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Traveling With Your Pet In New England

Whether you think of your pet as your child, your best friend, or a furry accessory, one thing is for sure: it breaks your heart to leave them behind while you’re off on vacation. Wouldn't it be better to bring your dog, cat, or even your pet turtle along for the ride? Traveling with your pet is not hard in New England, thanks to the large number of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and attractions around the region.

credit: Maine Office of tourism
credit: Maine Office of tourism

What To Do With Your Pet

New England is known for it's natural beauty so when you're traveling with your pet, don't miss the chance to get outside. Take a trip to the coast and let your pet play on many of the region’s most beautiful beaches. If you’re headed to Maine, the beaches in Saco are an essential stop: dogs are allowed to run free all year long! While most New England beaches aren’t this lax, many of them allow dogs to be off leash seasonally or at certain times of day. Or you and your pet can escape into the woods on one of New England's hiking trails. The Blue Hills Reservation, just outside of Boston, has trails of every level so pets and owners of any fitness level will find something to enjoy. And the Winnipesauke River Trail in New Hampshire is a great alternative for pets and owners that prefer an easier hike that lets them stop and smell the roses. If you and your pet prefer to blend culture with a good romp, make the trip to St. Johnsbury, Vt., to visit Dog Mountain. The 150-acre property was created by artist Stephen Huneck, who creates his dog-themed artwork here. The grounds are always open to dogs and their owners, but it's worth timing a visit to be able to stop into Stephen's Gallery and Dog Chapel.

Where To Eat When Traveling With Your Pet

credit: Connecticut Office of tourism Hillstead Museum, MR
credit: Connecticut Office of tourism Hillstead Museum, MR

Don’t want to leave your pet behind while you go out to dinner? You can keep Fido by your side at all times thanks to the many pet-friendly restaurants in New England. Plan a special evening out with your pet at Capri Seaside Italian Grille in Salisbury, Mass., a restaurant with a special dining room for dogs and their owners. Only the humans can eat their food, but we feel sure they wouldn’t object to your pet nibbling on your leftovers back in your hotel. For a quick snack, treat your pet to homemade dog biscuits from Johnny’s Barkin’ Bakery in South Kingstown, R.I. This store was built with pets in mind so you can pick up everything from cheeseburger shaped treats to doggy birthday cakes. If these spots don’t tickle your fancy, pets are generally allowed at restaurants that have outdoor seating available.

Where To Stay With Your Pet

Is your tail wagging yet? There's one more piece to the traveling-with-your-pet puzzle: finding a place to stay on your next great adventure. New England  has lots of pet-friendly lodging options ready to roll out the red carpet. Many even offer pet-friendly packages, which include everything from welcome packages with treats and toys to pet spa treatments! There's no need to be jealous of your pampered pooch—these inns and resorts have just as many amenities for their human guests. Here's wishing you and your pet a PAWSitively wonderful trip!

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credit: Maine Office of tourism

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