Colorado is the perfect place to visit in the United States for anyone who appreciates the outdoors. From rustic Colorado cabin rentals and campsites to the Rocky Mountains, hiking trails and desert landscapes, the Centennial State has everything an adventurous tourist could need. And this is a significant advantage for Americans who want to travel with their dog. Here’s everything you need to know about bringing your dog on holiday to Colorado.
Accommodation
First and foremost, it’s no secret that most properties have strict policies about bringing pets into the rooms. This tends to be the case with most hotels throughout the state. But if you persevere, you’ll find several options that would allow you to bring your pet. Don’t expect five-star luxury and you might have to camp, but at least there aren’t any issues with bringing them along.
Getting to Colorado
This point mostly applies to tourists who live quite far from Colorado. Getting to the state can be a challenge. Most airlines won’t allow you to bring pets onto the flight and driving might be the only option. If you live in Colorado and want to take a staycation break in the mountains, driving is by far the most comfortable option. But those living further afield need more time and preparation to make sure they can actually get here without causing unnecessary stress to their pets. Another option might be to rent a motorhome and visit Colorado as part of a more extensive North American road trip.
Your Responsibilities
Just because you’re on holiday, you still have a responsibility to take care of your dog. First, it’s vital to always clean up after them. Bring a few bags and the usual kit. You should also make sure you have their favorite food and that it’s available in the place you’re going to stay. If not, you need to stock up and bring it with you. Other considerations are making sure they have plenty of water and will feel comfortable. After all, it’s their holiday too.
Choose the Location and Season Carefully
Colorado State is about as diverse as it gets. There are mountains and the Mile High City of Denver, deserts, skiing resorts, cosmopolitan cities and forgotten ghost towns. Temperatures can be more than 95°F in some parts during summer while others experience 0°F at winter. You need to do your research to find the best places to bring the dog and to be mindful of their comfort. No dog would be happy in the scorching summer heat or the freezing and icy conditions of winter. The best time if you want to go hiking or enjoy the outdoor activities will usually be in spring or fall.
Know How to Get to the Animal Hospitals and Vets
Just like us, sickness and illness can strike at any moment. And anything that happens to your pet when you’re on the road will be exponentially worse. They can’t tell you what’s wrong and being in an unfamiliar environment can be much more stressful for the animal. The last thing anyone wants is to find that they need to rush to the vet in the middle of the night. But it happens. And it’s essential that you know where to go and how to get there. Spend a few minutes before you take your holiday to write down the name, address and phone number of animal hospitals and vets in the area you’re planning to stay.
Exercise
All dogs need exercise. From long walks in the park to a short trip around the street, our four-legged friends like nothing more than to put on their leash. And those holidaying with Fido in Colorado will have unlimited opportunities to go walkies. But smart pet owners also know how to manage the length and intensity of the walks which in turn makes travelling more comfortable. If you’re planning on driving the next day, make sure they have a longer walk than usual. This works great for the trip into and out of Colorado. After all, we all know that a well-walked dog will be passive and tired the next day. And when in the car, it means they’ll be quiet rather than trying to hang their heads out of the window.
Know Which Trails to Walk and Which Ones to Avoid
Any self-respecting dog owner will understand their pet’s level of fitness and ability. Some can walk for hours and seem to have a bottomless pit of energy. Others get tired after just 30 minutes and prefer to have lots of short bursts rather than a long walk. For this reason, it’s essential to research the length, expected duration and intensity of the trails before starting the day. If you’re planning to be in the state for longer than a few days, it might be better to take it easy to start off with. Unless your dog is super fit, it’s probably not a good idea to go on an 8-hour walk on the very first day. Instead, try to reserve the longest one for the last day. This way, your pet will want nothing more than to lie on the back seat and sleep on the journey back at home! A little care and planning will go a long way.
Bringing Your Dog to Colorado
Pets are part of the family, and no dog owner wants to leave theirs at home while they go on holiday. Fortunately, Colorado makes a perfect place for dog owners. With the abundance of nature, hiking and scenery, the pets are sure to have the time of their lives. Just remember to plan the trip, avoid the middle of summer and winter and be smart about long walk days!
