The Red Dog Inn

Before heading out on your trip with your pet, be sure to visit your vet to ensure that all of your pet’s vaccinations are in order and that he or she is in good health. While you’re there ask if your vet can recommend a vet in the area you’ll be visiting or vets along the way you can use in the event of an emergency.

Review with your vet what constitutes an emergency.

Remember to take along a pet first aid kit, just in case.

Let's Party Like It's 1776! (or 1783, though the hat would've been hip in 1886)

This Independence Day, as we thank every servicemember who’s ever served in the U.S. Armed Forces since 1775, Lula and Butters reminded me that right along side those folks are dedicated canines. And Sizzle chimed in about the horses that served, like George Washington’s horses, NELSON & BLUESKIN.

Spirit Magazine featured an article about how dogs trained in the Puppies Behind Bars program are helping retired servicemembers cope with shell shock — er Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  (We think the late George Carlin was on to something in his critique.)  Grab some tissues and read a touching story about How Mya Saved Jacob here: http://bit.ly/a5n1pm

Read up on all the Presidential Pets: http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/ 

Adopt a Hero:  Check out our blog post from earlier this year about adopting dogs that served!

Tag your pets! Chip your pets!  Dogs may run or hide during the festivities.  A tag will get your dog back home quickly.

Use these links to find dog-friendly accommodations, activities, and venues for your summer trip!

www.dogfriendly.com  — find hotels, restaurants, beaches, parks and attractions

www.bringfido.com  – This is a really well put together site that lists hotels, restaurants, beaches, parks, events and more. Plus, you can call a pet-friendly travel expert to plan your next trip!

www.petfriendlytravel.com — this site is very similar to the others.  Use it to find hotels, restaurants, beaches, parks, events and more.

Some of the locations listed on this site are also reviewed on YELP!, too. Do your research to ensure you and your pet have a pleasant trip!

Butters Loves Huntington Beach's Dog Beach!

I love COASTAL LIVING, and it’s not just because my pal Tracey worked there. I really love the whole vibe of the magazine. The July/August 2010 edition has a list of dog-friendly beaches on page 24 compiled by Sarah Latta.   Sadly, Sarah missed Butters’ favorite beach workout spot – Huntington Beach, California’s Dog Beach (PCH between Seapoint and Goldenwest Streets).

Other Dog-Friendly Beaches Around the U.S. Listed by Coastal Living:

• Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina
• Nags Head, North Carolina
• Fort De Soto Park Paw Playground, Tierra Verde, Florida
• Jekell Island, Georgia
• Ocean Beach, California (San Diego Area)
• Pacific City, Oregon

Lincoln City, Oregon is listed on many of the searches for Pacific City, Oregon Dog beach. Here’s a clever site that lists dog-friendly hotels in Oregon.

For more dog-friendly beaches, please visit www.dogfriendly.org.

Remember to be a good dog person. Clean up after your pet . Many of these venues provide clean up bags, but it’s a good idea to bring your own. If you know your dog is aggressive or unfriendly, only go to venues where dogs are leashed. This way you can control your dog and other folks can control theirs.   For your dog’s safety, be realistic about how well your dog is trained. Bring water for yourself and your dog.

SAFETY TIP: Sand gets hot and can burn and blister delicate paws. Go before it gets too hot or —  and this is going to sound goofy — cover your dogs paws going to and from the water. Many pet stores carry paw protectors.

Now, go hit the beach with your canine!