Bringing Fido on vacation? Do This!

Bringing Fido on vacation? Do this!

When you go on vacation, it is TOUGH to leave a member of the family home. Some hotels and campground allow pets and are super pet-friendly (our favorites are Sunset Beach Inn and Grille (hotel and RV campground on the Eastern Shore of Virginia) and Inn at Corolla Light (hotel on the Currituck Sound of North Carolina). If you have never gone on vacation and taken Fido, consider this the short list of To-Do’s:

dog running through water at the inn.jpg

Bring “his” towel so that you don’t have to use your beach towels or the hotel’s towels to dry him off.
Bring an extra leash (just in case it goes missing, somehow; you don’t want to be stuck leading him around by his collar).
Bring bedding and a favorite toy.
Bring Doggie Walk Bags (Poo Bags) - be responsible and pick up after them – even late at night or if no one is looking! Stepping in dog poo can RUIN a romantic walk at the beach - believe it!
Bring rabies records and a current license.
Don’t let them drink the ocean or bay water - it will make them very sick.
Hotels are full of unfamiliar people and uniformed maids – make sure your animal is socialized or you craft a permanent note to leave on the door to your room.
If your pet barks in your absence, take him with or don’t leave your room!
Make sure you treat your animal for ticks and fleas, year-round. Don't want to leave fleas for the next guest!
Pack his med’s: pet-friendly flea & tick repellant and liquid Benadryl
Skip bringing the tie out – they are just too long for close quarters - unless you are going to a private area of the beach.

We love bringing our special guy "Rookie" – he’s been part of the family since before the kids! You’ll enjoy having your pet with you, on vacation, but remember to consider the other vacationers, when you bring an animal from home. The hotel (and the other guests) will love you for it.