There may be nothing more fun for the sociable dog owner and their pup than going on a trip with fellow dog owners and their canine companions. But planning for one will also likely mean more work than what’s expected for an ordinary trip—especially for contingents with large headcounts.
Since this activity will also include your dogs and the dogs of your travel buddies, you’ll have to consider a wide variety of needs when coming up with an itinerary. With so many things to keep in mind, what can you do to ensure a smooth experience for all the people and pups involved?
Here are some tips if you’ve been given the significant responsibility of planning this pet-friendly excursion:
1) Book Pet-Friendly Lodgings That Can Accommodate Your Group’s Size
The first order of business when planning for this kind of trip is to find suitable lodging that can accommodate everyone. You’ll want to make sure that all humans and their furry friends can have a comfortable place to retreat to after a full day of adventure. Your choice of accommodation will also help you set the stage for an enjoyable trip.
Start by determining the size of your group and the number of dogs involved. Next, use third-party booking websites and apps to search for pet-friendly accommodation. These technologies are constantly improving to make it easier to find a hotel, motel, or vacation rental that offers pet-friendly options.
Consider choosing a rental property with a spacious outdoor area, as this will allow dogs and humans alike to socialize and let loose without the constraints of a hotel or resort room. If your group includes larger breeds or several dogs, ensure that the lodging has enough space for everyone to feel comfortable. In addition, check for pet amenities such as dog beds, bowls, and easy access to pet-friendly parks or trails nearby.
Don’t forget to disclose how big your group is to the property owner. Even if they’ve declared their property as pet-friendly, you may still have to abide by certain house rules for accommodating your dogs. The property staff will also appreciate the heads-up about any extra prep work they’ll have to do for your group’s stay.
2) Prepare Eye-Catching Pet Accessories for Easy Identification
photo by Yunus Beşir via Pexels
For the safety and comfort of your group’s dogs during the trip, you can also prepare eye-catching accessories for every pup to wear. Brightly colored leashes, colorful harnesses, and custom dog bandanas in bulk can be purchased by everyone in the group to make sure each four-legged member of the party stands out in dense or crowded areas. You can also get matching outfits for the dogs in your group to add a fun and festive element to your trip.
Don’t forget to remind everyone to attach tags with relevant information, such as any allergies or medical conditions, to each dog’s collar for quick reference.
3) Visit Pet-Friendly Destinations and Book Pet-Friendly Activities
Next, plan group activities that everyone can enjoy without feeling overly exhausted or left out. Research pet-friendly destinations where dogs are welcome to roam and explore. Many national and state parks, for instance, have designated pet-friendly areas, making them perfect spots for your group to hike together while enjoying nature at places such as Anne’s Beach in the Florida Keys.
When visiting pet-friendly local attractions, make sure to check their pet policies and follow them to the letter to keep the peace. Also take the time to book in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises that may cause stress to both dog owners and their fur babies.
4) Ensure Each Pet Owner Brings Their Respective Pet’s Essentials
Well before the trip is set to begin, and during particular activities like excursions to the beach or dog park, make sure that each pet owner packs their respective dog’s essentials. To help remind other dog owners, you can create a checklist together that everyone should follow. The list should include items like food and water bowls, sufficient dog food for the duration of the trip, treats, and any necessary medications.
Portable water bottles or collapsible travel cups designed for dogs are also great for keeping them hydrated during outings. Everyone should also bring their own sets of cleaning supplies, such as waste bags and paper towels, to keep the lodging and surrounding areas clean. If you have a go-to supplier for these products, be sure to recommend them to other members in your party. You can also remind each other to bring your dogs’ favorite toys and bedding to ensure their comfort and familiarity in a new environment.
Finally, prepare a first aid kit specifically for pets, as this will come in handy in case of minor injuries or emergencies. You can entrust the kit to one person or have a different person take charge of it every day; just make sure everyone in the party knows who to go to in case their pup gets sick or injured.
5) Make Sure Everyone Is in the Pink of Health
As far ahead of the trip as possible, you’ll want to ensure that all pets and their owners are in tip-top shape. This will help enhance the overall experience of the entire group, given that many of the activities may be physical in nature and require both pets and people to be on their feet.
For your dog, schedule a veterinary visit weeks before your departure date. This appointment should include a thorough examination to confirm that all your dog’s vaccinations are current, especially those required for travel to certain locations. Discuss any health concerns or medications with the veterinarian, and ask for advice on managing your dog’s needs during the trip. For your personal well-being, on the other hand, schedule a health check-up with your doctor to help you determine whether you’re fit to travel.
Your trip will be both safer and more enjoyable if you and your fellow dog owners can keep tabs on each other. Be ready to assist and support members of your party who have a chronic illness, disability, or other special needs—bipeds and quadrupeds alike.
