How To Plan A Staycation With Your Dog

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, going on a traditional vacation this summer seems like it is out of the question. That being said, there’s a very good chance that you and your dog may be feeling a bit desperate to leave the confines of your living room.  A decent option to get out of the house, even if it’s for just a day or two, is to have a staycation with your pooch at a local hotel. 

Now, we realize this can be a little tricky during the current circumstances, especially when you’re trying to accommodate your dog and their many needs. 

To help make sure that your dog-friendly staycation goes without a hitch, here are some suggestions. 

Research Where You’ll Be Staying

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For a staycation, ideally, you’ll want to stay somewhere that is within a 30-minute vicinity of your house. Using that metric, you can start looking for local places that are 1) still open and 2) dog-friendly. You'll also want to be aware of the hotel’s policies regarding COVID, including whether the hotel is implementing social distancing guidelines among guests and if masks are necessary in common areas. If the answer is no on either of those, it’s in your best interest to find somewhere else to stay. 

Skip the Room Service

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Even though getting room service is arguably the best part of staying in a hotel, the fewer people that enter your room the safer you’ll be.

Not only will this decrease your chance of interacting with a person who may be COVID positive, but it also lessens the chance of your dog going berserk and disrupting other guests. That is unless, of course, you have a quiet, well-behaved dog. But if your pooch is anything like my 10-pound terrier-mix, he is going to cause a ruckus the minute a stranger enters the premises of the room. 

So just be sure to pack snacks for both you and your pup in advance. Or you can just raid the minibar if you are cool with paying $10 for a single serving size of Pringles. 

Make A Detailed Checklist of What You and Your Pup Will Need 

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Packing during a pandemic can be a little tricky.  Even under regular circumstances, I am not a light packer. And neither is my dog -- she actually has her own luggage -- I wish I was joking. 

On top of the regular items you need for trips, like a few changes of clothes, various chargers for all your electronics, and toiletries, you’re also going to need to pack some COVID-specific items like a few masks, plenty of hand sanitizer, and maybe even a  face shield. 

Also, it’s very important to bring your dog’s food, treats, medications, and of course, their favorite toys. If I was to forget my pup’s stuffed elephant, Timothy Olyphant, there’s a very good chance that she’d never speak to me again. 

To make packing a little bit less of a nightmare, write down a detailed  list and check off the items one by one. 

Find Local Restaurants With Dog-Friendly Patios

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Now my favorite thing about going on vacation is trying out new restaurants, as I am highly food motivated, much like dogs. Use your staycation as an opportunity to dine out at local eateries or cafes that you haven’t tried out yet. Just call ahead beforehand to make sure that the establishment has a dog-friendly patio.  

Try Your Best To De-Stress

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Lately, life has been stressful for literally everyone, so you should take this staycation as a chance to decompress. 

We recommend disconnecting from work for a few days (although be sure to give your boss a heads up) and just relax. We suggest making some pupcorn and watching a couple of  dog-themed movies while cuddling with your pup on the hotel bed.  For extra fun, you should consider wearing matching pajamas with your pooch.