Guide to Pet-Friendly Getaways:

WHERE TO GO:  Companies in the know, like Animal Fair, the lifestyle magazine for pet owners, do the work for you by annually rating the pet-friendliest destinations. In 2008, top honors went to New York City, where you can stay in luxurious hotels like the Loews Regency, Soho Grand Hotel, and Novotel, and visit 30 off-leash parks.

Certain destinations, like Nantucket, Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard in MA, are well known as pet-friendly places, with more than a fair share of lodging and dining options, as well as plenty of beaches to stroll with your companion. Portland, ME also bears mentioning for its wide range of pet-friendly accommodations, parks, trails, and even pet boutiques.

WHERE TO STAY:  In its latest pet traveling guide, the PetBook® , AAA lists more than 13,000 AAA-approved hotels, campgrounds and attractions that accept pets, an amount which increases every year.

Several chains have pet-friendly policies which include everything from oversized pet pillows, plush doggie robes, to check-in gift packages that include a pet toy, dog treat, ID tag, bone and turn down treat. Others have pet-friendly perks like menus, day-care and playgrounds.

Certain major hotel chains are well-known for their pet-friendly policies, including Best Western, Red Roof Inn, and Holiday Inn. Be forewarned that most will charge a nonrefundable fee for pets, and many have a size limit. The Staybridge Suites in Newark, DE requests reasonable pet fees of $10 per day per pet, up to a maximum of $75. In the hillside art colony community of White River Junction, VT, you can choose from the Econo Lodge, Super 8 Motel, Comfort Inn, and the Regency Inn and Suites.

For a different type of lodging experience, consider an inn or B&B. Go upscale at the Gazebo Inn in Ogunquit, ME; try a taste of Victorian in any of the three Wedgewood Collection inns in New Hope, PA; or retreat to the down home Spruce Moose Lodge and Cottages in North Conway, NH.

Campgrounds generally offer more flexible pet policies, provided that guests show a considerate amount of “petiquette,” and make sure their pet is well-behaved. For example, three of Rhode Island’s state parks -- Burlingame State Park, Fishermen’s Memorial State Park and George Washington Management Area -- allow overnight camping, and cats and dogs are allowed at all three.

Luckily, pet owners are more than willing to share their travel experiences and recommendations online. There are several web sites that list pet-friendly hotels, beaches, restaurants, and attractions, including www.mypettravel.com, www.petfriendlytravel.com, and www.dogfriendlyhotels.org.

This is the best way to get an insider’s take on where you and your pet can, for example, dine on the dock in Cape May, NJ (try The Lobster House Raw Bar on Fisherman's Wharf). Or, check with the state or local tourism bureaus for recommendations on pet-friendly travel.

WHAT TO DO:  There’s no reason to leave your pet in the hotel while you’re out and about.  A little research will turn up many opportunities to bring your friend along. The area of Northern Virginia and Washington, DC welcomes dogs on entertaining attractions, like the Potomac Riverboat Co. Canine Cruises, and on carriage rides in the historical Old Town section of Alexandria.

You can even take your furry friend to several “Pet Friendly”- designated Prime shopping outlets, in Hagerstown and Queenstown, MD; Lee, MA in the Berkshires; Grove City, PA; and Williamsburg, VA.

At major annual events across the region, animals are not only welcome, they’re the stars of the show.   In April, pets are on parade at the “Paws on the Promenade” at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Central Valley, PA. Every May, you can catch the action at the “Flying Disc Dog Open” at the Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT, or dress your dog for the fashion show during the Frederick County “Bark in the Park” in Frederick, MD. The Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY hosts a Reptile Expo in April and September and a Cat Show in November.

DID YOU KNOW:  The state of Maine has a monthly newspaper that covers nothing but dog news. The Downeast Dog News is free for people who love dogs and want to read about what's happening in Maine's dog community.

TIPS:  Before your next trip, head to the pet store with this list of travel products in hand:

1) Animal first-aid kit – Include bandages, antiseptic cream, antidiarrheal medication, prescription medication, tick removal tool, etc.

2) Travel tag -- Add one on your pet’s collar with information on where you’re staying and your cell phone number.

3) Pet record book -- Insert a photograph of your pet, certifications, allergy info, medical history, commands, vaccination records and owner information.

4) Extra leash

5) Sleeping bag or travel bed

6) Travel sizes -- Wash, rinse, bar soap, and collapsible water bowl

7) Buckle safety system -- Adjustable harness that attaches to a seat belt

8) Vehicle ramp -- To facilitate getting in and out of SUV’s, RV’s, trucks, etc.

9) Car seat cover – Look for odor repellent, machine washable fabrics

10) Weather gear – Coats to wear in rainy or cold conditions

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA); www.acpca.org
American Veterinary Medical Association; www.avma.org