Dog-Friendly Vacation Spots

When planning your next vacation, you might also want to include your four-legged family members. You might be used to the scramble of finding a sitter or an available dog boarding service near you, but you also have a third option. There are beautiful destinations all over the U.S that will welcome not only you but your furry friends, too. 

Your dog is family, and when you leave, they miss you! Besides, bringing your dog means you won’t have to miss them or worry, they’re great company, and you’ll create long-lasting memories together. When you plan for a trip with your pup, remember that you must be able to accommodate them throughout the whole trip. That includes pit stops (never leave your dog alone in the car), excursions, restaurants, etc. 

Before you take your pup on a trip, it is important to have them trained for your specific needs. A new place can be scary for a dog, so you can relieve anxiety by building their confidence through training and trust bonding. A well-trained dog typically has less anxiety, more trust in their owner, and can explore their surroundings with alertness. 

Greenlin Pet Resorts has an excellent dog training program that will get your pup vacation-ready. We offer a free evaluation to review their current level and the best path to train them efficiently. Contact one of our 5 Harrisburg locations today to learn more! 

Transportation With Dogs

If you’re planning a cross-country trip and driving isn’t practical, you have multiple other options that are dog friendly. While you can get a ticket for your small dog to fly in-cabin on a plane, medium-sized and large dogs are not allowed on many airlines — but there are exceptions, and certain airlines will accommodate larger dogs. Make sure to research your airline of choice before booking!

Aside from flying, you can also find dog-friendly trains! Trains are efficient and usually offer a more-scenic trip which is an exciting excursion for your dog. Trains are also usually more cost-effective, have more space, and railways are very reliable, which is important when traveling with an animal. 

7 Dog-Friendly Vacation Spots Across The U.S

There are notable cities that cater to animal lovers, giving travelers like you a chance to enjoy a trip with your beloved furry friend. Always be sure to check individual policies for parks, hotels, airlines, and other arrangements before assuming your dog is welcome.

Whether you love the mountains, the beach, or even big cities, there is a dog-friendly vacation spot for you and your whole family. We’ve compiled a list of the top 7 vacation spots that your dog will love, from sea to shining sea:

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is a rare exception in national parts because they welcome on-leash pets! If you have a high-energy dog who loves to explore, the broad horizons and countless scenic trails of Maine’s Acadia National Park will keep them happy for hours. After a long day of hiking, you can find outdoor shopping and dog-friendly restaurants in the bayside town of Bar Harbor. 

Lake George, New York

Have you ever imagined a summer camp, but specifically for dogs? Well, two miles away from Lake George you’ll find Roaring Brook Ranch, which offers a Canine Camp Getaway that will have your dog doing camp-like activities all day. While you won’t find finger painting and scary fireside stories, your dog can enjoy agility sports and swimming, tricks classes, and ball games. Dogs of all sizes are welcome, as long as they’re friendly with other dogs and humans. 

Asheville, North Carolina

This city has beautiful landscapes and stunning architecture. It welcomes dogs for walking tours and independent sightseeing. There are also countless dog-friendly businesses in Asheville worth checking out. Enjoy breathtaking sights at the Biltmore Estate and the North Carolina Arboretum. Asheville also has amazing luxury hotels that accommodate furry friends. 

Austin, Texas

This city loves dogs! From bars and restaurants to entertainment, you’ll find that your pup can be included. There is plenty of outdoor space with numerous parks; even the Capitol lawn is open to dogs looking for a stroll. You can even find “doga” classes in the heart of the city. Yes, you read that correctly: doggy yoga! Austin is a known affordable destination, and you’ll often find cheap or free entertainment like concerts and festivals.

Colorado Springs, Colorado 

This state is home to some of the most popular hiking trails in the country. Take your dog through the Garden of Gods and share breathtaking views and miles of hiking trails. Colorado Springs is also home to the one and only restaurant in the state that allows dogs to dine inside with their owner, and they can even order dinner themselves! Dogs and humans are offered separate menus, and there’s a spacious outdoor area for dogs to socialize. 

Bend, Oregon

Dog Fancy Magazine has named Bend the most dog-friendly city in the country! With many dog-friendly restaurants, miles of beautiful hiking trails, refreshing lakes, and even 13 off-leash parks for well-trained dogs! Riverbend Dog Park (off-leash welcome) has water access for your pup to take a quick swim. Bend is also full of popular breweries, and many welcome furry friends too! 

San Francisco, California

You and your dog can vacation in luxury with skyscraper views, high-end dining experiences that include your pups in outdoor seating, and even off-leash time at one of the many dog-friendly hiking trails, beaches, and parks. You can even take them on a walk across the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge! 

Training Programs At Greenlin Pet Resorts

To give your dog the best vacation possible, it’s important to get them ready well in advance. An untrained dog will not be allowed to enjoy all of the spectacular sights and attractions that dog-friendly cities offer, so training will help you get the most out of your whole family’s vacation. You don’t want to risk being asked to leave a restaurant in the middle of your meal or losing track of them at an off-leash dog park. 

When you enroll in our dog training services, we’ll take the time with your dog to assess their current skill level and work with you to teach important verbal commands and give insight on important resources for well-structured training. We also offer dog boarding in the event you decide that going on a human-only vacation is best for you and your pup.

You can contact one of our 6 locations throughout the Harrisburg area to schedule your dog’s free evaluation and learn more about how we can help get your dog trained before an important family trip!