Ruffing It on Martha鈥檚 Vineyard
A recent AAA/Best Western survey revealed that 51% of travelers with pets would take them along on every vacation if they could. (Read again: every vacation.) If you鈥檙e thinking about joining the pack, Tib (my terrier mix) and I have a few pet-friendly travel tips for you.
Choose a pet-friendly destination: Hey, there鈥檚 a reason why The Black Dog is ubiquitous on Martha鈥檚 Vineyard. You鈥檒l see dogs everywhere (black, white, big, small), as well as meet people who love animals and simply must stop to pet yours. In high season, dogs are allowed on many beaches early in the morning or in the evening. MV also offers plenty of scenic dog walks (try the West Chop Lighthouse loop) and casual outdoor dining spots (try Mocha Motts or The Black Dog Cafe outlet) where you can converse with other dog owners while you share a muffin or a lobster roll.
Command the best stay for you and your pet: While a number of hotel collections boast pet-friendly policies (Kimpton Hotels and Loews Hotels come to mind.), we opted for a vacation rental acquired through VRBO.com. Simply request 鈥減et-friendly鈥� listings, and you鈥檒l be surprised at what鈥檚 available. We chose a charming cottage in Vineyard Haven with a fenced-in yard that was ideal for our family vacation.
Familiarity breeds content: We brought along Tib鈥檚 bed, a few well-chosen possessions and her usual dog food. The first two days of our vacation we took her everywhere鈥攐nly when the cottage felt like home did we leave her napping while we explored the island or went to the beach.
Be your pet鈥檚 watchdog: New surroundings equal new pet hazards. Of course, you鈥檒l want to be sure to have proper pet ID and never leave your pet unsecured鈥攂ut who predicted skunks? (Favorite MV t-shirt graphic: skunk saying 鈥淲asn鈥檛 me.鈥�) Be well informed about 鈥渓ocal color鈥� before you travel with your pet. Tib loved MV but did not appreciate the impromptu mouthwash and tomato juice bath or her new nickname, Pep茅 Le Pew.
See the world through your pet鈥檚 perspective: The best thing about traveling with Tib? I walked more, relaxed more and met more people. We stopped to smell鈥ell, whatever. So, traveling with pets? I鈥檓 sold. Tib is already packing her bag for a long weekend in Vermont soon!
For a helpful pet packing list, check out .