“We like to be outside, we like to travel, we like to run, and we like to make sure our dog gets to do it all with us.” Whenever possible, we like to take a pet-friendly adventure.
Here, I’d like to talk about WHY we like to include Kona and HOW we make pet-friendly adventure a bit easier.
Why
Actually, lets not spend too much time on the ‘why’. I mean, just look at her! She’s so stinking cute, energetic, and always happy. She makes most things more fun, albeit sometimes more difficult.
If you haven’t already, check out the story on how we ended up with the pup that completes our family.
Kona usually lets Jackson lead the way down a trail, and though she keeps right on his heels, she often turns back to make sure mom is making it okay. She keeps guard over camp while we lounge and eat dinner. And she makes us smile approximately a thousand times a day. So that’s why we always try to take her, and we’d encourage you to make some time for a pet-friendly adventure too!
We once tried to leave Kona with coworkers while we went to Arkansas for a few days so that I could compete in a triathlon. We actually wanted to take her, but the hotel for the second night was not at all pet tolerant. An hour down the road after leaving Tulsa, we got a phone call letting us know Kona had bolted out the door of the store and would not come when called. We hightailed it back and spent hours on our bikes calling for our girl. It was probably the scariest few hours of my life.
At last we received a call letting us know that a vet’s office had her (chip your pets people!). I don’t even know how she was found because I was so excited to see her that I forgot to ask. We held our sweet puppy real tight and made a mutual agreement: Kona gets to go.
How
Now on to the ‘how’ to make it easier.
First, I’d like to point out that I said easier. No part of a trip is easy when planning to bring your four-legged friend. These are just tips for easing some of the hassle.
Second, I’d like to say that sometimes it’s just best to leave your pet behind. Maybe it’s because they’re homebodies or maybe you’re going somewhere that isn’t safe for them. Whatever the case, there are times when it’s simply better that they stay behind.
We have an international vacation coming up this year that Kona doesn’t get to join us on. We’ve discovered that she has pretty bad anxiety set off by different things (not all causes are known). By letting her stay at home in her happy place, we hope to make our absence more bearable for her and us. Our vacation length was determined by the length of time we’re willing to be away from our dog, not how long we’d actually like to spend abroad.
With all that said, when you do decide to take your pet along for the ride, here are some things to think about.
Do Your Homework
There are so many resources out there these days for planning a trip. There are many different ones specifically for traveling with a pet. BringFido is an especially reputable source that’s perfect for searching what a location offers in way of pet friendly hotels, restaurants, activities, and events. Although we’re firm believers in “winging it” when it comes to most travel, when opting to bring your dog it’s best to have a bit more of an idea where you’re going/staying so there are fewer surprises. You can still diverge from your game plan to be spontaneous, but better to have a backup plan.
Camp
I know not everyone likes to sleep on the ground. This girl included. BUT I am willing to sleep on the ground for things that are worth it. Epic views is one of those things. Pet-friendly adventure is another. Pet fees at hotels can rack up BIG TIME.
We were once stranded in Colorado and paid an extra eighteen dollars – Every. Night. – to have Kona with us. There are kids that cause more damage to a hotel room than my dog! But I digress.
I know camping doesn’t suit everybody, but it’s at least worth giving a go.
On our first big trip with Kona we’d planned to camp a lot more than we actually did. We’re taking another trip here in a few weeks and considering our current employment status, we’ll certainly be making more of an effort to keep things cheap by camping.
Opt for State Parks Over National Parks
Pets are sometimes allowed in National Parks in some areas. Rather than not go to them, save those for a different kind of trip. Keep your pet-friendly adventure to state maintained parks and trails who almost always welcome pets. National Parks are incredible for many reasons, but honestly, there is often equally incredible sights and adventures to be found elsewhere. Seek those out! Your pet will thank you.
Be Courteous
Please pick up after your pet. Keep them on a leash when around other people, and be certain that you’re in control when they are off-leash. Don’t let your dog approach strangers and please don’t say, “Oh they won’t bite,” when they’re barking ferociously. Take control of your pet.
I think everyone should take pet-friendly adventures, but it should never come at the expense of your, your pet’s, or other people’s safety.
