If you’re a dog parent, especially one with a wandering streak, you know how difficult (and downright stressful) it is to leave your fur-babies when you travel. While pet sitters and boarding are both viable options, stealing one last look at your pooch’s wide eyes as you’re walking away is bound to tug at your heartstrings. Leaving them behind is definitely anxiety-inducing for both you and your furry friend. Pets are family- why not take them with you if you can afford it? Bringing your pet along when traveling can give you a wonderful opportunity to strengthen your bond and create lasting memories with each other. Whether it’s flying to a new country together or camping with your dogs, providing your pets with new experiences is considered beneficial for their well-being. Stimulating environments with different sights, smells, and sounds can decrease your fur kids’ feelings of loneliness and depression. Humans aren’t the only ones who need vacations! That’s why I have compiled a list of pet-friendly locations, hotels and dog experiences
popular in the United States and beyond where you and your fur babies can spend quality, stress-free time together.
1. Sedona, Arizona, United States
Besides gorgeous views and stunning red rock formations, this charming location offers plenty of activities for your four-legged friends to enjoy. Especially suited for active pups, Sedona offers unique dog experiences- from pet-friendly sightseeing to
camping. Sedona’s 43-acre Slide Rock State Park offers ample space for your dogs to explore freely, while most popular hiking trails also welcome pets. You could even opt for pet-friendly tours that let you go backpacking and camping with your dogs.
Many tours allow you to visit heritage sites and natural wonders, including ancient Indian ruins and the Boynton Canyon, with your fur babies by your side. Several campgrounds and hotels in Sedona are pet-friendly, making your travel hassle-free. The Sedona Dog Park, located in the main city, offers designated areas for senior, large and small dogs, also accommodating spaces where your dogs can roam freely off-leash. The park also features water stations and shaded areas, so pet parents can rest easy. Your dogs could even accompany you to the Oak Creek Vineyard and Winery for a sophisticated wine tasting, or they can join you for a relaxed lunch at the Secret Garden Cafe featuring a lovely enclosed patio for pets.
To top it off, Bow Wow of Sedona is a pet boutique and a perfect fit for the most pampered pooches. Apart from toys and collars, you can give your dogs the ultimate VIP treatment with treats from the Gourmet Bakery section. Pet-friendly Sedona sure is every dog parent’s dream!
2. Under Canvas, United States
Ever been camping with your dogs? Recall that night, cozied up with your fur babies under the stars… now imagine an upgraded, five-star version of the experience. Under Canvas offers just that- a luxurious, pet-friendly glamping escapade. With several locations across the United States, all Under Canvas campsites are situated near popular national attractions, including the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park.
All Under Canvas locations are pet-friendly, charging an additional $25 per night for each pet while providing spacious tents for multiple fur-kids to cuddle up beside you. The campgrounds also offer acres of land for your dogs to roam free or lie beside you while you stargaze! Your pooches can even accompany you to the campsite fire-pit for nightly s’mores.
Most Under Canvas locations offer plenty of dog experiences in and around their properties, including sprawling dog parks. Under Canvas’ Great Smoky Mountains campsite, for instance, boasts the Mad Dog’s Creamery and Doughnuts in Gatlinburg. Here, you can treat your pets with delicious doggy doughnuts after hiking pet-friendly trails and exploring the Nantahala National Forest together.
3. The Lake District, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Beyond the United States, this U.K. national park and vacation destination is renown for its medieval heritage sites, glacial lakes and plethora of unique pet-friendly experiences. Plenty of hotels and accommodations in the Lake District lodge pets, while dogs are also welcome aboard the Windermere Lake Cruises free-of-charge. The Lake District has 16 water bodies that your pets can enjoy, even offering specialty doggy ice-cream at the jetties.
Meanwhile, Cumbria impressively boasts 20 pet-friendly heritage sites; your fur babies can come along as you explore medieval English ruins, from Brougham Castle to Furness Abbey. The picturesque backdrops are perfect for indulging in a photoshoot session for your dogs’ Instagram page!
Your fur kids can even experience the magic of English railways, as the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway allows dogs to ride free-of-charge through the green countryside. Cumbria’s Grizedale and Whinlatter forestsprovide vast outdoor spaces for your furry friend to roam free off-leash. Although, do bear in mind that the woods are home to wild animals such as deer and alpacas.
At the end of a long, adventurous day, you and your canine companions can unwind at one of the many pet-friendly pubs that Cumbria has to offer!
4. BM Beach Resort, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Taking our journey into the Middle East, this stylish resort welcomes dogs in its 45 pet-friendly rooms. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, a city near Dubai popular for its pristine beaches and archaeological attractions, BM Beach Resort pampers both humans and four-legged guests.
Upon checking in, your dogs will be gifted a welcome pack featuring essentials including toys, scarves and treats. Your room’s canine-friendly amenities will comprise a dog bed as well as a hamper of shampoo, conditioner and body mist to keep your pooches squeaky clean. All food and beverage outlets across the property are pet-friendly, while the resort’s sunny beaches and agility courses are accessible to all four-legged guests. The dedicated dog bar at the property offers delicious treats catering exclusively to your pets.
Pet parents can also enjoy some alone time by visiting the National Museum, a nearby mosque or exploring the primitive Dhayah Fort in Ras Al Khaimah. In this case, the resort’s recreation team has planned engaging activities to occupy your fur-kids. Alternatively, you could drop your dogs off at the resort’s pet care center or pamper them with a grooming appointment. Who wouldn’t want to spoil their furbabies with such a luxurious resort experience?
5. Bells By The Beach, Victoria, Australia
If you’re dreaming of a pet-friendly beach getaway in Australia, this holiday house may be perfect for you. The property is located in Ocean Grove, a scenic seaside town offering pet parents the chance to enjoy wineries, hiking trails, golf courses and fishing spots. For the fur-kids, the sandy beaches provide vast open spaces and shimmering waters suitable for a swim. Bells By The Beach has hosted more than 430 four-legged guests and offers complimentary lodging for up to 4 dogs at a time. (WOOHOO!!)
All breeds and sizes are welcome! The estate features spacious outdoor lawns for your furry friends to play in and is located near a beautiful stretch of beach where your pets can roam off-leash. A variety of pet-friendly cafés and restaurants are easily accessible from the hotel. The holiday house also alleviates pet parents’ worries by offering dog food and drink bowls, fresh water, towels, pet shampoo and blankets- so you can travel conveniently light! The warm outdoor shower also ensures that your pooches are spotless after a day of rolling around in the golden sand at the beach.
Bells By The Beach also provides a pet-friendly shallow wading pool for sweltering summer days, as well as locally-sourced dog treats, toys, and spare leashes for your pooches.
You and your doggies are bound to cherish these pet-friendly travel locations and dog experiences. With pandemic restrictions lifting in the United States and across the globe, why not venture back into traveling the world with your four-legged friends by your side?
