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.