Pet Friendly Spring Break Destinations

While some people like to travel without their pets, there are just as many who tailor their trips to include the four legged members of their family.  Spring break typically is the first sign of warmer weather, at least in the midwest United States, and can be a perfect time to get out and go with the whole family.

These vacation destinations are known for spoiling pets and their people. Warning: Your bucket list is about to get a whole lot longer.

Victoria, British Columbia
We will start our journey in Canada.  This will be the only place outside of the United States.  Victoria, British Columbia has amazing off-leash green spaces and pet friendly accommodations that will check all the boxes for your pup.  The city has a Paws in Parks program which dedicates twelve parks in the city that are dedicated to off-leash activities. Just blocks away from Victoria’s downtown, Dallas Road offers a trail and beach fun for your pup with the backdrop of amazing ocean and mountain views. Local hot spot, Clover Point, is a great place to walk with your four legged best friend. Along the scenic marine drive you can catch views of Mount Baker while your dog navigates the rocky terrain.  You may even meet many other four legged friends enjoying the space!

Essex, Vermont
Vermont is a great vacation destination any time of the year. But in spring with all the blooming trees, it is breathtaking.  The Essex Resort and Spa is the best spot to stay and pamper your pup.  They have a pet-friendly “R & Arf” package that includes an interactive doggy treat cooking class for owners. The ultimate lodging package for guests and their number one travel companions, “R & Arf” features a two-night stay, the cooking class, a two-course room service dinner for two adults and one pet, passes to the 575-acre community park at Indian Brook Reservoir for a self-guided hike, and a keepsake collapsible water bowl and toy.

Shandelee Mountain, New York
The Arnold House is one of the best country escapes for guests and their pets, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities. Specific pet amenities include house-made dog treats, customized dog tags with Arnold House contact information, dog beds and more. There are hundreds of nearby hiking trails, swimming, boating, and fishing activities; humans and four legged guests can explore during the day and return to the inn at night.

Smoky Mountains, Bryson, North Carolina
If you want to visit the smoky mountains, Hidden Creek Cabins has over fifty dog-friendly mountain cabins. Even better, they have no weight limit or dog limit, so it’s perfect for the large family that has trouble finding a place to vacation. You can enjoy all the mountain trails you can squeeze into your vacation, as well as a cozy fire in the evenings.

Telluride, Colorado
This town is truly for the dogs – they have more dogs than people per capita! Visitors can take advantage of all kinds of activities that are dog friendly – from hiking to dog-friendly gondolas to get around town. Dogs are welcome at most of the inns and hotels and on the local shuttle bus, The Galloping Goose. They not only have dog-friendly restaurants, but they have convenient, two-house puppy parking spots located in front of the town’s restaurants and shops.

Sedona, Arizona
If the southwest is more your speed, check out Sedona, Arizona. Sedona is known for its stunning red rocks and outdoor adventures for those on two or four legs. Surrounded by over a million acres of national forest land, Sedona offers endless trails for hiking for all skill levels with dogs allowed on most trails. You have plenty of choices of restaurants with more than a dozen, being pet friendly.  The Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa allows dogs up to 75lbs to stay in their two-room suites.

San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a big tourist spot, so if your dogs love city life, then this is the vacation spot for them. The W Hotel welcomes dogs (and even cats) to their property through its P.A.W. program- Pets Are Welcome. The hotel will provide your pet’s stay with dog walking services, grooming services, and specialty pet stores. Your pet will get a gift basket upon check-in and will be met with a pet bed, food/water bowls with mat, a door sign and even a treat on their bed with the turn-down service.

San Juan Islands, Washington
These islands have been rated one of the top tourist destinations for people and it should be for dogs too. Leashed dogs have tons of trails to take their owners hiking, with several off-leash dog parks and beaches to allow them some freedom to sniff and roam. Doggy water fountains, dog friendly dining, a pet wellness center and over 50 dog friendly lodging choices are just some of the reasons the islands are a dog heaven. Small dogs are allowed into the Whale Museum, and many of the shops are dog-friendly and have water bowls outside for your thirsty pups. Be sure to go to the Pelindaba Lavender farm and get your furry best friend some homemade lavender dog biscuits.

We hope these ideas spark the desire to travel with your pet; however, we know that is not always the best option.  I have to say it - if you are unable to travel with your pet, consider hiring a local professional pet sitter to care for them.  If you live in Illinois in Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard or Naperville communities, give The Pet Lady a call 847.802.9534 or visit our website to set up a meet and greet with our amazing staff.

Pet Friendly Naperville

Naperville, IL is an adorable town 28 miles west of Chicago and is also the fourth largest city in Illinois.  Naperville is not only home to its large population, but home to many pets! Along with residential areas, Naperville is home to vast areas of parks and prairies making Naperville a great place for your dog.  We have compiled our favorite places in Naperville to walk, run, shop and dine with your dog.

Springbrook Prairie Dog Park

The almost 1,900 acre forest preserve is not only a birder’s paradise but also offers an off-leash dog park along with trails to hike and run with your dog.  There are limestone paths throughout the preserve that will give you and your pup miles of sniffing and enjoying the summer blooms.  Pets are not allowed on the mowed grass paths, and your pup must remain on a leash while on the trails.  While strolling with your dog, watch out for pet parents on horseback! Springbrook Forest Preserve also welcomes your horse on all it’s limestone.  The off-leash dog area is fully fenced in to give you and your pup the space to play and explore.  You do need a Forest Preserve Permit to use the dog park and you must adhere to all rules, which can be found here.  The Forest Preserve and Dog Park are open seven days a week from dawn to dusk.  Please note the off- leash dog area is closed Thursday mornings for routine maintenance and cleaning.
https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/springbrook-prairie

Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar

Plan a dinner or lunch date with your dog at Lazy Dog! Dogs are welcome on the patio AND they have a menu just for your pup.  Their Dog Bowls can be ordered for dine in or take out and your dog has the choice of chicken or beef.  My dog knows when we say Lazy Dog or spell it out for that matter, that she is getting a special dinner.  They also offer the cutest TV dinner style togo meals for humans.
https://www.lazydogrestaurants.com/

Wag ‘N Paddle

Wag ‘N Paddle is a great place to have fun and bond with your dog.  They offer private swim time in their indoor swimming pools along with a 12,000 square foot indoor dog park.  They also offer boarding, day care, training and space for private events.  As a pet owner you are encouraged to join your pup for play and swims, but Wag ‘N Paddle always has trained staff available to make sure all pups and pup parents are on their best behavior.  Before your dog can enjoy all the fun activities at Wag ‘N Paddle, they must go through a temperament evaluation to not only keep your pup safe, but all the dogs that come to play.  Wag ‘N Paddle offers monthly memberships and pool passes on their website.
https://wagnpaddle.com/

Two Bostons

Two Bostons is a go to pet store offering in-store shopping, curbside pick up and delivery of your pup’s favorite foods and treats.  They offer all natural foods and treats for your canine and feline family members.  They also offer pet nutrition counseling to help your four legged family member get the nutrition they need to thrive.
https://twobostons.com/

Green Valley Forest Preserve

With almost 1,400 acres of preserve, Green Valley offers a great scenic place to stroll with your dog.  May through October, you are able to see the skyline of Chicago from the 190 foot tall overlook.  Green Valley has over 12 miles of marked trails along with an off-leash dog area.  Green Valley’s off-leash dog area is over 16 acres and what we love best about this dog park is it offers separate areas for large and small dogs.  You do need a Forest Preserve Permit to use the dog park and you must adhere to all rules, which can be found here.  The Forest Preserve and Dog Park are open seven days a week from dawn to dusk.  Please note the off- leash dog area is closed Wednesday mornings for routine maintenance and cleaning.
https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/greene-valley

The Pet Lady, Ltd. is proud to have served the Naperville community for the past 30 years. We would be honored to care for your pet while you are away or working from home. We offer Daily Dog Walking, Vacation Pet Sitting and Pet Taxi Services, click here to contact us for a free meet and greet with your pet!