6 Truly Unique Dog-Friendly Holidays East of the Mississippi

Are you tired of taking your pup on boring hiking trips? Don’t get me wrong, taking your doggie to a state park is all good fun, but how exciting would it be to instead share epic bucket list experiences with your furry friends?

Take a dog walk on the wild side with exotic animals, go gem mining, make friends with ghosts, and more as you find all-new ways to bond with your four-legged family member. Get ready to be amazed at these surprising pet-friendly places that will make you the coolest dog owner in town!

Ideas for a Different Type of Dog-Friendly Holiday

Pet-friendly vacations are increasing as dog parents are tired of leaving their furry family members at home. Did you know that 58% of people prefer traveling with their pets rather than a friend or family member?

Road trips with your furry companions are amazing, but sticking to dog-friendly beaches and hiking trails can get old. If you are bored with trips to your nearest pet-friendly national park, don’t worry! There are plenty of fun, dog-friendly things besides going on walks.

Are you ready to get excited about planning your next dog-friendly holiday with these unique vacation ideas?

1. Bring Your Dog to Help You Hunt for Gems in North Carolina

Do you know if your dog is part rock hound? Find out if they have what it takes to find precious gemstones in Emerald Hollow Mine!

Located in Hiddenite, North Carolina, this is the only place in the world that allows the public to mine for hiddenite, the 4th rarest gemstone in the world! This area is also home to rubies, emeralds, amethysts, and more.

Bring your four-legged friends to the mountains and dig up precious stones, or down to the creek to cool off as you search the shallow waters for gems. You might get lucky and hit a huge payday!

2. Take Your Dog for a Walk on The Wild Side and Visit a Zoo in Pennsylvania

Taking your pet dog to a zoo is typically against the rules. However, Elmwood Park Zoo in Pennsylvania has decided to let the dogs out. Or should I say in?

This outing will require some prior planning, as dogs are only allowed on specific dates. You’ll have to apply in advance, which consists of signing a waiver after reading the rules and submitting all necessary vet records.

I also recommend you book your dog’s tickets in advance since a limited number of tickets are available.

Don’t worry if you aren’t ready to spend an entire day here. They also have Yappy Hours available on select dates after hours. This way, you start with a shorter visit to see if your furry best friend can handle the whole day.

3. Introduce Your Pup to Marine Mammals in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys has two dog-friendly attractions where your furry friend can see dolphins! The Dolphin Research Center allows leashed, well-behaved dogs on the grounds.

Theatre of the Seas is another facility where your doggy can see marine mammals. Split your attention between the dolphin and sea lion shows and your pup watching the shows. It will be a toss-up on which you will enjoy seeing more!

Both places have areas (and shows) that your four-legged friends should avoid so everyone can stay safe.

4. Teach Your Canine About Copper Mining in Michigan’s UP

If you and your canine companions ever find yourself in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, there are plenty of dog-friendly things to do. There are a ton of hiking trails to explore, or you can take a trip to a dog park or cool off at one of the dog-friendly beaches.

For something truly different, take your furry friend on a Copper Mine Tour at the Adventure Mining Company. Pups are allowed on the 1.5-hour-long Prospectors Tour, where you’ll see what copper looks like when it’s still in the ground!

5. Adventure Underground with Your Dog While Going on a Cave Tour in Kentucky

If you are in Kentucky, you will probably want to visit one of its many caves. The trick is finding one that allows dogs.

Luckily, Hidden River Cave not only allows pets on their cave tour, but they also allow them in the museum. Dog owners won’t have to miss a thing at this stop just because they brought a furry guest.

6. Make Friends with Ghosts at These Haunted and Historic Sites in West Virginia

If you and your dog want to make new ghostly friends, West Virginia is the state to visit! Put your pup’s extra senses to the test at several spooky dog-friendly attractions throughout the state.

Dogs are welcome on the Ghost Tours of Harper’s Ferry. Harper’s Ferry is a very dog-friendly National Park, and pets are welcome in several different shops and restaurants in the historic downtown area of the park.

Travel further west, and you can take your pup on a paranormal tour of the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum or the West Virginia Penitentiary.

Planning Your Upcoming Dog-Friendly Adventure

Finding new and exciting activities for you and your pup is just one part of planning your vacation. Take the time to research your destination so you know what to pack for your dog and ensure you book the best pet-friendly accommodation for your getaway.

Research Your Destination with Your Dog in Mind

Before you bring your furry friend anywhere new, you should learn about the area. Find out what weather and temperature you can expect so you know if your dog can handle it.

You should also be aware of anything potentially dangerous to man’s best friend. Look for information about local wildlife and toxic plants you may encounter during your upcoming trip.

Pack the Essentials for Your Pup

No matter where you go on vacation, you will want to pack the essentials for your pup. These include items like food, bowls, medications, a backup leash, poop bags, a first-aid kit, and maybe a dog carrier.

Depending on the temperature and planned activities you have, you may also want to bring things like a blanket, towel, coat, or dog booties. Dog shoes are a great way to protect your pup’s paws from cold and hot surfaces.

To make the trip more enjoyable for you both, you should bring things like high-end treats and a few dog toys. You will also want to capture these special moments with an equally unique dog travel journal or scrapbook.

Choosing The Right Place to Stay with Your Dog on Vacation

Depending on your itinerary, you can decide between lodgings like a dog-friendly hotel, cottage, vacation rental, campground, cabin, or even a bed and breakfast. Before you book your place to stay, double-check the location or hotel website’s pet policy for dogs and all pet-related fees.

You’ll need to verify the rules and policies for all the pet-friendly attractions you plan on visiting. Confirm that pets are welcome so you’ll never arrive to find out that a place no longer allows dogs or be surprised by pet-related costs.

Teach Your Dog Basic Commands So They Behave on Your Trip

You’ll also want to brush up on your doggy’s commands for your upcoming adventure to make it a success. Several basic dog behaviors can make travel less stressful, such as simple commands like walking on a leash and sitting when asked.

However, some of the dog-friendly attractions listed (especially the ones with animals) require your pup to stay relatively calm and quiet even when they get excited. This can be critical for the safety of everyone around.

Get Ready to Make Some Barktastic Memories With Your Furry Best Friend!

Skip the same old hiking trails and swimming holes and go on unique new adventures with your pup. From exploring historic and haunted sites to uncovering potentially priceless gemstones, these unique dog-friendly holidays will guarantee to make your fellow dog parents jealous and create some unbelievable and lasting memories with your four-legged friend.

This article originally appeared on Travel Binger. 

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