Oceanfront Rentals

Traveling in the Outer Banks with your Dog

Traveling with your dog in the Outer Banks can be a very rewarding experience. However, at the same time,  it also means added responsibility for you as you seek out pet friendly vacation spots. I guess it is pretty obvious, but if you want a pet friendly vacation you have to plan in advance. Most states in the USA require that your dog is up to date on all his/her vaccinations and you should always pack their medical records with you.

Before you head out into pet friendly vacation land make sure your dog is used to traveling in your vehicle. Take them on a few local trips with you before you leave on vacation. Just to be on the safe side, perhaps look up animal hospitals on your vacation route. Also, this may be hard to do, but try to research indigenous plant life in areas where you are vacationing to be aware of any potential poisonous plants you may encounter.  Pack important medication and food in air tight containers. Make sure to bring treats, snacks, dog food, water bowl and even your pet’s own water supply.

Consider asking for rooms on lower floors or ground level if you have an older pet. Pet friendly vacation hotels usually have designated areas that you can walk your dog. Think about timed poop stops at rest areas. Consider that your pet friendly vacation should also be people friendly, with good pet etiquette. It may be hard for your dog as they are in a strange and intimidating environment but try to keep barking to a minimum. Keep them leashed at all times especially near other hotel guests and always pick up after your pet.

Outer Banks Pet Friendly Vacations

The beach can be fun and rewarding for both pets and owners. Just about every beach or town has its own restrictions regarding dogs. Most include cleaning up pet poop. At Duck beach pets are allowed on the beach unleashed but have to be supervised. But on the Southern Shores dogs are not allowed on the beach from May 15 to Sep 15 and there is a year round leash law. At beautiful Kitty Hawk dogs are allowed on the beach but may sure you have a pooper scooper or something of that nature. In Nags Head and Cape Hatteras National Seashore, dogs are allowed on the beach year round. So rules come and rules go, you will have to check the local restrictions when you arrive and a pet friendly vacation will be had by all.