How easy is it to take a vacation with our little ones

[smash2]

We're planning a trip out west (we live in Ky.) and it is killing me to think of having to leave Gunner with someone. I have been checking out hotels that allow pets. There seems to be no problem there. But what about sight seeing and restaurants? How do people do things that take their pets?

[my2boyz]

We recently traveled with Jo from Illinois to Florida and it was no problem. We had no trouble at hotels, even long term when we got here, but when it came to meal times we either ate at the car/truck with him or I left the car running for the AC, locked it, activated the alarm and stayed very close so I could keep an eye on him. When we left the hotel I always took him with me in his crate...you can't always trust that 'do not disturb' sign on the door. We always traveled with our other Yorkie and it was no trouble...now, when we traveled for 3 months with our (large) parrot and Yorkie...well, let's just say...that was interesting!

[Judi65]

Hi Ive taken my little girl all over the state of washington when we are in a hotel and go out to dinner we put her in the bathroom with her pee pads and toys with water and food and bed or I have her in a carrier in the car where i can get her out and take her for a walk, they have carries that you can carry just like a purse which really helps also nap sacks that I have seen some peple use.

[lilbumbleybees]

Bouncer goes to Florida with me and my boyfriend just about every time to visit his parents. Now granted, we stay at their house so no problems there. But finding doggie friendly hotels around the country is about no problem now. I did leave him at the house when we went to eat. Only occasionaly would I take him with me in his carrier (looks like a purse to anyone else).

[AngieDoogles]

My husband and I travel with Marty pretty often and we've not had any problems. We usually stay with friends, so we're able to leave him at the house while we eat and tour. Otherwise, we get a lot of fastfood and eat in the car with him. It's interesting because he wants to eat our burgers instead of his food. LOL!

I think if you take him with you, you won't regret it! Pets always make the trip more interesting and memorable!! Plus, it's a great opportunity to get some good pictures of him.

[Dan & Corinne]

There is a site called dogfriendly.com that has a list of dog friendly places in various cities. You said you are going west so for example if its California, it will give you lists of dog friendly beaches, shopping centers, whale watching boats, restaurants and more.

Have fun and let us know if you decide to take Gunner. It would be great if you can post while on vacay and give us a peek from Gunner's point of view.

[SnowWa]

I think there are two ways to travel - with pets -- or without pets.

If you choose to travel with any pet, you have to treat them as you would a child. You plan every part of your vacation with them in mind and make sure that they are comfortable and safe the entire time.

I think traveling with pets limits what you can do - but it's a trade off. Most of the time, I'd rather have my pets with me and go without doing a lot of things I might do if they weren't there.

However - if you're really looking forward to a lot of sightseeing and going out to dinner...I think it would be best to leave your pets at home where they would probably be safer and a lot more comfortable.

It's like having children. Sometimes we can go out and take them with us - and other times we need a babysitter. It depends on the type of vacation you want to have and the things you want to do.

Good luck!

Carol Jean

[alpayton]

I recently took my little Bailey on a road trip of a few hours (5+) and he did rather well. I was expecting him to do horribly and took lots of things for him to do. I had chew toys, blankets, carriers, bowl for water and food, bottled water for him, even a pee pad for him to do his business in the car incase we couldn't find a place appropriate for him to do it. He wound up laying in my lap the majority of the time and looking out the window. I know most people will say that this is not the best place for our loved ones, but for him, and this trip, it was the best situation. Ordinarily I would agree with the others. Anyway, if you're willing to sacrifice a little to be able to share the vacation with your pet, you'll have a great time. But yes, you will have to sacrifice a little....health codes usually do not permit you to bring your pet inside a restaurant and so you will either find yourself ordering out or eating a lot of fast food.

[AsCeNsIoN]

I have to go away in June. My Mother is coming to visit and she wants us to take her to our favorite Hotel for a few days. I am PRAYING that they'll let me take Mitzi too. I sooo don't want to have to leave her with someone. I worry if she's ok when I go grocery shopping!! LOL!! Talk about over protective!!

[Raven]

Dan & Corinne,
Thanks for the info. on the dogfriendly site! We are planning a trip to Georgia soon and Hope is going with us . The site is very helpful!

[smash2]

Thanks for all the info guys. I don't know what to do. I hate the thought of leaving him. We will be gone about 9 days. People who travel in campers can leave their in them when they sight see or go out for dinner. Lots to think about. I just know I love my little baby. He is almost 6 mos. old and has just stolen our hearts. He is good and so smart. My husband and I can not get over things that he does. He will lay on the couch between us while we are eating and never try to get our food. He loves carrots and we love him!!!!!!!

[Princessyorkies]

I have no problem taking all of mine with us but we have a motor home so they basically go where we go.

[smash2]

You are so lucky to be able to take your pets with you. My husband is not hip on the idea of a trailer. He wants to stay in a hotel. But I think I will have to work on him!