Labradoodle puppy packed and ready!
As much as I love a family vacation to Europe or the Caribbean, I always feel guilty about leaving Penny and Kiki behind. In fact, even calling it a “family vacation” seems a little mean. The pandemic caused us to bond with our pets more than ever and added millions of new dogs to our homes. Luckily the travel and hotel industries are increasingly seeing the need for pet friendly vacations, which means we can now include the entire family or just plan a trip with our BFF.
Preparing for your trip
I asked Paige, Pride+Groom’s Social Media Director, and dog mom to instadog celebrities Charlie and Sawyer @puppienamedcharlie how she prepares for a trip with her fur babies.
Paige Elyse Chernick SAYS:Here are a few things I always like to do and bring when I travel with my dogs Charlie and Sawyer:
Charlie and Sawyer having tea the Williamsburg Hotel, Brooklyn NY
Food and Medications for dogs
Plan ahead for all food and medications. I always like to pack an extra day or two worth of these essential items just in case there are changes or delays in travel plans.
First aid kit for dogs
Dog First Aid Kit
I also like to prepare for any emergencies by bringing along a dog first aid kit easily available at Amazon or Chewy. We love the Small Door Vet break down of a dog first-aid kit. I also always look up the closest vet practice/ER to where I will be staying, just in case.
TIP: We love the Small Door Vet break down of everything you need in your dog first-aid kit.
Do not hesitate to contact your Vet if something unexpected happens, our fav Vet Dr. Carrie Bassel shared previously some tips on traveling with dog
Pet Friendly Hotels + Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals
These days, there are so many to choose from all over the world. Check if they have a specific travel program for pets, which usually includes a complimentary pet bed, bowls, and even treats.
This adorable pooch is ready for a road trip
Dog Friendly Activities
Whenever I travel to a new city with my dogs or go on a road trip, I love to research the dog friendly restaurants, parks, and shops in the area. I even ask local residents what they suggest, because you find some great hidden gems when you don't just look on yelp.
You can search for dog friendly hotels, activities, restaurants, and more but location on BringFido
Charlie wearing his personalized Pride+Groom x Trill Paws dog tag
ID Tags for Dogs
Make sure your dog has proper ID tags on, as well as a collar/harness that is safe and secure. The last thing you want is your dog getting lost or going missing when you are far from home. Check to make sure their microchip information is up to date.
The Mini dog shampoo set by PRIDE+GROOM
Grooming essentials for traveling with a dog + Pet care while on vacation
Pack Grooming essentials!! I like to make sure their doggy dop kit has these favorite dog cleaning items:
Wipes for dogs
THE SWIPE dog wipes by Pride+Groom
Waterless Shampoo for dogs
THE MANE TAME waterless dog shampoo by Pride+Groom for a quick freshen up before they jump in to the clean hotel sheets with me.
Travel size shampoo and conditioner for dogs
THE MINI by Pride+Groom is perfect as it includes a 1oz shampoo, 1 oz dog conditioner and a sample of Proud, dog freshening spray. Great for a quick clean after a day on the beach, hiking or even city travel.
Where can you travel with your dogs?
It's important to consider who your dog is before including them in your vacation plans. For instance you wouldn’t want to take a dachshund hiking steep, rocky terrain or an anxious pup to a loud noisy city.
Logistically, staying within the US is much easier, and there are plenty of choices for everyone.
Seashell got too tired to walk through the airport
Are there dog friendly hotel chains?
YES! If you're like me, you like to plan your vacation around a nice hotel stay. Many hotels are not only welcoming dogs, but giving them their own special amenities and services.
Kimpton Hotels are incredibly dog friendly and don't have extra fees for bringing your dog! They offer treats, dog beds, and bowls in your room. They even host dog friendly happy hours where dog owners get free drinks when they bring their dogs. What can be happier??
Loews Hotels’ Loews Love Pets Program features“Pet-in-Room” signs for your guest room door so our teams know who’s in residence.
Gourmet room service menus for cats and dogs. Creature comforts like specialized bedding, leashes, collars, litter boxes and litter, litter scoopers, pet placemats and water bowls. Dog-walking route maps, doggie pick-up bags, and connections to the best pet-walking and pet-sitting services in town
Recommendations for nearby parks and local pet-friendly cafes and restaurants
Graduate Hotels Launched in 2014, Graduate Hotels is a collection of pet-friendly boutique hotels located in college towns across the United States and the United Kingdom. The Graduate takes extra care to make sure that both their two- and four-legged guests receive the best accommodations and perks at many of their hotels.
The standard pet policy welcomes two pets up to 100 lbs for an additional fee of $25 per night. Most locations feature on-site pet relief areas with waste stations, and many provide tasty dog treats.
Four Seasons If you and your fur baby are looking to be spoiled, rotten like you both deserve, The Four Seasons has the EXTRAS you are looking for. Many Four Seasons offer accommodations and extra special amenities at no extra charge. For example, The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills provides in-room amenities including pet treats, bowls filled with Evian water, and a luxurious pet bed. The Four Seasons Chicago also provides these amenities free of charge, but only for pets under 30 pounds.
Many properties have a special food menu for dogs, as well as grooming and walking services available (for an additional fee) through the concierge. Check with each individual hotel to find out if they accept pets and what services are offered.
Marriott has over 1,500 dog-friendly locations across the US under a number of different hotel brands (Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels, Delta Hotels and Resorts, Gaylord Hotels, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, TownePlace Suites and more). Each hotel offers a wide range of amenities for pets at different fees.
Peninsula Hotel if you and your pet love a good pampering a Peninsula hotel should satisfy. A number of Peninsula properties allow travelers to bring their dogs. Some properties allow a maximum of two pets for a fee of $35–75 per pet. In addition, some hotels will provide food and water bowls and a luxurious dog bed.
DoubleTree by Hilton More than 120 DoubleTree properties allow dogs, with a maximum non-refundable fee of $75 per room. It’s best to call ahead to make sure a pet-friendly room is available.
A pug enjoying a kayak ride
The best beach vacations for dogs:
There are few things more joyful than watching your dog run on the beach and frolic in the waves. If you and your BF love the sun, surf and sandy paws check out these dog friendly beaches.
Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CaliforniaThis beach is located along California's central coast and is known as one of the friendliest beaches in the U.S. Your dog can run off leash, play with other dogs and swim in the ocean. After, go for a walk (leash required) on Scenic Road, which runs along the beach and has incredible views of the coastline which is lined with the town's famous Cypress trees. Many restaurants offer "yappy hours" and a pup menu . Get pampered at the Cypress Inn with VIP treatment with amenities like pet blankets and bowls, doggie poop bags and an area to wash off after playing on the beach.
Pepper the Goldendoodle enjoying a boat ride in Florida
Dog Beach: Jupiter, Florida
The name says it all! This 2 ⅕ mile stretch of gorgeous beach on Florida's Atlantic Coast runs from beach marker No. 25 at Marcinski Road to marker No. 59 at the south end of Carlin Park. Your pups can run free off leash. After some fun in the sand you will want to make reservations at Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, where you and your furbaby (30 pounds or less) can get fresh and pampered. After, you can visit Harbourside Place, a waterfront shopping and restaurant complex with many outdoor pup-friendly options for eating.
South Padre Island: TexasIf going on a Caribbean vacation with your pup is on your bucket list, but you don’t want to deal with the logistics of international travel, try South Padre Island. This barrier island lays between the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre Bay off the southern tip of Texas. It's the only tropical island in the state with 34 miles of white sandy beaches, sparkling emerald green waters and more than 300 sunny days a year. One day, take a beach break for a dolphin tour with South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center. Stay at the Isla Grand Beach Resort in one of the pet friendly condos or cabanas.
Where can I take my dog for an active vacation?
Where to take your dog for an Looking for Adventure If you and your pup are the outdoorsy type and your idea of relaxing is to keep moving then the following destinations are probably for you.
Runyon Canyon California
Just north of West Hollywood is Runyon Canyon Park Where you and your pup can hike the 2.7 mile loop trail, enjoy city views and maybe even spot some celebrities.
Arden Point and Glenclyffe, New York
On the east coast, Garrison, New York, is only one and a half hours from the city by train. The Arden Point and Glenclyffe trail is a four legged hiker's dream. The 3.8-mile, loop has incredible views of the Hudson and lots of swimming spots for you and your furry pal to cool off in hotter days.
Little Wildhorse and Bells Canyon Loop: Ferron, Utah
This Canyon Maze is an unforgettable adventure where you and your off leash pup can explore hidden crevices in the Canyon’s breathtaking terrain.
Vacations are for making lifelong memories, that should include the furriest members of our families!
Black lab taking in the view after a hike
THE LAST WORD/ROUNDUP
PRE TRAVEL VET VISIT FOR DOGS
- Make sure your four legged friend is up to date on all vaccinations.
- Most airlines allow you to fill out and upload all necessary forms before you fly.
- Otherwise, print them out and bring them with you.
The Sherpa Travel bag for dogs
TRAVEL BAGS FOR DOG
Most dogs love a small space as it makes them feel safe. Crates are great for road trips but mandatory for train and airplane travel.- Your dog crate should always be big enough that your dog can sit, stand and lay down in it.
- For plane and train travel your crate must be airline compliant.
- Don't forget to add a comfy mat or blanket and a favorite toy!
Travel+Leisure has good round up of travel carriers for dogs
Max sporting his GOTAGS personalized dog collar
IDENTIFICATION AND TAGS FOR DOGS
- Chances are you will not get separated from your dog but just in case, always put a collar on your dog with you name and number.
- If you don't like the jingle jangle sound of a dog tag then go for a super simple personalized dog collar. This personalized dog collar with the name and number embroidered directly on the collar is also great as opposed to a tag as tags can get loose and fall off.
Schnitzel the Mini Goldendoodle curled under my seat on a the plane
FLYING WITH DOG TIPS
- Rules vary depending on the airline so make sure you do your homework.
- Just because your dog is a service dog does NOT mean you can simply arrive at your flight with Fido in tow.
- When you book your ticket, make sure you make a reservation for your dog as well.
- Most airlines only allow a certain amount of dogs in each cabin at a given time.
- If your dog is not a service dog, a fee may be involved.
- Go to the airline's website to find out all pertinent information.
- If your dog is a service dog, carry a copy of his certification papers with you.
PRO TIPS
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Give your dog lots of bathroom breaks.
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Never leave a dog alone in a hot car.
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Don't forget collapsible bowls for food and water.
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Bring your dog's food. Switching food in a bind can make your dog sick (no fun for you or him).
WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?
PRIDE+GROOM was born because 4 New York City dog lovers wanted the same level of grooming products for their dogs that they themselves enjoyed. They looked (hard) but nothing was up to snuff. Or sniff. Like so many, we love our families and take pride in our homes, and we consider our pets to be integral parts of those entities. That said, we could not find an effective way to coif them that was on par with the way we tended to our children, our homes, or ourselves. These beloved pets are allowed on the furniture and in our beds, and yet even when fresh from the groomer, we knew they did not smell or feel as good as they could.
With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house.
PRIDE+GROOM is the first dog grooming brand launched under a beauty platform, with formulas made in a clean beauty and scent lab. We know beauty is not only skin deep. We did a ton of research to create the entire line. Each product is formulated with its own unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world.
IN DOG WE TRUST
Shop our entire line: www.prideandgroom.com
