Summer Travel Guide: Roaming with Rover

Summer is here and American highways will once again welcome vacationers after the stay-at-home isolation the country experienced during the pandemic. 

For many of us, the most memorable vacations are ones that include the whole family. So, you might just find yourself on the road with the family dog!
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Traveling with Fido is much easier today than in the past.  More and more hotels and motels welcome dogs.

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Accommodations:  From my days as a travel agent, I recall contacting the manager of Houston’s Shamrock Hilton to see if my Scottie could accompany me on a business trip.  Surprisingly, he said “yes,” but it was not necessarily the norm at that time.  LaQunita and Motel 6 were innovators in dog friendly accommodations but now many chains from budget inns to luxury hotels welcome dogs.  Some, like Marriott, even present the guest with a special gift upon arrival. 
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“Call ahead” cannot be emphasized enough!  There may be size restrictions and extra fees or deposits for pets.  

Rest stops and truck stops along the highway:  I travel frequently alone with my dog, and I have never been stopped or questioned when she accompanied me into the restroom at places like Love’s, etc., but you will have to evaluate each stop to determine which one’s welcome dogs, do not allow them or simply turn their heads.  With several people traveling together, it is easy, you simply take turns standing outside with your dog, but never leave him or her in the car even for a minute in the summer. Many stops provide a fenced area for your dog to exercise and take care of business.  But please travel with poop bags to clean up after your pet.  
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Meal stops: You may have to pack a sack lunch and picnic at a roadside park (which can be a fun experience) or rely on drive-thru when on the road with your pet, but again, never leave him or her in the car even for a minute in the summer.

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Air Travel with your Pet 

Air Travel requires a bit more planning as you must be aware of and follow the restrictions set forth by the carrier.
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As far as flying on-board the aircraft, only fully documented service dogs and those breeds small enough to be accommodated in a crate that will fit under the seat are allowed. Others are transported in the cargo section of the airplane.

​Contact the airline for restrictions.  If you are leaving the United States, you must have documentation required by the destination.  Again, contact the airline to make sure that you are properly prepared.
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Dog-Friendly Places to visit 

Many National Parks and amusement parks have joined the band and are realizing that canine travelers are a vital part of tourism today. 

The Grand Canyon is one of the top bucket-list destinations in the United States. And Fido is welcome! Grand Canyon National Park is dog friendly, especially the South Rim, even allowing dogs to hike along with you on some of the trails.

Is your faithful friend allowed at Old Faithful?  Yep! Yellowstone National Park is pet friendly.
 
Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company operates a kennel service where you may leave your pet in a temperature- controlled environment while you tour the cavern. The kennel is for day use only—no overnight stays.

SeaWorld San Antonio does offer kennels outside the park, and they are free.  However, they are outdoors, covered, but open air and unattended.  I love Sea World, but would personally not include a visit when traveling with my dog unless I boarded my pet at a local vet.

Although pets are not allowed inside Dollywood Park (except for service animals) some cabins are pet friendly and “Doggywood” (Dolly’s doggie day care) is located adjacent to guest services at the front gate. Space is limited and reservations are highly recommended.  Please book your kennel or cottage in advance.

While only service dogs are allowed in the theme parks, water parks, restaurants and on- board park transportation, Walt Disney World Resort offers Best Friends Pet Care to give peace of mind to Walt Disney World guests traveling with pets.

Wherever you plan to visit, always visit the park’s website and call to find out about restrictions, reservation requirements, etc., so that you have no surprises upon arrival. 
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Just as you would never travel internationally without required documentation for yourself, never leave home without your dog’s health and inoculation records. These may be obtained from your vet.  All vaccines must be current, and Bordetella is necessary to protect your animal from kennel cough when in close contact with other animals. 
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Do be considerate and keep your dog on a short leash (leave the retractable at home or better yet, at the pet store) so that he or she does not, even though friendly, become a nuisance to other visitors. This thoughtfulness helps ensure that our pets continue to be welcomed at destinations.

​Have fun and take plenty of pictures of Fido’s adventures whether playing fetch on the beach, hiking the great outdoors or just curled up on the sofa watching TV. You will want photos of your special time together.   

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Shelia Huffman, Contributor/MHC Board 
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Shelia recently moved to the Greenwood community of Midland from Dallas where she was a staff writer for White Rock Lake Weekly and a columnist for Bubblelife Media.  A retired travel agent and event planner, she has  been an animal activist her entire life.  Shelia  has a daughter and son-in-law in Midland, a grandson in Dallas and a granddaughter at Texas Tech. She lists cooking and writing about food, and,  of course, playing with her Terrier Mix rescue, Penelope, as some of her favorite things.