When I moved to Denver eight years ago, I wanted to blend in with the locals. So naturally, I got a Subaru, a ski pass, and two rescue dogs.
I’ve come to learn that these stereotypes aren’t necessarily true — there are Toyotas and snowboarders, too. But dogs are, without question, a part of the state’s culture.
According to Denverite, there are more dogs in Colorado’s state capital than children! This doesn’t surprise me; most of my friends are solely parents to pups.
Traveling with dogs is very common in my circle. They come with us on day trips, cross-country road trips, and everything in between. My seven-year-old dogs have been to 18 states and countless dog-friendly destinations!
Maple and Manby almost always join my travels. But they each weigh 60 pounds. Flying with a dog is an option for some but personally, I don’t feel comfortable transporting them in cargo.
Unlike many travelers, flights are a rarity for me. International travel hasn’t happened in years. But do I have travel FOMO? Absolutely not.
Maybe you haven’t seen the viral TikTok, but it sums up my reasoning perfectly. The video pictures two dogs dozing in the backseat of a car. A caption across the screen reads: “Why do you always bring your dogs on vacation with you?”
A montage of clips follows, showing the two pups on the beach, in the mountains, and other gorgeous places. The screen reads: “Because we only have 12 summers to spend with them.”
I’m not crying, you’re crying.
My dogs are my family and I want them to have the richest, fullest lives I can give them. Sure, there are pet fees, attractions that must be skipped, and the occasional inconvenience.
But I prefer to travel with them, not without them, and I encourage you to do the same — especially right now.
To help you out, below I’ll share some practical tips I’ve picked up for safe travel with dogs, plus some of my favorite dog-friendly destinations.
But, first, let me address a question you might have on your mind right now …
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What about Dog Boarding Facilities? Well, Let’s Talk About The Recent Problem of Canine Respiratory Disease…
Unless you have the luxury of a trusted pet sitter, you probably board your dogs when you’re traveling pet-free. But right now, dog boarding facilities may be a risk to your pet’s health.
Late last year, news outlets began reporting on a mystery canine respiratory disease. According to the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine, symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and respiratory distress. Other signs include chronic and acute pneumonia.
LSU states that the illness has been identified in 18 states, including:
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Texas
- Vermont
- Washington
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine explains, “Respiratory diseases [are] commonly spread through direct contact, through water droplets from sneezing and coughing, or via… contaminated objects and surfaces.”
Cornell University experts advise, “Don’t share dog bowls, toys or doggy chews between dogs” and to “make sure your dog is up to date on their routine vaccinations.”
More importantly, they suggest avoiding high-risk situations. Dr. Lisa Lippman, director of virtual medicine at Bond Vet, told USA Today that ideally, pet owners should avoid boarding their dogs because of the mystery illness.
She continued, “Any area where there are a lot of dogs in one space could be high risk for disease transmission.” This includes dog parks and doggy daycare facilities.
Of Course, Travel is Risky Too. So Here’s How to Safely Travel with Your Dog …
Right now, it’s clear that boarding facilities pose a considerable threat to dogs’ safety. But there are inherent risks of traveling with dogs, too.
However, there are steps you can take to mitigate risks. Here are a few things I recommend:
- Talk to your vet before taking your dog out of state. Some canine diseases are more prevalent in certain regions of the country. Vaccinations and medications may be available to protect your dog prior to travel.
- Know where the nearest animal hospital is while traveling. Be sure to prepare ahead of time in areas where you’re likely to lose service.
- Always have a dog first aid kit on hand (and know how to use it).
- Keep a collar on your dog and ideally, have them chipped. If you recently adopted a dog that’s been chipped, remember to update its online contact information.
Currently, you may want to avoid the states where the canine respiratory disease has been reported. However, I live in one of those states and have continued to travel with my dogs throughout Colorado and beyond.
Note: I am not a veterinarian and risks should be individually assessed. Personally, I feel confident in continuing to travel because Maple and Manby do not interact with other dogs.
Ok, Now the Fun Part: My Favorite Dog-Friendly Destinations in the USA!
Hopefully, the risks discussed above haven’t deterred you from traveling with your dog. Again, I’ve taken my dogs to 18 states and counting, and mishaps have been far and few between.
It’s important to remember, though, that not every destination is particularly suited for pups. You’ll want to avoid extreme weather conditions and of course, don’t bring them where dogs aren’t allowed. For example, many national parks don’t allow dogs on trails.
In general, downtown districts in major cities should also be avoided. Some of the worst places I’ve brought my dogs include the Las Vegas Strip and Hollywood, Los Angeles.
Learn from my mistakes and plan a trip that both you and your pup will enjoy. Here are my top five favorite dog-friendly destinations in the USA:
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado’s beautiful San Luis Valley. It’s one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the US. Most parks do not allow dogs on trails but here, leashed pups can explore for miles!
The National Park Service specifies where dogs are allowed. I recommend pitching a tent at Piñon Flats Campground and hiking to the top of High Dune. Also, check out Mosca Pass Trail, which offers a unique perspective of the park.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park ranked as one of Travel Lemming’s top places to travel in 2024! It’s set on the border of Minnesota and Canada, and water makes up a third of the park.
Local companies rent pontoon boats and houseboats that allow dogs. You can even camp in the park overnight with your pup! The National Park Service permits dogs at all frontcountry campsites. Dock your boat, play on the shore, and admire incredible night skies come dark.
Central California Coast
Maple’s first road trip was down the Pacific Coast Highway, a key attraction in California.In my opinion, the state’s central region is best suited for dogs.
Of course, the San Francisco and Los Angeles regions are fun, but city crowds can be a little overwhelming with dogs. Rather, I recommend visiting these highlights along the central California coast:
- Carmel Beach, an off-leash dog beach with soft, white sands
- San Simeon Bay Trail, where you and your leashed dog may see elephant seals
- San Luis Obispo, full of gorgeous wineries with dog-friendly patios
- Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, where leashed pups can also admire local flora
Black Hills, South Dakota
My family visited the Black Hills for the first time last summer and I can’t recommend this destination enough!
Custer State Park is an outdoor paradise for dogs and their owners. You’ll find hikes for every skill level. If you’re up for a challenge, hike to the summit of Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota! The park also has three scenic driving routes. My dogs loved watching the buffalo along the Wildlife Loop Road.
Pactola Lake is another dog-friendly attraction in the Black Hills. Rent a canoe and take your pup out on the water — just note it might take them a second to find their sea legs!
Taos, New Mexico
My husband and I adopted Manby out of Taos, New Mexico and we frequently return to this little slice of heaven. Here are a few of my favorite dog-friendly spots:
- Black Rock Hot Springs, found along the scenic Rio Grande
- Taos Pueblo, a millennia-old indigenous village that allows leashed dogs
- Hotel Luna Mystica, offering dog-friendly glamping in vintage trailers
- Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, where local artists and vendors are always kind to our pups
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What’s Your Perspective on Travel with Dogs? Share in the Comments!
The above recommendations are based on my personal experience — Manby and Maple’s, too! But there are so many other dog-friendly destinations. Where do you suggest traveling with dogs? Leave a comment below and let me know your opinion!
