As you have probably gathered from the title of this post, we’re going to talk about traveling with your pup. There was a tradition I started with my old guy many years back. It all came about when I had to start “Adulting” and being responsible for myself. Apparently you have to start paying bills and stuff when you grow up. Anyways, I had less and less time to spend with my poor pupper so I decided that every year on my birthday I would take a couple days off and we would go away together and visit parks and trails and just be by ourselves. So here goes my post about traveling with your dog.
If you’re planning on going to areas that are frequented by wild animals or lots of dogs, please make sure that your pup is up to date on all it’s shots. Your vet might even recommend a Lepto vaccine if your dog is prone to drinking out of suspect puddles of water. Anyway, what I have found to be a life saver on our excursions was a portable crate. I know some people don’t like to crate their dogs, but if your dog is made to find comfort in being crated, you may also find that your stress level will be less on high alert on your trip. Your dog will have a safe place to rest and you can go take a shower or go for something to eat without worrying that your dog has chewed up your hotel room or wrapped itself around an electrical cord. Think of it as asking your dog to spend some alone time in his/her room. Who doesn’t like getting away from craziness for just a bit by retiring in their bedroom? I know I like to go into my room for breathers even when I have guest over. Please don’t tell them I do that.
The other thing that I love to take with me on my dog-cation is a long line; it is basically a long leash(not retractable) that can range from 15-30 feet in length. I bring this bad boy along because I like to give my dog some freedom without really giving him freedom. I have to say that he does not have the best recall especially if any living creature is nearby. The long line has also come in handy when I have a hotel room with a large balcony or patio for him to run around on without leaping over the bushes or plummeting to his death. I’m sure inside he’s thanking me. Besides the obvious, such as dog food and poop bags, you should bring with you a small first aid kit (in case of scrapes or sprains on your walk/hikes) and a list of nearby emergency vets and hours of operation. You may also want to check with your hotel to see if they offer pet amenities such as dog bowls. Which now brings us to my next and favorite topic, lodging!
I am not a camper or a person who enjoys sleeping outdoors, but I am by no means swimming in money. I bargain hunt on those discount websites and find myself a place that I can afford and still have a nice dog-cation. The following are the few places that I’ve stayed/visited in the Pacific Northwest area that I’d love to share with you if you’re in the area with your little buddy.
Washington State
Cedar Brook Lodge-This place will always have a special place in my heart because this is where the first annual dog-cation started with my old guy. This hotel has very friendly staff, they offer free chocolate and snacks in the common area 24/7, there is free parking, and they provide dog beds and bowls if needed. The hotel also has it’s own restaurant and nice walking paths to take your dog. The hotel has easy access to stairs to quickly take your pup out for potty break when needed without anxiously waiting for the elevator. Since it has been a while, I cannot recall if there was free breakfast, but man those chocolates were to die for and there was such variety. If the restaurant on site isn’t for you, luckily there are restaurants nearby and South Center is just 5-10 minute drive away. You’ll find a whole barrage of different ethnic foods in that area. As for where to take your dog, there is an awesome dog park not too far away in Seatac/Des Moines area, Grand View Off-Leash Dog Park This park is relatively big and has an upper and lower level. This was the first park where my old guy seemed to really enjoy himself. FYI they charge about$30/night pet fee and only allow dogs under 25lbs.
When going to dog parks, be aware of what kind of dogs/people are present. If at anytime (even if you haven’t ventured into the park) you and/or your pup feel uncomfortable then leave. This time together is to bond and you can do that anywhere. You don’t have to do that at the dog park. Not everyone at the park will follow park etiquette or have knowledge of proper puppy play. Fights may happen or it may ruin your dog for future interactions with dogs. You rather be safe than sorry.
Larkspur-I’ve stayed here twice with my old guy (they have pretty good deals) Each time they have placed me near an exit which I really appreciated. This meant that I didn’t have to race my dog down a corridor and worry that he’ll have an accident or have to pass a lot of people. They didn’t really have great places to walk your pup except for around the parking lot. There is a dog park nearby, but it can get pretty muddy during the wet season–which is like all the time in the PNW. The walking trail near it is really nice. If your pup is old and you need a nice pave surface to stroll your dog, Cedar River Trail is a great place to go. This hotel has free breakfast and fresh baked cookies for their guests. The staff is super warm and helpful. The bed was comfy, the hotel was clean and the room had a full kitchen.
Whidbey Island- I know, I just recommended a whole Island, but this small piece of land has off leash dog beach parks such as Double Bluff and private beaches that your dog can play and run around. This place holds near and dear to my heart as it was the last place I had dog-cation with my old guy. It would be the first and the last time he’d ever see the ocean. He loved it, even with his old creaky bones and sore joints. He rolled around in the sand and was as peppy as I’ve ever seen him in a long time. Whidbey Island is very dog friendly and they have great pie there (Whidbey Pies & Cafe). We went right before tourist season so we got a great deal on a craftman’s lodge across from a private beach through Airbnb. I definitely recommend visiting this island even if you’re not on dog-cation.
Me and my old guy at the off leash dog beach. Disregard my sad face.
North Bend-is located east of Seattle. This was the first trip dog-cation I took with my new guy. I found a nice place to stay that was right next to a river, through Airbnb. This small town sports many hiking trails and an off leash dog park. As my new guy is reactive, I was not able to enjoy Three Forks Dog Park, but it did look very spacious and clean. This dog park sports a walking path and lots of grass. Instead we took a nice leisurely walk on the trail next to the park. It was a gorgeous hike. The trail goes over a the river and the trees were buzzing with humming birds. I was able to use my long line when we got to a large clearing. Everything was so picturesque that day. Since my dog was pretty new to me, this was a great way for me to figure him out just a little more. He got to see horses and geese for the first time and he got to run around in many open spaces. Even if you are dog-less this is a beautiful area to visit.
Trail along the river
Homewood Suites-was another lovely place to stay with your pup. I stayed at the one located in Issaquah. This location was close to many hiking trails and walking trails, but also has the nice amenities of city life. It is less than a 5 minute drive to get to Lake Sammamish State Park (which has park fee to enter) but there are nice walking trails and big open spaces for you to practice your recall and let your dog explore on long line. This hotel does charge a pet fee, but they provide dog beds and dog bowls. They have a guest social in the evenings where they serve H’oderves and drinks. Their free breakfast had lots of variety and was decent. The staff was friendly, the bed was comfy, and the room was clean.
Hotel Bellevue-is located just outside of Downtown Bellevue. To get to the attractions in town you’ll need to have a car. I was able to find a really good deal via a discount site to stay here as this hotel normally charges $300+ bucks a night. The hotel sports 3 restaurants and gives you access to the Bellevue Athletics Club where you can use the
My little guy exploring the Slough
giant pools, play basket ball, tennis, or even use their dance studio. During my stay, I was given $25 credit for dinner and $15 for breakfast; that was a lovely surprise. The lady manning the concierge, the housekeeping staff and the bar tender were all very nice, but every other staff member I met was very luke-warm. As for my lodging, all pet friendly rooms are located on the first floor, and they are equipped with a nice patio area for your dog to explore. I would recommend having your dog on a long line as it is pretty easy for them to hop over the foliage into the neighboring patio. They do have a fee of $30/night, dog bowls and bed are provided upon request. Walking your dog in the area is easy. It can be pretty quiet on the streets. As for where to explore with your pup, there is the Mercer Slough-a large wetland preserve located about 5 minutes driving time away. It took me 1 hour to explore one of the many walking trails with in Slough. My complaint is that the parking is confusing. If you do not plan on using their valet service, please DO NOT follow their sign for parking. Park outside in the main parking lot.
Postdoc-This is a little brewery in Redmond allows dogs. I’d have to say that this place is not for all dogs, especially if your dog is not too keen on being crowded. I did go a weekend, so you might want to check out this place during the weekday to see if it’s less busy. They have lots of different brews and you can enjoy a board game or two. If you’re hungry, there is a food truck outside that you can order from to quell that stomach monster. This brewery has indoor and and outdoor seating as it is about a skip away from Marymoor Park. This park sports a large off leash dog park where they can run along a beaten trail or go for a swim. Outside the dog park you can find a pretty fancy dog wash if your dog got a little too wild in the park. Again this might not be too enjoyable for all pups. This place can get crazy busy and the entrance is not fully closed off, so make sure you have pretty good recall with your pup or they run into the parking lot. So go ahead of have yourself a fresh brew with your pup before or after heading into the park.
Oregon
Tin Shed Garden Cafe-is a lovely place to take your pup. The cafe is located in an area where there is a lot to see and do. The restaurant can be very busy, so waiting for seating can take a while. We sat our butt at the open air coffee shop next door. The coffee was delicious. What I loved about the restaurant is that you actually can take your pup inside with you. They have a fully enclosed covered area for people who want to bring their dog out to social with them and not have to sit outside in the cold. They also have a dog menu. I ordered sweet potato and chicken for my old guy when we went. What I also loved was that everyone was really friendly and that instead of having you stick around and wait at the restaurant for your seat, they take down your number and text you when your table is almost ready. Genius! While awaiting my table, I got to see some hand crafted goods across the street and my pup got some ooo’s and ahh’s from passing admirers. What I noticed about the people in passing were that they were very conscious of not just approaching and petting. They gave my dog space and they asked before touching him. They never assumed it was okay to just be in his space. They were very respectful and I really appreciated that.
Best Western-Though technically we stayed in Vancouver, Washington, I’m giving this to Portland since it’s just across the water. This best western is about 15 minutes away from Downtown Portland. The staff was very friendly and the rooms were relatively quiet (considering there was what seemed like a youth soccer team staying there). The hotel had secured exits/entrances almost everywhere, which is great for those of us with dogs. It was an easy in and out for pottying purposes. As for walks, there is supposedly a park nearby, but I wasn’t able to explore it since I was technically there for a workshop with my dog. We did get a chance to walk around the streets; it can be pretty eerie at night due to how quiet the streets can be. The hotel is not far from Vancouver Mall and about a 10 minute drive from this awesome ice cream place in which I cannot recall the name. Bummer! This place did have free breakfast and unlimited coffee and tea, but very limited seating. So you’ll either have to sit out in the lobby or take your food back to your room.
*I’m not being paid to advertise any of these places. I wish though. 🙂