Plan a Summer Getaway with Your Furry Friend

April… May… JuneJulyAugust.

It feels like summer just started! Yet, here we are getting ready to trade our ice-cold beverages and swimsuits for pumpkin spice lattes and cozy scarves. This has also left many of us scrambling to plan end-of-summer getaways. If your planning to let your furry baby tag along for the fun, here are some tips to make sure Fido has a great vacation, too.   

Where are we going? 

Options for a dog-friendly summer getaway are nearly endless. Whether you’re just looking for a quick day trip or a long goodbye to warm-weather fun, check websites like BringFido.com. These sites often provide local listings for pet-friendly activities, like festivals, attractions, yappy hours, 5Ks and more. 

Sites like this are also great for vacation ideas. From off-leash dog beaches to lakes, parks, restaurants, and more, you can find tons of dog-friendly destinations. You can even find hotels and where pets are welcome, preventing you from going from hotel to hotel in search of some somewhere with accommodations for the whole family. 

How are we getting there? 

When traveling with pets, many people choose driving. Before you load up your trusty sidekick and hit the road, consider the following: 

• Safety First: Just like you, your dog needs to be safely secured when traveling in a vehicle. If you choose for your pet to travel in a crate, make sure the crate isn’t placed in a crumple zone like the cargo area. Seatbelt harnesses and dog car seats should be secured and placed safely away from airbags that could injure your pet in an accident. Finally, while it might be tempting to let your dog hang their head out of a window or sit in your lap, both can lead to injuries for your pet and you. 
• Potty Breaks: If your travels take you far from home, make sure to plan stops along the way for your dog to relieve herself. This is also a great opportunity for both of you to get out of the car, stretch and get some fresh air. 
• Keep Them Hydrated: Make sure that your dog has plenty of water to drink. Collapsible bowls are great for road trips. Space-saving and convenient, you can pop them open at rest stops for a quick water break. Then, fold them up and store them until the next stop. If your canine pal is traveling in a crate, attaching a water bottle to the crate so it is easy to give them access to water whenever they’re thirsty. 
• Let’s Fly: Sometimes the quickest and best way to get to your destination is flying. If your pet needs a boarding pass, too, make sure to check with the airlines to learn their requirements for traveling with pets. 

Enjoying your stay

You made it. Now, it’s time to relax and have some fun. Here are some suggestions for making sure that your dog enjoys their summer vacation, too. 

• Get Some Exercise: Your dog didn’t come along just to stay in a crate or hotel room all day. Make sure that they get ample opportunities for exercise throughout the day, especially on days when dog-friendly activities aren’t planned.
• Give Your Dog Their Space: Your best pal may enjoy relaxing on your sofa all day at home, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be as comfortable at a hotel or condo while you’re away. To prevent damages or uneasy encounters with hotel staff, crate your dog when you aren’t there to monitor him or her. This gives them a dedicated place to feel safe and secure. A blanket or toy from home is also a nice way to keep them comforted while away from home, too. 
• Be Considerate of Others: When your pup is out and about make sure to keep them leashed in all places that aren’t explicitly labeled off-leash. This can include hotel common areas, restaurants, stores, and even beaches. (Check the requirements for bringing your dog to any beach, lake or other public areas to avoid any unexpected expenses like fines.)                               
• Dinner Time: You might be excited to enjoy the local fare on your destination, but your four-legged friend probably is not. Take enough of their food to last for the entire vacation. This ensures that they’ll be happy and satisfied. Plus, it helps prevent any digestive issues caused by introducing a new food into their diet. 
• Do You Have ID: Make sure your dog is wearing his or her tags at all times. This will help if you get separated for some reason, not only for identification purposes but also for showing that your pal is up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.   

We hope this guide will help you plan a fun, memorable getaway with your best guy or girl. What are some of your tips for traveling with furry babies?