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In recent years people have come to view dogs as a part of their family, not just a pet. This has changed the way a lot of people view their careers, work-life balance, and vacation time. It used to be that people kenneled their dogs when going on vacation. Most hotels weren’t accommodating of any animals beyond service dogs. Today, that’s all changing. Hotels, resorts, and many attractions are making it easy for people to vacation with their pets.

Many of the best trips to take with a dog involve the great outdoors. Locales like Bend, Oregon have plenty of trails for hiking with a friendly pooch. There are also 13 areas in the city where it’s permissible to have a dog off-leash. In fact, almost half the population of Bend has dogs. It’s one of the most dog-friendly places in the US and makes a great vacation destination for animal lovers.

Sedona, Arizona is known as a center for new-age spiritual retreats. Many people don’t know that it’s also a very pet-friendly destination. There are lots of tours in the area that are set up to accommodate pets and their humans. They include camping trips. There’s even a dog-friendly cafe in the area, where it’s easy to find a treatment for a canine friend.

When it comes to the East Coast, Bar Harbor, Maine is a great place to vacation with a dog. Acadia National Park is one of the most dog-friendly parks in the country. There are over 100 miles of trails suitable for pets in the area. Better still, Bar Harbor allows dogs on the bus system. This makes it easier than ever for four-legged tourists to see the sights.

Traveling with a pet dog can be very rewarding, but it’s important to remember to plan appropriately for the trip. Bring a record of the dog’s vaccinations. Understand that many hotels will permit pets like dogs and cats, but may charge a higher deposit to do so. Pack food the dog is already used to. Finally, be aware of the rules of the road. In some places, dogs are meant to be harnessed when traveling by car. Airlines will also have regulations about how dogs are transported.