Over 43 million households in the U.S. include dogs as part of their family. Businesses recognize that dog owners are a large group of people who are passionate about their pets. Increasingly, hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments are instituting dog-friendly policies, welcoming dog owners and their furry friends. In fact, a number of businesses even offer incentives for dog owners.

Wikibuy has put together a handy infographic that lists numerous national restaurant chains that offer a variety of specials for dogs, such as secret menus and special treats. The infographic also has a listing of hotels offering deals and freebies, as well as a section of general pet freebies. It's a useful guide that could tell you which places welcome dogs -- and it could also save you money.

Check it out here: https://wikibuy.com/blog/pet-freebies-5692fab42da

Asheville has been lauded as one of the dog-friendliest small cities in the United States. So... just how dog-friendly is Asheville?

Thanks to pups-on-the-street research, AVL Today has put together a list of 30-plus dog-friendly places in downtown Asheville where you can eat, drink, and shop with your pooch. The list includes breweries, patios, and shops where dogs are welcome.

The summer is a great time to enjoy WNC's dog-friendliest city. Check it out here: 
https://avltoday.6amcity.com/downtown-dog-friendly/

Image: Kiranda70, Pixabay.com

When it comes to getting directions, GPS on your smartphone is a given. What you may not know is that GPS is now becoming common for tracking dogs. There are numerous GPS dog trackers available on the market today; in fact, the choices can be bewildering. Here is some basic information about why tracking your dog with GPS makes sense, courtesy of TeletracNavman (and thanks to blog reader Natalie for pointing us to this resource):

• 40 percent of dogs are startled by loud or unexpected noise. This "noise anxiety" can cause dogs to become frightened and bolt. A GPS tracker can help you find a frightened pet quickly.
• When a dog goes missing and you aren't home, it could be hours before you take action. Some GPS trackers can notify you as soon as it happens.
• A GPS tracker is your best friend when you are traveling with your dog. When you or your dog are unfamiliar with an area, it can lead to trouble.
• If your dog likes to chase animals, cars or moving objects, a GPS tracker can help you track him down.  

TeletracNavman offers several other reasons for GPS tracking, plus a comprehensive list of helpful articles about losing a pet. You can find this resource here: https://www.teletracnavman.com/gps-fleet-tracking-education/tracking-your-dog-with-gps

Image: Simon Howden, Freedigitalphotos.net

No doubt you love your doggie enough to take him or her on a trip with you. If that trip includes airline travel, you need to know about airline regulations regarding pets. You may have heard about recent airline crackdowns on emotional support pets as well as some unfortunate behavior by airline crew regarding pets, but there could actually be some benefits associated with taking your pets along for the plane ride, as long as you observe rules and advocate for your dog.

CreditCards.com has just published a handy free online guide, "Guide to Flying with Pets (and getting rewarded for it)," that lists the top U.S. airlines' pet shipping requirements, service animal requirements, and emotional support animal requirements, all in one place. You'll also find the top fifteen U.S. airports' pet relief area locations.

In addition, the guide features information about a few airlines that actually offer rewards for taking your pet with you, plus lots of good advice about flying with your pet.

Check it out here: https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/pets-reward-frequent-flier-miles-1263.php

Image: Khunaspix, freedigitalphotos.net

It's always a challenge to take a trip with your dog if it involves an overnight stay. The good news is more hotels now accommodate dogs, and you can even find private vacation rentals that allow pets as well.

AllTheRooms.com, the largest and most complete accommodation search engine, offers several helpful "pet etiquette tips" when you travel with your dog. Recommendations include doing research beforehand on dog-friendly accommodations, monitoring behavior, cleaning up after your pet, and more. Read the article here: https://www.alltherooms.com/w/2017/10/guests-pets-travel-pet-etiquette-tips/

In addition, if you or anyone you know is planning a trip to the Westminster Dog Show, held in New York City in February 2018, AllTheRooms offers a handy listing of dog-friendly accommodations, including hotels and private rentals, near the show: www.alltherooms.com/westminster-club-dog-show 

Image: Pixabay

When you’re planning a trip, you have dozens of details to worry about. If you add a pet to the mix, those details may begin to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re traveling for pleasure or moving to a new place, that doesn’t mean you have to leave your dog behind.

A new free online guide published by UpgradedPoints.com can help. "The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Pets" offers some tips to show you how to keep yourself and your pet calm and comfortable, no matter what distance or mode you travel. The guide includes helpful information about the following:

• Prepare for your journey
• Research the pet rules of your destination
• Contact a specialist pet relocation company
• Learn about your airlines' pet policy
• Prepare for other modes of travel with your pet
• Find pet-friendly accommodations
• Schedule a pre-trip checkup with your veterinarian
• Prepare your pet and pack the essentials
• Watch your pet's diet
• Plan for emergencies and the unexpected
• Keep your pet calm and comfortable during the journey
• Enlist in the latest pet resources

You can find the complete guide here: https://upgradedpoints.com/traveling-with-pets/

Another helpful guide that concentrates on train travel with pets can be found here: https://millionmilesecrets.com/guides/traveling-with-pets-on-trains/

Image: Dan, Freedigitalphotos.net

Hooray for Posana, a restaurant at 1 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville. Recognizing that plenty of dog lovers dot the Asheville streets, Posana has not only welcomed dogs to their outdoor patio, the restaurant has also created a menu especially for culinary canines, according to a recent report in Mountain Xpress.

The menu was kicked off on March 7 in a nod to "Dine to be Kind," a fundraising event in which Posana, along with over sixty other local restaurants, contributed a portion of sales to Asheville Humane Society. Martha Pollay, co-owner of Posana, "worked really hard to find things that were pretty lean and good for dogs to eat," says Peter Pollay, co-owner and executive chef.

"Homemade biscuits, grilled Carolina Bison burgers, grilled Ashely Farms chicken breast, Brasstown Beef doggie meatloaf and a dessert dish of bacon soy doggie ice cream make up the canine menu," reports Mountain Xpress. "Prices range from $3-$8. All orders are served in dog dishes."

So next time you're in downtown Asheville with your doggie, remember that you'll find both a warm welcome and a special menu at Posana.

Image: Stuart Miles, Freedigitalphotos.net

Going to Europe can be tough for dog owners. You spend the whole trip worrying about your beloved pet, stuck in a kennel, when you should be having a good time. So why not bring your dog with you? It’s not as much of a hassle as you might think.

Craig Manor, a resort overlooking Lake Windermere in England's lakes region that welcomes dogs, has prepared a very useful infographic guide that takes you step by step through the whole process of entering Europe with your dog. It covers things such as what the legal requirements are, booking a flight, choosing an airline, what to check when picking a destination and how to make sure your dog is ready to fly.

The guide is intended to simplify a process that once seemed daunting, into something a lot more straightforward. That way both you and your dog will be able to enjoy a relaxing holiday.

You can find the infographic here: http://www.craigmanor.co.uk/travelling-in-europe-with-your-dog/

Guest Post by Jennifer Scott

Taking a vacation is meant to be a relaxing endeavor, but when it comes to traveling with a dog there can be a lot of added stress. It’s important to make sure that your companion is safe and comfortable, especially on long, curvy rides on mountain roads. Here are seven tips for safe pet travel:

1. Visit the vet’s office first. You want to be sure that your pet is ready to hit the open road (or open air) health-wise, especially since you won’t be close to his regular doctor while you’re away. Further, many airlines require a certificate of veterinary inspection within 10 days of traveling.

2. Be wary of harsh weather conditions. If you’re flying during the summer or winter months, be sure to check that the airline will accommodate for extreme temperatures. This is especially important if your pet will take the trip below the cabin. If you’re taking a winter weekend getaway to the mountains with your pup, pack him his own blankets and sweaters to protect him from the cold.

3. Choose the right crate for your pet. Crates are required for pets to travel via plane, and an excellent option for car rides. (They’re also a good way to keep pets polite while staying in hotels or with a loved one.) Make sure the crate large enough to allow him to stand, turn, and lie down with plenty of ventilation. It should have a leak proof bottom and be lined with absorbent material like a towel or blanket in case of potty accidents. A “live animal” label should be placed in a clearly visible spot on the outside.

4. Pack a travel kit. Even if your pet is a tenured traveler, the process can be quite stressful for animals. Put together a travel kit for him full of his favorite goodies and toys to create a sense of familiarity: his food, water bowl, bed or blanket, and a couple of his favorite toys. If you’re flying, you may want to consider leaving him a T-shirt that smells like you for added reassurance.

5. Look out for safety hazards. Though you’ll want a leash with you, don’t leave it in the crate as it could be a serious choking risk. Loose collars can pose a similar problem, so find the happy medium between too snug and too loose. Dogs will appreciate a good chew bone to keep their minds occupied, but make sure it won’t break into small pieces that he could choke on (especially on a bumpy flight or road trip).

6. Figure breaks into your travel time. Especially if you’re going on a lengthy car ride, plan to take pit stops every two hours or so to give your pet a break. Give dogs a potty walk and allow them a little extra time to run around, explore the mountain scenery, or play with a ball or Frisbee; it’ll make him feel less restless and maybe even burn off enough energy to let him snooze during the drive.

7. Consider boarding your pet. Though it’s difficult to leave your beloved pet behind, however temporarily, it may actually be better for him to skip the stress of travel. You can find a responsible pet sitter who would love to care for your companion, and with today’s technology you can easily stay updated on his stay with daily photos and video chats. Think of it as your pet taking his own vacation in a safe, compassionate environment!

Traveling with a pet can be tricky, but with the right tools and approach even the ruff-est rides can be enjoyable!

__________

Jennifer Scott is a lifelong sufferer of anxiety and depression. She created her website, SpiritFinder.org, as a platform for advocacy on opening up about mental health. Through the site, she hopes to share the types of steps and success stories that can help others realize their own power. When she isn’t working on her website, she enjoys traveling, working with animals, and seeking out new friendships and adventures.

Image: Federico Stevanin, freedigitalphotos.net

Planning a trip with your best friend?  Before you do, it's vital that you plan ahead. This helps you keep in mind the best interests of your dog. Traveling with your pet can be either an amazing bonding experience or a stressful nightmare. Proper planning and preparation takes the bite out of your stress.

The first decision you will have to make is whether to bring your pet with you on your trip. Will you have enough free time during your travels to attend to your pet? Not all pets are suited for travel and some pets don’t like to travel. All over the world, millions of pets and pet parents travel every day. The increase in popularity of pet travel has meant many of the leading hotel chains worldwide are now pet friendly.

An Australian organization, Greyhounds as Pets, has produced a handy infographic that gives you all you need to have a fun-filled holiday with your treasured family member. You can download the infographic at the link below.

View this photo

(From the ASPCA Blog)

Summer travel season is in full swing, and we think trips are always more fun when you bring your furry friends along. If you’re planning to take a vacation this summer with your pets in tow, we’ve got you covered.

In the car:

Taking a road trip? Here are a few car travel safety tips brought to you by Subara, an ASPCA supporter.  

Practice makes perfect: It’s a good idea to practice having your pet ride along for a series of short car trips leading up to your big trip.

Ride safely: Keep your pets safe and secure in the car by having them ride in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. Secure your pet’s crate so it will not slide or shift in the event of an abrupt stop.

Road trip snacks: Be sure to pack plenty of water, and avoid feeding your pet in a moving vehicle. Your pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure.

For a full list of car travel safety tips, visit our Pet Care section.

Traveling by plane:

Unless your furry friend is small enough to ride under your seat on a plane, the ASPCA advises avoiding air travel with pets. However, if you must bring your pet along on your flight, it’s best to plan ahead. We recommend you book a direct flight if possible. Here are a few other suggestions:

Careful with crates: Prior to your trip, purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate that is large enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably.

IDs, please: Be sure to mark the crate with the words “Live Animal,” as well as your contact information and a photo of your pet. Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date and that your pet has been microchipped for identification purposes.

In-flight food: Attach a pouch of your pet’s food to the outside of her crate, and freeze water in a dish for your pet to drink as it melts throughout the flight.

For more air travel safety tips, visit our Pet Care section.

No matter where you’re headed this summer, please be sure your pet is wearing an ID tag at all times. Happy trails, and safe travels!

According to USA TODAY, here are readers' ten favorite U.S. pet-friendly resorts and hotels for 2013 (and what they offer for pets):

1. El Portal Sedona Hotel - Sedona, AZ; fenced yards and free pet-sitters.

2. Red Mountain Resort - St. George, UT; offers hikes with shelter pets.

3. The Benjamin - New York, NY; pet mini-bar, on-call vet, BarkBox goodies.

4. Fairmont - Washington, DC; pet treats by the Executive Chef during afternoon tea.

5. Hotel Monaco - Alexandria, VA; yappy hour; no fees for guest pets.

6. W Hotel Midtown - Atlanta, GA; yappy hour; walking distance to Piedmont Park.

7. Loews Coronado Bay Resort - San Diego, CA; doggie surf lessons; room service for canine menu.

8. The Little Nell - Aspen, CO; puppy jet lag kit; free book on peti-quette.

9. The Loden - Vancouver, BC; walk to Stanley Park; free Modern Dog magazine.

10. Galleria Park Hotel - San Francisco, CA; eco-friendly dog bowls; yappy hour with big views.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/weekend/2013/12/27/the-best-of-2013-/4180815/

A surprising number of dog lovers would like to take their dogs with them to restaurants. This is not an impossible dream. While it is rare (and sometimes illegal) for restaurants to permit dogs inside the premises, restaurants with outdoor dining facilities are often accommodating to dog owners, as long as local ordinances do not prohibit dogs from being in restaurants.

Happily, many restaurants in the Carolina mountains welcome dogs in outdoor seating areas as long as they are well-behaved. Some restaurants may restrict the offer to small dogs only, however. Asheville and Greenville are particuarly dog friendly. Of course, it always pays to call a restaurant in advance to inquire about their dog policy.

If you're traveling with your pet in Arizona, California, Florida or New York, or in the Chicago area, check out the "Dining with Dogs" website, www.diningdogs.com. The site lists dog-friendly restaurants (including reviews) in these areas. Who knows, as the site expands, restaurants in the Carolina mountains might someday be listed. (Offer to post reviews of local restaurants and it could happen sooner than you think!)

Photo credit: www.gites4dogs.co.uk

Cashiers is one of those places you and your dog won't easily forget. While it is about 1-1/2 hours southwest of Asheville, its elevation is higher -- 3500 feet -- and that makes it considerably cooler. This charming, quaint, upscale town has both mountains and lakes -- the smaller Cashiers Lake and the larger Lake Glenville, where you'll find pet-friendly rentals (check out the lakeview cottage or cabin at www.sugarbearlodge.com, for example) and water sports of all kinds, including kayaks and pontoon boats for rent. There are a number of public boat launches and low spots where your dog can paddle around -- take Pine Creek Road off of Route 107 in Glenville to reach them.

Cashiers is a worthy destination for its shops and restaurants, but there are some notable spots that are great for your pup, too. There is the Woof Gang Bakery on Pillar Drive, just off the center of town, where you can lavish your dog with baked treats, natural foods, and plenty of boutique and accessory items. Also in the center of town, at the intersection of Routes 107 and 64, is the Village Green -- a beautiful 12-acre park with flat walking trails, including one that wanders through natural wooded forest. The park features sculptures, a gazebo, a chldren's playground, a picnic area, and more.

Half an hour away, and at an even higher elevation, is Highlands -- worth the trip if you like a winding road leading to tony shops along a busy main drag. (You'll find a pet store called Whiskers there too.)

For more information about Cashiers, visit the CANINE CRUISIN' page.

A recent survey of "dog parents" conducted by the American Automobile Association revealed some disturbing facts. For one thing, 59 percent of those responding said they participating in at least "one distracting behavior" while they were driving with a dog. For another, more than half of the respondents said they pet their dog while driving, and 21 percent allow their dog to sit in their laps.

The ASPCA suggests that drivers with dogs in the car keep their pets safe and secure in the car's back seat in a well-ventilated crate, pet carrier, or specially made harness. A crate should be large enough for standing, sitting, lying down, and turning around, and it should be secured so it doesn't slide. Click here to read the ASPCA's top 10 tips for safe care travel with your pet.

If you're looking for a cool (sometimes even cold) spot to take your dog, Mt. Mitchell's the place. It's a perfect destination on a hot summer day, and just as delightful during the fall.

Just under 6700 feet high, yet easily reachable via car, Mt. Mitchell offers spectacular views and temperatures at least 10 degrees, and sometimes as much as 20 degrees, cooler than Asheville.

Mt. Mitchell is in Yancey County, 33 miles north of Asheville, accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile marker # 355). Off the Blue Ridge, turn left on NC 128, which leads to Mt. Mitchell State Park. You can drive to the top of Mt. Mitchell and walk your dogs a relatively short way to get to the observation deck (see photo). There's a restaurant at the park, but the shady picnic area is a better bet for dogs. There are a number of hiking trails in the park as well.

Go to the CANINE CRUISIN' page for additional information about Mt. Mitchell.

If you're planning to take your kids to Walt Disney World in Orlando after the summer, then take your dog too -- because as of August 27, your pooch can be pampered at the new Best Friends Pet Care Resort.

The one-of-a-kind resort comprises more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, including 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space, 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas, and an expansive private dog park exclusively for the use of pet resort clients and their dogs. A wide selection of suite choices for dogs includes air-conditioned indoor rooms, 48-square-foot indoor-outdoor suites, and four expansive VIP (very important pet) suites with television, raised bedding and private outdoor yards.

The concept of Camp Unleashed, which started in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, is to get dogs and their owners together for an extended weekend of fun and learning. After an initial introductory period, dogs remain for the most part unleashed during a four day, three night outing that includes everything from hiking to agility to canoeing to learning about dog behavior. It's a jam-packed agenda, but dogs and their owners can do as little or as much as they wish.

Now Camp Unleashed is coming to Asheville, September 23 - 26. (It will actually be held at Blue Star Camps, a 500-acre property outside Hendersonville.)

For more information about Camp Unleashed, watch the accompanying video, and go to: http://campunleashed.com/asheville.html

If you're a regular reader of Carolina Mountain Dog, you know that we periodically run stories about dog-friendly destinations in our CANINE CRUISIN' section. Well, given how dog-gone hot it has been lately, we thought you might appreciate taking another look at the top CANINE CRUISIN' COOL spots to take your four-legged friend when you want some relief.

Each of these places is typically 10 to 20 degrees cooler than downtown Asheville on a steamy, sultry day... so pick one and CHILL!

Click on each link to view the original CANINE CRUISIN' story:

Craggy Gardens, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

Max Patch, NC

Montreat, NC