We have a look at some of the most pet-friendly places to visit on your next holiday with your furry friend.
EDINBURGH
WHERE: Scotland, UK
Named the UK’s most dog-friendly tourist location in 2021 due to its green spaces and pet-friendly pubs, restaurants, and accommodations, Edinburgh is an unmatched location to holiday with your beloved fluffy friend.
Have a ‘pawsitively’ amazing time exploring the many pet-friendly parks that are idyllic throughout every season, tour 900 years of history at St Giles’ Cathedral, and sample your way through The Secret Garden Distillery’s world-famous gin, where you can drink with your four-legged friend by your side. Catch a good night’s sleep at the many hotels and B&Bs that offer accommodation for your pet, and partake in some window shopping during the day to discover all of the storefronts that cater directly to your loyal companion.
CHICAGO
WHERE: Illinois, US
Located in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago offers Windy City pooches and their humans the chance to enjoy pet-friendly breweries, bakeries, beaches, sports bars, and more. This lakeside city has multiple boat tours with dog-friendly experiences, and even the Gangsters and Ghosts Tours allows people and their pets to learn more about the city’s sordid and theatrical history by walking through the Vice District.
In the warmer months, Montrose Dog Beach lets pets splash in the water and offers free waste bags and a dog wash area to ensure every pet comes back clean, happy, and tired from a long day of fun. End the day perfectly by going to the city’s oldest frozen custard shop to treat yourself to a scoop and your pet to a free pup cone.
LAKE DISTRICT
WHERE: Cumbria, UK
In the Lake District, those with four legs and fur are just as welcome as their human counterparts. With second-to-none pet-friendly accommodations throughout the region, the Lake District is known as the pet capital of the UK. Offering everything from glamping to historic inns, the beloved scenery is ideal for those who want to spend their holiday with their best friend by their side.
Exploring the countryside and trekking the never-ending coastline is one of the best ways to spend time with your furry friend. Wander stunning walks, such as The Coniston Round, where you can take in all the natural beauty as your pet happily explores all the best sniffing spots. You can even board one of the Windermere Lake Cruises, where well-behaved dogs are allowed to go onboard for free.
KEY WEST
WHERE: Florida, US
Whilst Florida is known for its abundant collection of weird and quirky native animals, Key West, in particular, is famous for its wild six-toed cats who rule the city with an iron paw. However, the sunshine-laden city is still welcome to other types of four-legged friends, with dogs able to join travellers on snorkelling trips, dolphin charters, and tours of the nearly century-old Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden.
Leashed dogs are also invited to accompany their owners for an adventure through the local aquarium, where you can both enjoy live shark feedings, alligator exhibits, rescue turtles, and more. Dip your feet – and paws – in the salty waters of the plethora of pet-friendly beaches and finish off your day by watching the sunset at one of the many restaurants that cater to you and your adorable pooch.
SWISS ALPS
WHERE: Switzerland
If you and your fur baby are the outdoor adventuring types, the Swiss Alps are the ideal destination for your next trip. The fresh mountain air and lush scenery make for perfect hiking and trekking conditions, allowing you and your pet to experience all the sights and smells of the mountain paths, nature parks, and forest trails.
Switzerland is regarded as a very pet-friendly country, with dogs allowed on public transportation – free of charge if they are inside a pet carrier or a half-fare ticket if on a leash. For dining, you can assume that dogs are welcome unless a sign specifically says otherwise, allowing doting pet parents to enjoy the decadence of traditional fondue with their furry companion nestled by their side.
PORTLAND
WHERE: Oregon, US
Portland is proud to be one of the most pet-friendly destinations in the US, with myriad dog and cat-friendly hotels around every corner. Not only is the city known for its eclectic and award-winning food scene, but many restaurants allow you to enjoy the gastronomic experience with your best friend beside you, even offering a pet menu so you can both indulge in award-winning dishes. You can even find breweries that let you sample some homebrew while your pet basks in the sunny rays. The city boasts stunning parks and trails for you and your furry companion to explore, and the ocean and mountains are only a short drive away.
AMSTERDAM
WHERE: Netherlands
If you are looking for a cat-centric vacation, Amsterdam is the place to be. Well documented for its love of cats, the city is abundant with feline-filled attractions and accommodations for you and your ‘purrfect’ friend.
The many bike paths and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to traverse around the city with your cat in tow, and there are a variety of feline-themed cafes and shops for you to enjoy and spoil your pet with. Don’t miss out on the world-famous Catboat – a floating sanctuary that has been providing a home for stray and abandoned cats since 1966. Be sure to book tickets to explore the KattenKabinet – a museum dedicated to all things cat and founded in 1990 by a wealthy Dutchman to honour his beloved ginger tom cat, JP Morgan.
