Pet Friendly Hotels and Flight Options Make Traveling with Pets a Dream

From the paw-friendly greeting at the iconic Hotel del Coronado to a canine-friendly cruise on the Potomac, there’s plenty of fun for you and your pets to experience across the US.

Discerning dog lovers would often rather take their pup with them than leave them behind. After all, a weekend getaway offers the perfect opportunity for shared experiences. Fortunately, more resorts and attractions than ever are saying “yes” to accommodating our four-legged companions.

The only question is, where will you go?

The Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Va. – When the website states, “Welcoming you with open paws,” you know you’re among friends. Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains just 30 minutes away from the Dulles Airport, you and your pup can enjoy country-side luxury complete with Instagram-worthy red-carpet treatment for VIP’s, “Very Important Pets.”

The pastry kitchen makes home-made dog treats daily, and there is a pond on-site for water loving canines. Also, every Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. is Yappy Hour with entertainment for both pups and their owners.

Concierge Marlen Garone says, “The entire town of Middleburg is pet friendly.” The resort even offers a complimentary car service within a 5-mile radius for you and your pup to visit the nearby (pet-friendly) wineries.

The Potomac Riverboat Company – welcomes leashed pups on their 45-minute “canine cruises.” Last Halloween, they added a new dimension to the cruise with a costumed event titled “Bark or Treat” where pups in costume can ride alongside their owners. Reservations can be made online.

Potomac Riverboat Company hosts its “Bark or Treat” celebration on Halloween.

Camp Gone to the Dogs – If your idea of fun is going to summer camp with your dog, then head to Stowe, Vermont. For 28 years, Camp Gone to the Dogs has provided a place for dogs and their owners to play among a lush nature-filled setting. There are 60-70 activities a day ranging from obedience to agility sessions, along with a pond for water loving dogs.

For dogs that like water visit Camp Gone to the Dogs

Hotel del Coronado – For 130 years celebrities and non-celebrities alike have dipped their toes in the Pacific with “the Del” as their backdrop. Built in 1888, across the bay from San Diego, this hotel was the largest in the world when it first opened and quickly became a favorite amongst jetsetters. The “Del Dogs and Cats,” program welcomes four-legged family members with home-made doggie treats, Yappy Hours, a Bark Brunch and more.

A pet-friendly guide to the Coronado will provide you and your dog with plenty of activities including a trip to a nearby dog beach, shopping, dog-friendly parks and eateries. If your dog loves water sports, swimming and kayaking are also available and there’s even an annual dog surf competition in July.

View of the Del Coronado Hotel, San Diego, California

Flying with Your Dog – Sometimes flying with your dog is the easiest way to travel and chartering a private jet offers many conveniences. However, if that isn’t feasible and you are traveling on a commercial flight, various airlines will allow your dog to stay in the cabin. For example, JetBlue offers their new JetPaws program on select flights, which is an exclusive program designed to give owners all the tips and tools they need for a smooth trip with their pet, from start to finish.

Other airlines also allow dogs in the cabin but since the rules vary from airline to airline (and often change), it’s best to call the airline directly for the most current information.

With all of these options there has never been a better time to include your dog in your next getaway! ■