Have summer travel plans? Wish your dog could go, too? You’re not alone! According to recent data from leading travel site Orbitz and Rover.com, the nation’s largest network of pet sitters and dog walkers, the average pet parent plans to take three trips this summer travel season. However, almost one-third say they’ve skipped a trip to stay home with their pet, and sixty percent of millennials have missed a trip because they couldn’t find a good sitter for their dog.
Good thing there are solutions for dog lovers who travel. Many destinations are becoming pet-friendly, with hotels leading the pack. Check out the most pet-friendly destinations this summer, including some of our favorite dog amenities at lodgings around the country. If your destination doesn’t happen to allow dogs, never fear. It’s never been easier to find a great pet sitter thanks to Rover.
Summer 2018: Top Pet-Friendly Destinations
We crunched the numbers to give you the full guide. Happy travels.
Pet-Friendly Cities
- L.A.
- Washington D.C.
- Chicago
- New York
- Houston
- Phoenix
- Atlanta
- Denver
- San Diego
- Dallas
The Power of Pets
The average pet parent plans to take 3 trips this summer. Millennials will take an average of 5 trips. And almost 30% of pet parents say they’ve skipped a trip to stay home with their pet!
Separation Anxiety: the Struggle is Real
It’s hard to leave our beloved pets behind. 40% of dog owners said it would be more difficult to leave their dog for a week than their significant other, in fact!
And 70% of pet owners say they’ve brought back a souvenir for their dog.
Pet Travel Is Possible
Especially if you’re going by car. Of those who travel with their pet (37% of the total), 90% of those were traveling by car.
Pet-Friendly Hotels Are in Demand
In fact, pet-friendly hotel searches rose by 30% last year!
Amazing Hotel Pet-Menities
Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley – Canines can enjoy a free bacon hunt. While the pet parents enjoy a stroll through the estate vineyard, dogs are busy sniffing out smoked bacon strategically placed along the way. Let the concierge know 24-hours in advance if you want to take part.
Hilton Chicago – Through the hotels “Fur Mama” program, guests can order a “Bone Appetite Doggy Bag” with foods for your furry friend, perfect for a picnic in nearby dog-friendly Grant Park. The hotel will also provide a list of restaurants in the area where your pooch is also welcome to dine-in.
Pines Lodge, Beaver Creek CO – Capture footage from your furry friend’s POV on your next hike. At this hotel, you can borrow a GoPro attached to a dog harness so you can commemorate your dog’s hike. There’s also Polaroid camera to take a picture of your dog signing their furry friend guestbook with, of course, a paw print.
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Los Cabos, Mexico – Pups get their own personalized beachfront cabana to stay cool on the beach while pet parents bask in the sun. But the first-class service for your pet doesn’t stop there. A Pet Butler can walk your dog on the beach, take them on a doggy desert path, bring them made-to-order meals and even lead “doga” classes.
Hotel Van Zandt, Austin TX – “Yappy Hour”, the hotel’s daily pet-friendly cocktail hour, welcomes fur (or feather or scale) babies of all kinds. Rabbits, canines, cockatoos and even kangaroos – all are welcome, and hotel hosts provide a range of treats for the pets, beer, and wine for their people.
Crowne Plaza HY36, NYC – Keep your dog warm and stylish on the streets of New York with this hotel’s “Coats for Canines” program.
Summer Travel Tips
If you bring your dog
- Book and search for pet-friendly hotels with Orbitz.
- Look at online user reviews and location — i.e. proximity to parks, lakes, etc. — when deciding where to stay.
- Plan to call ahead if your pet requires special amenities, like a litter box.
- Redeem Orbitz rewards instantly to upgrade your pet’s travel experience by booking a room with a view or VIP breakfast.
- Use a trusted service like Rover when out and about on adventures that aren’t dog friendly.
- If driving, restrain your dog in a crash-tested harness or crate.
- If flying, plan ahead to learn about fees and restrictions and book your pet on your flight as early as possible.
If your dog stays at home
- Book a trusted pet sitter on Rover.com.
- Provide comfort items for your dog, including an old item of clothing that smells like you.
- Pack extra food and medicines, just in case your return is delayed.
