Choose dog-friendly road trip destinations

Your dog is part of the family, so why wouldn’t he or she come on vacation with you? So if you are planning a dog-friendly road trip, take a look at these pet-friendly locations, activities and tips.

Go Camping

The spring and summer weather is calling you to get outdoors. Pack up your family and camping gear and head to a nearby campground to go swimming, fishing and hiking. As you do your research on campgrounds, GoPetFriendly.com recommends looking for locations with these features to make sure your dog will be safe and happy during your trip:

• No size or breed restrictions
• Ample off-leash areas
• Marked places for dogs to go to the bathroom
• Pet-friendly cabins

Because you’re heading into the wilderness, you also should make sure you’re prepared with everything you need. Check your vehicle before you head out to make sure it’s in tip-top shape. Make sure your tires have enough tread for when you get off paved roads, and replace them if need be. Also make sure you pack enough food, treats, water bowls and doggy bathroom bags to last the whole trip.

Head to the Beach

You’ve been dreaming about the wind in your hair, the smell of the ocean and the sound of waves crashing. The California coast is a great place for this family road trip, because many of California’s beaches include leash-free sections where your dogs can run and play (and maybe meet some new friends, too). There also are natural preserves, doggy wash stations and many other pet-friendly amenities. Be sure to visit Huntington Dog Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach, Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and Carmel Beach City Park.

As you drive up the coast, you need to make sure your pups are safe in the backseat. Put your dogs into a safety harness or pet carrier so they stay safe in case you get in an accident. You also should plan to stop every couple of hours to let your dogs go to the bathroom and stretch their legs.

Explore the City

You may not have thought of a big city as a great place to travel with your dog, but that’s not necessarily the case. New York City is a great example, as there are plenty of nearby dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, stores and activities. Major shopping destinations like Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tiffany’s allow dogs inside their doors, according to DogFriendly.com. As for activities, you can explore Central Park, go on walking tours of Manhattan, check out the scenery from the Brooklyn Bridge, and take in some culture at the William Secord Art Gallery.

Before you leave on this type of trip, take your pups to the vet for a checkup. Get them vaccinated, and ask about any concerns you have about ticks, fleas and heart worm. If you’re worried about your dogs getting car sick, be prepared with some remedies. You also should get your pups microchipped before heading to a big city just in case they get away from you.

If you need more suggestions of pet-friendly destinations for your road trip, check out sites and apps like BringFido and DogFriendly.com. These resources will give you everything you need to know about hotels, restaurants and activities you can bring your dog to on your vacation.

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