Hush Puppy Getaways
Traveling with Your Noise Sensitive Dog
By Melanie Carden
I love traveling with my sassy Catahoula Leopard Dog, but she really struggles during storms or fireworks. Nevertheless, adventure is a big part of our lives, so I’ve picked up a few best practices along the way. If you have a noise-sensitive dog, it’s always a good idea to chat with the hotel or property before you confirm reservations. They can often give you the inside scoop on any local festivals or celebrations that might involve fireworks. Camping or glamping? Ask if there is hunting or a rifle range nearby. Once you’ve done a bit of research and booked your outing, plan to also bring along some calming support—just in case. These dog-friendly getaways eliminate most of the guesswork and are devoted not just to welcoming your pup—but spoiling them from head to tail!
Hawley, PA
Hovering over the gentle waterfalls of Wallenpaupack Creek in Hawley, Pennsylvania, Ledges Hotel is naturally serene. However, that wasn’t good enough for Gracie-the-Labrador—the hotel’s honorary Director of Pet Relations. Gracie has also implemented an official “no fireworks policy.” The hotel’s pet concierge ensures you and your bestie will make the most of your stay with cozy accommodations, walking and hiking suggestions, and extra snuggles. Their hos-pet-ality includes daily treats, a brand new chew toy, food and water bowls, and a supply of waste bags. Guess what? Their second property, The Settler’s Inn, is also a no-fireworks property!
Info: ledgeshotel.com/specials/gracies-wagaway-pet-package
CATSKILLS, NY
Located in the Catskill Mountains of New York, A Tiny House Resort provides a quiet escape for you and your furbaby. They have 15 stylish tiny houses set along Catskill Creek. If these itty-bitty wonders look especially glam, it’s because owner, Bob Malkin, used to run an iconic pop-art store in Soho! Well-behaved pups can say hello to the free-range chickens on their way to the tiny woodland houses and live their best life with their dog park, dog wash, and 1/2 mile of creek frontage. The newest tiny houses even provide a private dog run! Start the day by joining the owners—and their goats—on sunrise walks…or just chill by the creek, enjoy nature, and make s’mores. The large property is known for its peace and quiet—a great spot for noise-sensitive dogs. Info: atinyhouseresort.com
Inn by the Sea has welcomed man’s best friend for over 25 years with complimentary stays. Perks include water bowls, beach towels, cozy L.L. Bean dog blankets, and handmade treats at turn down. Dogs are welcome to join their owners on the seaside terrace for al fresco dining—or the fireplace lounge. Of course, you’ll spend plenty of quality time with your dog, but for those hooman-only outings, they offer dog walking and doggie daycare. In chatting with the property, they shared that they can’t remember a time they’ve heard fireworks—but, of course, watch the weather forecast for storms. For one week in October, the pool closes to people and opens for pets only to enjoy! Check with the hotel for details on seasonal beach rules—due to nesting seabirds in the summer. Info: innbythesea.com
Take your Beagle to Beacon Hill! The Whitney Hotel—a 65-room luxe property in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood—offers its Whitney Wags program to spoil your dog. Your regal pooch will sleep soundly on a luxe Plush Lion + Wolf bed and dine in style with a pet feeder designed by architect and designer EJ Tanu. Did someone say complimentary treats? Get ready for some major tail wags—the folks here are serving up delicious bites from My Zone Blue dog treats. The hotel is part of the Independent Collection. Most of the properties within the brand are pet-friendly such as The Rittenhouse in Philadelphia! Though the hotel does not explicitly have a no-fireworks policy, Boston generally only has city-wide fireworks on the 4th of July. Hotel staff can answer questions about other local festivals. Info: whitneyhotelboston.com/the-hotel/pet-friendly
BRECKENRIDGE & VAIL
Adventure hounds unite! The Gravity Haus Hotels in Breckenridge and Vail know Fido loves playing in the outdoors too, which is why they welcome four-legged friends with open paws. Upon arrival, dogs can be photographed, and “sign” the doggie guest book, and get set up with their own doggie bed, bowl and treats. The best part? Gravity Haus properties are not your average hotels; these folks have created a cool community of people who live an active lifestyle and thrive on new experiences. Although membership is not required to go to their sustainably-minded hotels, they offer their members additional adventurers, ongoing insider experiences, and special discounts. They partner with environmentally-minded companies and understand the best way to explore is to bring your best buddy along too! They’re happy to chat about local events and answer any dog-related questions. Info: gravityhaus.com
Traveling is exciting, but it can be a little stressful at times too. If your dog has noise-induced anxiety or gets a little nervous in the car or plane, Ellevet Sciences has a full line of CBD solutions to help. Vets highly recommend their line because they work and are also backed by a Cornell University study.
Info: ellevetsciences.com
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Fireworks are a total no-no at these woodland utopias. Huttopia offers fresh-air therapy—for you and your furry friend—in California, Canada, the Adirondacks, Southern Maine, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Their Adirondacks location is the perfect spot for you and Fido to rejuvenate. Just inside the “Blue Line” that marks the boundary of six million acre Adirondack Park, and only a few miles from Lake George Village, you can escape to a secluded forest featuring wood and canvas tents with all the comforts of home. When you’re not hiking with your pup, you can PAWS at the on-grounds restaurant, bar, or heated swimming pool.
Info:canada-usa.huttopia.com/
Get a travel companion for your travel companion? Absolutely, especially if your dog gets a little skittish at times. Calmeroos are more than just the cutest darn plush ever—they have a soothing heartbeat to help calm your buddy during travels, storms, or stressful situations. Info: calmeroos.com
WASHINGTON, DC
Kimpton Hotel Monaco invites you to bring your furry, feathery or scaly family member — no matter their size, weight, or breed, all at no extra charge. If your pet fits through the door, they will welcome them in! Not only will you have access to their concierge list of pet-friendly restaurants, parks, groomers, and pet boutiques, but your room will be adorned with plush loaner beds, bowls, and mats. Courtesy bags are provided for walks, and door hangers alert other hotel guests and staff that your cat, dog, or other beloved pet is in the room. Check with the reservations staff about any pre-planned fireworks in the area; they’re ready to help you select the perfect dates. And don’t forget to attend their nightly wine reception—pets are welcome to join the party at select hotels! Info: monaco-dc.com
We’ve given you an epic list of adventures to tackle with your best bud—from chill mountain vibes to luxe city expeditions. Time to pack your bags—and Fido’s too. Orvis has thought of everything with their Dog Weekender Travel Kit. Pack all your buddy’s outfits, leashes, and medications in the tote. The kit also includes a polypropylene-lined inner bag for storing 4-5 lbs. of dry food and two collapsible, easy-to-clean travel bowls for food and water.
Info: orvis.com/orvis-dog-weekender-travel-kit/8T2R.html
Tuxbury Tiny House Village in South Hampton, New Hampshire boasts a no fireworks policy, and is one of many dog-friendly adventures offered by Petite Retreats. Presented by Encore RV resorts and Thousand Trails campgrounds, they feature more than 180 locations across North America. You and your pup can enjoy unique vacation accommodations, including tiny houses, colorful cottages, cabins, yurts, and more.
Info: petiteretreats.com
