Portland, Oregon 

With such gorgeous hiking trails, it should come as no surprise that Portland, Oregon is incredibly dog-friendly. As locals and tourists alike appreciate the city for its trendy cafes and breweries, pup parents will be pleased that numerous establishments permit furry friends. For instance, Breakside Brewing, on NW 22nd Ave, is a great establishment to spend time with your friends of the human and canine variety. Tin Shed Garden Cafe is another pawsome place that has not one, but two options for dogs on the menu. 

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts is another extremely dog-friendly city. Like Portland, Boston has quite a few dog-friendly breweries like Night Shift Brewing Owl's Nest Allston and the Mighty Squirrel. That being said, if your dog isn’t into the bar scene, you can do a ton of other activities at The Cradle of Liberty. The American Kennel Club recommends heading over to the Boston Public Garden and Castle Island Beach for a fun outdoorsy outing. Pups who want to learn more about American history will be pleased to know that they can walk the Freedom Trail. Similarly, dogs who enjoy spending their hard-earned cash will also have a blast at SoWa Open Market. 

Austin, Texas 

Austin, Texas is a dog owners’ dream. There are so many incredible spots to take Spot, including quite a few hiking trails. For instance, Barton Creek Greenbelt is gorgeous, especially during the spring and summer. As for dining establishments, you and your pup are sure to have a memorable night out on the town at Shangri-La or Doghouse Drinkery. 

New Orleans, Louisiana

The fact that New Orleans is super dog-friendly, cements it as a top destination for pup parents. Feel free to visit famous spots, like the Cafe Amelie, Musical Legends Park, and Croissant D’or Pâtisserie. 

Take Your Furry Friend To The Vet Beforehand 

Prior to traveling, you need to make sure that your pooch is in tip-top shape. This is especially true if you are going on an airplane. According to the American Kennel Club, you must bring a health certificate that proves your pooch is healthy and “up-to-date” with their shots if they are flying. 

Get Your Dog Microchipped 

Unfortunately, some dogs panic when they are in unfamiliar places, which may cause them to run away. For this reason, you should think about getting your dog microchipped before your vacation. The American Animal Hospital noted that the process is relatively simple. Essentially, a microchip, which is about “[t]he size of a grain of rice,” is implanted in your dog. 

According to the American Kennel Club, the device holds your pup’s medical information and “your contact information.” A universal scanner can decipher said information. The AKC notes that for the microchip to be effective, you must “register it with a national pet recovery database.”

Pack Accordingly 

As previously mentioned, dogs are unable to pack for themselves. This means you will have to figure out exactly what they’ll need. 

If you are going on a plane, you will need a crate. The AKC recommends that it should be sturdy, leak-proof, and “large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn, and lie down.” 

Regardless if you are flying or driving, you’ll need to make sure that you have your pet’s medication, leash, collar, ID tag, waste bags, food bowls, food, and water. You’ll also want to bring their bedding, treats, and toys. 

Research Dog-Friendly Hotels & Restaurants 

Before you decide where you want to stay, do some research to see if there are suitable dog-friendly hotels and restaurants. You should also plan out some dog-friendly activities like going to a dog beach or taking a hike. Essentially, most hotels have pretty strict pet policies and often don’t allow dogs to stay in the room by themselves. This means, if you want to go out on an adventure, you will have to bring your dog with you.