Humans and dogs have been companions for seemingly forever. But pet ownership has accelerated in recent years. Between the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and mid-2021, 1 in 5 U.S. households acquired a dog or cat, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. That\u2019s roughly 23 million homes with a new furry friend. And it\u2019s translated to more four-legged travelers, experts say.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou do see a lot of people wanting to make sure their animal is involved in the vacation,\u201d says Brandi Hunter Munden, vice president of public relations and communications at the American Kennel Club.<\/p>\n
The good news: \u201cAlmost everywhere has really opened up to dogs, whether it\u2019s outdoor dining or more hotels that accommodate dogs,\u201d Hunter Munden says.<\/p>\n
With that in mind, here are some pet-friendly places, activities and properties to consider for your next getaway.<\/p>\n
Why we chose it: High-end pet amenities<\/strong><\/p>\n Located about 15 to 20 minutes inland from California\u2019s Pacific coast, humans may be drawn to the resort\u2019s views, golf courses, tennis courts and horses \u2014 not to mention the fact that it\u2019s bookable with\u00a0World of Hyatt But Carmel Valley Ranch is something of a destination for dogs, too. The steep $175\u00a0pet fee\u00a0comes with an array of amenities, including a dog bed and bowls for food and water. And dogs have (leashed) access to the property\u2019s hundreds of acres, with miles of hiking trails. There\u2019s even a canine room service menu featuring beef bone marrow, a \u201csecret salmon bowl\u201d and a \u201cbutcher box.\u201d<\/p>\n Also see: <\/strong>Go here, not there: 6 charming summer destinations off the beaten path<\/p>\n Why we chose it: Practical touches for pets<\/strong><\/p>\n Located in the Boston suburb of Cambridge, this property upholds Kimpton\u2019s reputation of\u00a0being particularly pet-friendly. There are no pet fees and no weight or size restrictions \u2014 and water bowls are delivered to your room.<\/p>\n The Marlowe Hotel\u2019s concierge is available to recommend and set up grooming, pet-sitting and walking services. Plus, guests get access to dog-walking app Wag\u2019s premium service during their stay, which provides a 10% discount, waived booking fees and the ability to chat with a vet.<\/p>\n But you may prefer to walk the dog yourself. The hotel is located near the Charles River\u2019s walking path, featuring scenic views of the Boston skyline.<\/p>\n Why we chose it: A chance to find your forever friend while traveling<\/strong><\/p>\n While the Aloft in Asheville, North Carolina, is pet-friendly for guests bringing dogs, the property also helps those lookingto adopt a new furry friend. The hotel partners with a local animal rescue on a pet adoption program. Guests can meet and bond with the hotel\u2019s featured pup, which spends time in an enclosure just off the main lobby.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the property is walking distance from many of Asheville\u2019s famous breweries and restaurants \u2014 some of which have outdoor seating so you can bring your dog along.<\/p>\n Plus: <\/strong>Looking to unplug? Here are 12 peaceful towns great for going off the grid.<\/p>\n Why we chose it: A self-guided outdoor adventure<\/strong><\/p>\n There are hundreds of national parks across the country, and many of them are dog-friendly. If your dog is physically up to a hike or long walk, exploring together is a great option.<\/p>\n \u201cDogs love being outdoors,\u201d Hunter Munden says. \u201cIt\u2019s one of the best places to bring your dog.\u201d<\/p>\n But check the rules of the park before you go. Some areas may be off-limits to dogs.<\/p>\n Look for parks that encourage pet visits with photo opportunities or mementos for dogs to become an official \u201cBARK Ranger.\u201d At Acadia National Park in Maine, for example, dogs that complete a set of activities and follow the program\u2019s principles (which make up the BARK acronym) can be formally sworn in, and they\u2019ll be eligible for a collar tag designating them as a BARK Ranger.<\/p>\n Another option is to visit some of the less wild places run by the National Park Service, like the monuments on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n Check out: <\/strong>It\u2019s one of the latest trends in camping\u2014why drive an RV when you can have it delivered?<\/p>\n Why we chose it: A leash-free trip to the beach<\/strong><\/p>\n Dog Beach, just outside San Diego, is one of the first official leash-free dog beaches in the U.S., and it makes for an exciting excursion for pups. This destination could be a way to give your furry friend some fun and attention, plus room to roam. You might even see a few dogs surfing there.<\/p>\n Just remember to monitor your pup\u2019s paws in the hot sand and bring fresh drinking water, Hunter Munden says.<\/p>\n Read<\/strong>: What dogs can teach us about life and death<\/p>\n
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\n \u00a0points.<\/p>\n2. Stay at Kimpton Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts<\/strong><\/h2>\n
3. Check out Aloft Asheville Downtown in Asheville, North Carolina<\/strong><\/h2>\n
4. Visit a national park and promote your dog to \u2018BARK Ranger\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n
5. Spend a day at Dog Beach in San Diego<\/strong><\/h2>\n
6. Bring dogs along for a vineyard trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n