling with Pets: Fun Activities For You & Your Dog

By The DINKs

Traveling with your pet can open up a world of adventures for both you and your furry friend. Whether it’s exploring scenic trails, lounging on pet-friendly beaches, or visiting unique attractions that welcome pets, there are countless ways to make your travels more enjoyable with your pet by your side.

In this blog, we’ll share some of our favorite pet-friendly travel activities, tips for ensuring a smooth trip, and suggestions for creating memorable experiences together. As we visit places, we always try to eat something local, drink something local and do something local. We have traveled to 44 states and Washington, D.C. and have been able to do that along with our pup. From hiking to dining out, discover how you can include your pet in your travel plans and make every trip a tail-wagging success.

Tips

Know Your Dog’s Limits: This can be easier said than done, and we’ve learned the hard way. See below places we don’t bring our dog to learn some of our dogs limits.
Have a Backup Plan: Despite our experiences, we still find ourselves unprepared at times. Bad weather can prevent outdoor dining, or attractions might have changed policies. One monument we visited was supposed to have dog kennels, but they didn’t open until after Memorial Day. Flexibility is key, but it helps to have a backup plan.
Ensure It’s Pet-Friendly: Confirm that your destination is pet-friendly by checking the website or even going as far as calling ahead.
Hydration: Bring plenty of water and a collapsible bowl to keep your pet hydrated. Find a shaded area to sit, and be mindful of the temperature. If it’s too hot, keep your pet indoors (But not in the car.)
Clean Up: Always clean up after your pet to help maintain the beauty of the trails.
Be careful what they can eat: Whether it’s crabs or fish on the beach, a toad that he caught in the woods, our dog has occasionally gotten sick from finding something he thought was food. You can never be too careful.
Find Space: Give your pet some room to relax by choosing less crowded areas. For instance, if there’s music, stay farther from the band; at the beach, find a spot further from the water.
Exercise: Before settling down, take your dog for a walk to explore and burn off some energy. I also bring a chew toy and treats.

Our Favorite Activities

Walking tours:

While walking tours could be pet-friendly, we often prefer to create our own walking routes. This approach allows us to explore new locations while giving our dog some much-needed exercise. Whether it’s strolling through the historic sites of the Civil Rights March in Alabama or taking in the scenic views along Cliff Walk in Rhode Island, our pup has relished these adventures as much as we have. Crafting our own tours not only provides a customized experience tailored to our interests but also ensures that our furry friend can join in on the exploration.

Hiking:

Hiking with your pet offers a rewarding way to enjoy the outdoors together, but it’s important to note that not all trails are pet-friendly. Before heading out, it’s helpful to understand how your dog handles different conditions. For instance, while my dog excels at climbing rocks, I prefer to avoid trails that require rock climbing due to safety concerns with him on a leash. Additionally, be mindful of local wildlife and ensure that your pet doesn’t disrupt the natural habitat.

Beaches:

Taking your pet to the beach can be a delightful way to spend the day, but it’s crucial to find beaches that welcome dogs. Always check and follow the specific beach rules and be considerate of other visitors to ensure everyone has a pleasant experience.

Many beaches have restrictions, such as no dogs allowed between 9 AM and 5 PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so always check the beach’s website for the most current information.
We’ve found that spring and fall are perfect for spending the entire day at the beach with our dog, while in summer, early morning or evening walks are best, with our pup cooling off in the air conditioning during the hottest part of the day.
Watch out for sea life and other objects on the shore. My dog loves to sniff out bait like squid or shrimp left by fishermen, and he’s also found crabs and fish.

Lakes and Rivers

Taking your dog to a lake or river can be a delightful way to enjoy the outdoors together. Whether your pup loves splashing around or just enjoys a scenic walk along the water’s edge, lakes and rivers offer a refreshing change of scenery. Our dog isn’t a fan of water, so he avoids swimming, but if your dog enjoys lakes or rivers, a life jacket can be a great safety measure. My sister’s dog loves kayaking and paddleboarding on lakes, while our dog isn’t keen on boating and prefers staying on land. We usually stick to dry land, with the occasional stroll through shallow lake or river water.

Breweries & Distilleries:

Many breweries and distilleries are becoming increasingly pet-friendly, providing a welcoming atmosphere for you and your furry companion. These establishments often go the extra mile by offering water bowls and treats to ensure your pet feels comfortable and included. To make the most of your visit, it’s wise to check their pet policy in advance to confirm that pets are indeed allowed. Many breweries and distilleries feature outdoor seating areas that are perfect for relaxing with a drink while your pet enjoys the fresh air. Before heading out, be sure to check the weather forecast to ensure a pleasant experience, as outdoor areas can be less enjoyable in inclement weather.

Vineyards:

Many vineyards are embracing a pet-friendly approach, offering outdoor seating where you and your furry friend can enjoy a relaxing day together. To ensure a smooth visit, it’s important to check the vineyard’s pet policies beforehand, as rules can vary. Confirm that pets are welcome and understand any specific guidelines they may have. When planning your visit, consider your pet’s comfort and behavior in social settings. Vineyards often feature tranquil and picturesque environments, perfect for unwinding and savoring the scenery.

State and National Parks

Taking your dog to national and state parks can be a rewarding experience, but it requires understanding park regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Each park has specific rules for pets, often designed to protect wildlife and natural resources. Before you go, research the park’s pet policies and check for designated pet-friendly trails and areas. Always keep your dog on a leash and never leave them unattended to avoid accidents or distress. Choose trails that match your dog’s fitness level and be prepared to take breaks.

Wildlife Viewing:

Our dog enjoyed the drive through Yellowstone, where he was fascinated by the buffalo herds, but his curiosity about the prairie dogs kept us from letting him out of the car. Similarly, during our visit to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, he didn’t see the black bears (though we did), but he could definitely smell them and was eager to explore. We made sure to keep him safe by not allowing him to venture out.

Baseball Games:

Yes, we had to include sports! Many ballparks host special “Bark in the Park” days, where you can bring your dog to enjoy the game. Be sure to check the event schedule and pet policies in advance. It’s also important that your dog is well-behaved and used to large crowds and noise for a smooth experience.

Although we haven’t taken our own dog yet due to his tendency to greet everyone, we still enjoy attending these events and capturing photos of all the other dogs having a great time.

Outdoor Music & Festivals

Taking your dog to an outdoor festival or live music event can be a fun experience for both of you. Before you go, verify that the event is pet-friendly and review any specific rules for bringing dogs. We recommend arriving early to secure a shaded, spacious spot where your dog can relax comfortably. Keep an eye on your dog’s comfort and stress levels, as large crowds and loud noises can be overwhelming for some pets.

Other Activities:

You might be surprised at the variety of places where pets are welcome. Beyond the usual parks and trails, we’ve found many unexpected spots that are pet-friendly. Some of the unique activities where we’ve successfully brought our dog include:

Yellowstone Bear World in Rexford, ID – As long as he stayed in the cabin of the car with the windows rolled down he was allowed to ride with us through the drive through animal park. (Double check before you try it for yourself.)
Bonneville Salt Flats in ID –
Mardis Gras in New Orleans, LA – Barkus Parade

Places We Avoid:

Traveling with your dog can be a joyous and enriching experience, but not every location is suitable for our furry companions or maybe just not mine.

Yoga Classes: Taking your dog to a yoga class might seem like a fun idea, but it often leads to confusion and distraction for your pet. I swear any other time he would just lay down and chill but not during yoga. Our dog couldn’t understand why people were moving in strange ways and not paying attention to him. His constant attempts to get pets and play made it impossible to focus on the class.
Farms and Open Animal Parks: Visiting a farm or an open animal park can be highly stressful for your dog. Once, we took our dog to a farm, hoping he would enjoy seeing other animals. Instead, he became distraught when he couldn’t play with a fenced-in goat, throwing a fit that cut our visit short. It was too hot to leave him in the car, so my husband had to stay with him, running the AC. To avoid such stress for both you and your pet, it’s better to leave your dog at home if you plan to visit a farm or animal park.
Suspension Bridges: Hiking is a favorite activity for many dog owners, but not all trails are pet-friendly. We once encountered a suspension bridge on a hike, and our dog refused to cross it. Rather than forcing him and risking his safety, we turned back. If your hike includes such obstacles, consider your dog’s comfort and safety, and be prepared to choose an alternate route or skip that part of the trail.
Busy Markets and Crowded Festivals: While outdoor festivals and markets can be exciting for humans, they can overwhelm dogs with the noise, crowds, and unfamiliar scents. Our dog gets anxious in crowded settings, making it difficult for us to enjoy ourselves. If you plan to visit a bustling market or festival, think about how your dog handles large groups of people and loud environments.
Beaches During Peak Hours: Many beaches have strict rules about when dogs are allowed, often restricting them during the busiest hours of the day, especially in the summer. Even if there isn’t restrictions, sometimes it’s just too hot for our dog to be on the beach especially since he doesn’t go in the water.

Summary

Traveling with your pet can be a wonderfully enriching experience, adding an extra layer of joy to your adventures. By following our tips and being mindful of your dog’s needs, you can make the most of your travels together. Whether it’s creating your own walking tours, enjoying scenic hikes, relaxing on pet-friendly beaches, or exploring vineyards, lakes, and rivers, there are countless ways to include your furry friend in your adventures. Don’t forget the thrill of wildlife viewing, the fun of “Bark in the Park” baseball games, and the vibrancy of outdoor music festivals. Always check pet policies and have a backup plan to ensure a smooth trip. Remember, knowing where not to bring your dog is just as important as finding pet-friendly activities. With a bit of planning, you and your pet can create lasting memories on the road.

Doubletake Travel

Traveling with Pets: Activities Both You and Your Dog Will Enjoy