Pet-Friendly Summer Rentals

You have an athletic dog who loves the fresh mountain air as much as you do. Your cat will never forgive you if you leave her alone for too long. Your pet is a part of your family, and leaving someone behind just doesn’t feel right.

These are common sentiments expressed by responsible animal lovers everywhere, so instead of kenneling your dog, stressing out your cat or smuggling your puppy into a hotel room (we’re not pointing any fingers, but people have been known to do it), embrace the exciting possibilities of pet-friendly summer rentals located in attractive locales that welcome your entire group – furry friends included. 

San Francisco

This city notoriously loves its dogs, so expect to find several fun spots equipped with better-than-average amenities. The Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Dog Park, for example, lets Bay Area pooches run around off-leash and a nearby dog-washing shop, pup-friendly café and a few boutiques will make for a full and happy day. Also check out Baker Beach, Crissy Field and Fort Funston for more frolicking possibilities as you enjoy the excellent views and good vibes of the Golden Gate Recreation Area. For a list of dog-friendly parks go to www.ebparks.org/parks/ptisable.htm.

Seattle

Another free-spirited (thus, animal-loving) city, Seattle offers the incomparable Warren G. Magnusan Dog Park. Happy dogs can be seen bounding up and down the famous trail (which is also wheelchair accessible and mud-hole resistant) and playing alongside Lake Washington in this nine acre asset to the town. There’s even a “small and shy” area for timid pooches. Go to www.seattle.gov/parks/offleash_detail.asp for for information.

New York

Instantly connect with a dedicated group of dog lovers at Cedar Lane Dog Park located in Westchester County. Special events are held throughout the year but it’s a fun place to go any day, as is Prospect Park Dog Beach in Brooklyn, one of the only off-leash parks in New York City. Several places have stricter rules but are worth a visit if you’re in the area, like Fire Island National Seashore and Atlantic Beach. For more dog park information, go to http://www.ossiningdogpark.com/.

Gulf Coast Florida

It’s a vacation heaven for everyone, so of course there are a few places where Rover can run free. Paw Park and South Brohard Beach in Venice, Fort De Soto Paw Park Playground near St. Petersburg and Davis Island Dog Park all allow unfettered roaming, so soak in the Florida sun alongside your best pal and appreciate the cooling stations and doggie showers these helpful parks provide. Venice dog park information can be found at www.venicegov.com/Park_links/paw.htm.

Phoenix

Many consider it to be the finest of its kind; Cosmo Dog Park (www.ci.gilbert.az.us/parks/popups/cosmo-park.cfm) in Gilbert, Arizona has a beach, playground equipment, drinking fountains and a wading pool. For onlookers there are covered patios and the scene is always lively, so don’t be surprised if you and your companions end up spending as much time here as you do shopping in Phoenix or exploring the desert terrain.

For more summer vacation ideas, check out our guide to Narragansett, RI's favorite beach, Scarborough Beach.