Pet friendly cabin stays

Looking to escape the bustle and head to a cabin for the week? Retreating to the mountains or forest is a great way to disconnect and truly enjoy the surroundings of nature. This can be a great experience for your canine best friend, too. But before you start out on your great cabin adventure, read over some considerations and tips that might help your stay go a little smoother.

Cabin Etiquette for Pets

When a cabin company, or even Airbnb, allows pets, they are putting their trust in you to care for the humble abode. So, you want to take some precautions. You’ll also want to ensure you take the right actions to make sure your pup has a great, but safe time.

• It’s best to minimize, or eliminate, any alone time for your pet inside the cabin. Even if they are chill at home, they may not be in a strange place.

• Bring gates along with you to block off any dicey areas—perhaps a space with fragile things, or a room with potential hazards for Fido.

• Ask in advance any rules the owners might have: Are pets allowed on the beds? Are any rooms off limits?

• Be sure to bring adequate disposal items so you can keep the yard spic and span for the next guests.

• It’s always a good idea to ensure all vaccinations are up to date before travel, and that you have a copy of records on hand.

• For your pup’s safety, keep them on-leash at all times, when out and about outside. Even the oldest, well-trained dogs can get spooked or intrigued by something that interests them.

• If your dog sheds excessively, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring along lint rollers or a small hand vacuum.

• Remember, you’ll likely be in an area where wildlife dwells, so proceed with caution.

• Above all else, you know your dog, so if you feel there’s a potential disaster waiting to happen, prevent it.

Pet Activities & Adventures

Now to the fun stuff. Oh, the options when dwelling in the mountains!

• Hiking, hiking, hiking! Not only will this burn excess energy that could cause your dog to misbehave, it’s the best way to soak into those mountain vibes. Call the local forest services ahead of time to find out which trails are dog friendly.

• Firepit or fireplace nights are a fitting way to relax after a day on foot. Pop some popcorn, snack on some jerky or trail mix, you know, mountain food.

• If you have a few extra sets of hands with you, taking your pet on a fishing excursion can make for an awesome time.

• Have a lazy day just lounging on the porch, gazing at the beautiful surroundings. Cook up some cornbread, or perhaps even some delicious trout you’ve caught in the stream. Your baby will love all the one on one time.

• Venture out to the closest town, checking in advance if dogs are welcome on restaurant patios and in stores.

Pet Travel Tips

• Bring favorite dog toys and blankets scented like home to ease any unfamiliar anxieties.

• Have some extra treats, or even a special new chew to keep them calm and busy.

• Consider bringing their crate along, so they have a space where they feel safe and at home.

• Perhaps start with a shorter weekend vacation before signing up for a longer stay.

• Keep with your normal routine of feeding and pottying so they can feel a bit more in sync.

When taking your dog, cat or any other pet on a new adventure, there are things to keep in mind, so you both have an enjoyable experience. Keep things calm, make sure you’re informed, and you should have a reinvigorating time at the cabin.

Karyn Wofford is a “Mom” to her fluffy, sweet dog Halli. She spends much of her time traveling and advocating for Type 1 diabetes—and Halli sometimes accompanies her on her adventures. You’ll find Karyn’s work on sites like Mother Earth Living, and in magazines such as Diabetes Forecast.