Planning a Dog-Friendly Vacation

It can be distressing for both you and your dog if you leave her behind, however well cared-for, when you go on vacation. Fortunately, pet travel has become more common, and vacation destinations are increasingly more accommodating to pets, particularly dogs. Here is a guide for planning a vacation with your dog, including places to go, things to do, and tips to make the travel safe and comfortable.

Where Should You Go On Your Spring Vacation?

Spring is a great time to go on vacation for several reasons. The weather in most places tends to be mild, neither too hot nor too cold. For many vacation destinations, spring is the off-season, meaning that you may be able to save on travel expenses.

You may already have a travel destination in mind, but if not, here are some dog-friendly destinations to consider:

• Colorado: If you're interested in winter activities with your dog but can only take your vacation in the spring, Breckinridge, Colorado, still has snow in the spring due to its 12,000-foot elevation. Telluride is a dog-friendly community where your furry friend is welcome in many restaurants, hotels, and on the "Galloping Goose" shuttle bus.

• Upstate New York: The Arnold House in Shandalee Mountain pampers your pet; he gets his own dog bed, homemade treats, and special ID tags with the hotel's contact information in case he gets lost. If your dog needs space to run around, take him to Finger Lakes where you and he can explore over 9,000 square miles of natural beauty.

• California: Treat your dog to a day at the beach on Mendocino Coast and stay at the Little River Inn, which offers 250 acres of off-leash property. Or, enjoy one of the most popular cities for tourism in the United States with a trip to San Francisco.

What Activities Can You Do With Your Dog While on Vacation?

Your vacation should be an opportunity for you and your dog to spend quality time together doing things that you both enjoy. Again, you may already have an idea of what you'd like to do with your dog while on vacation, but here are some options you may not have thought of.

Camping can help both you and your dog get in touch with nature and form a closer bond with one another. Some national parks, and many state parks, have dog-friendly campgrounds, and many private campgrounds welcome pets as well. Just make sure you understand the pet policies before you go; for example, some campgrounds allow dogs to camp in tents or mobile homes but don't allow them in cabins or other indoor facilities.

If you're vacationing with a dog in a city, visit one of the local dog parks. It gives her an opportunity to enjoy new smells and possibly make new friends. Meanwhile, you have an opportunity to chat with the locals.

Hiking with your dog is a little more challenging than your daily walk around the neighborhood and gives you an opportunity to enjoy some spectacular sights. If you have a small dog and don't think he can handle the rough terrain, you can still take him hiking by carrying him in a dog backpack.

Being on the water can be a new and exciting experience for a dog. Many lakes and beaches offer canoe or paddleboard rentals for a few hours or a whole day. Make sure your dog is trained to lie down and stay on command, and don't take her out on the water without a canine life jacket or vest.

If you take your dog to Breckinridge for a spring vacation, you may be able to have fun just playing in the snow, but it may also be possible to take your dog for a ride on a sled. As with water sports, you need to be sure that your dog reliably follows safety commands for this to work. If you are an experienced skier with a large breed dog, you can train him to pull you on your skis, an activity called skijoring. This is not something to try with an untrained dog, and your pet should wear a harness for safety.

How Can You Keep Your Pet Safe While on Vacation?

Taking a vacation with a dog takes careful planning ahead of time to make sure your pet is safe and comfortable. Whether you are traveling by plane or in your own car, your pooch should always be restrained. If your dog is small enough to ride in the airplane cabin with you, she needs to be in a soft carrier that can fit under the seat.

If traveling by car, your dog should be in the backseat. A special tether can attach your dog's harness to a seatbelt so your dog can move around a little. Don't attach the tether to his collar; the force of a collision or sudden stop could choke him or damage his throat.

When you're out and about, make sure you take frequent breaks. Carry baggies so you can clean up after your pet when she has to relieve herself and carry a travel water bottle for dogs so she can stay hydrated.

Your dog should wear an ID tag with your cell phone number in case he gets lost during your vacation. Microchipping is also a good idea in case your dog somehow loses his tags.

Take your dog's temperament into consideration before planning a vacation. If she is of a nervous disposition or has trouble with changes in her routine, she may not enjoy the vacation. In this case, it would be kinder to leave her behind in the care of a kennel or dog-sitter.