Summer holidays are always something to look forward to and give you the chance to get away from everyday life stresses.
Unfortunately, the pandemic has meant that many individuals might struggle to travel abroad in 2021. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t spend an enjoyable summer having fun.
International flights could cause you to stress, as there might be restrictions, which could change quickly. Additionally, they are expensive, and many Americans are experiencing financial hardship currently thanks to the pandemic.
The best option for this summer, which will save you both money and stress, is to plan a staycation. A staycation involves spending time in the country in which you live.
Living in the United States means that you’ve got lots of options for your staycation. It also means that you can take your dog with you and have fun together.
At the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, we know that a staycation is an enjoyable way to spend time with your dog and enjoy your free time.
If you want to take a staycation with your dog in 2021, here are some suggestions to help you plan the perfect trip that you and your four-legged friend will enjoy.
Plan A Roadtrip
Driving across the US in a camper van or stopping at hotels is ideal for seeing more of this beautiful country. If you’ve not seen much more of American beyond the state that you live in, then you should consider a road trip for summer 2021.
Taking a road trip also means that you can take your pup along for the ride. If you’re planning on stopping at hotels along the way, then you’ll need to make sure that they are dog-friendly.
However, if you plan to sleep in your car or van, all you need to do is make sure you have everything your dog needs.
Roadtrips are only fun if your dog enjoys spending time in the car. If your dog is nervous in vehicles, then you should consider one of the other staycation options on this list.
Take A Camping Trip
Camping is a great way to spend more time outdoors and see more of a particular state or region. Many campsites allow dogs as long as you clean up after them, so you should be able to find the perfect one for your summer staycation.
When choosing a campsite, you should look for one in an area that you want to visit. Many beauty spots throughout the US have nearby campsites, so you can camp out and then visit beautiful attractions in the surrounding area.
Many dogs love spending time outdoors, and they will enjoy spending time with you outside. If you take lots of toys for them to fetch and carry, then you can play games with them during your camping staycation.
Visit Renowned Beauty Spots
The US has many natural places of extreme beauty, and these are often outdoors, and dog owners are free to bring their dogs to see them.
National parks throughout the country allow pets, and many natural beauty spots will make for a fun trip with your four-legged companion.
As such, if you want to enjoy a quick staycation with your pet, then you could consider taking a long weekend and showing them the sights in your state or a nearby one.
Dogs love seeing new things and enjoying unique experiences, so they will have fun exploring their new surroundings. You could also introduce them to other dogs exploring the area with their owners if your dog is friendly and likes to socialize.
Find A Pet-Friendly Hotel
Outdoor staycations aren’t the ideal choice for everyone. You might not enjoy spending time outdoors, or you might have a large family of young kids who need the amenities of a hotel.
Even some pets struggle to spend a lot of time on the road or camping outside. For example, older dogs or nervous animals that don’t like spending a lot of time in cars might not suit outdoor trips.
If you prefer a more relaxed, indoor staycation, you should try to find a pet-friendly hotel that will let you bring your dog.
Many hotels in the US allow you to bring your dog so that you can find the perfect place to spend a happy summer with your dog and other loved ones.
Some dog hotels offer pet-friendly activities, such as dog yoga and exercise or training classes. As such, you can find the perfect hotel for your dog and enjoy a fun summer full of the activities that you both love.
Have Fun!
When planning a staycation with your dog, the most important thing to remember is to make sure that you both enjoy yourself.
Ensure that you take everything that your pet needs for a comfortable stay, and ensure that you have a plan in case of an emergency.
If your dog has any medical or dietary needs, you should make sure that you have their medication and food with you and the number of a local vet in case of a medical issue.
By preparing correctly for your staycation with your dog, you can ensure that you both enjoy yourselves and that you and your dog create lasting memories.
Creating fun memories with your pup is what life is all about! At the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, we understand how much owners love their dogs and want to spend lots of time with them, especially during the summer when the weather is fine.
Our therapy dogs get to spend a lot of time working with their owners and meeting new people and enjoying exciting new experiences all year round.
As such, this could be an excellent way for you to continue to make memories with your dog throughout the year, even after you return from your trip.
If you’re considering training your dog to be a therapy dog in the future, contact us. We can advise you on starting the process, having even more fun with your pet, and giving back to the community.
