My friends, summer is almost here. Time for long, hot roadtrips and stuffy plane rides to people-packed tourist attractions.

Don’t do that stuff. You’re just gonna end up sun burnt and cranky. This year, bring your dog along and head to one of these pet-friendly vacation areas:

1-Dog Paddling Adventures (Richmond Hill, Ontario)
This company is based in Richmond Hill and offers canoe and wilderness excursions for people and their dogs. “Ruff Water Adventures”, “Paws and Paddles for the Day” and “Paws in the Kawarthas” are just a few of the trips available. Meals, equipment, park permits, lifejackets and backpacks (for both people and dogs) are provided.

2-The Paw House Inn (West Rutland, VT)
At this bed and breakfast, the rooms have child-sized dog beds next to the human ones. Enjoy activities with your dogs such as berry picking, outdoor movies at the “Dog-In” theater, scenic walks along fields of wildflowers and professional agility training. This Inn has 120 acres of dog friendly trails and streams accessible directly through the back door.

3-Hike with Your Dog Tours (The Heart of the Catskills, NY)
Kaaterskill Falls(trail time – 1 hour), a two-tiered water plunge with a slught lefthand turn, is New York’s highest waterfall. The upper ribbon of water drops a full 175 feet – the same as Niagara – and the lower falls tumble an additional 75 feet into a rocky basin. The trail for the dogs is sometimes rugged but is less than one mile and a good introduction to the Catskills.

4-Cape San Blas, Florida
Just 35 miles south of Panama City, Cape San Blas beaches are peaceful, not overdeveloped; in fact, you can sometimes walk a mile or two in the off season without seeing another dog…or person. The state park at the end of the cape was recently named Best Beach In America by Dr. Beach (a real person, not a doggie…but most doggies would agree).

5-Fort DeSoto Park (North Beach, Florida)
There’s a 105-year-old fort that’s a landmark of Florida history. Along with being a wonderful place to swim, there’s fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, bird-watching, camping, biking, walking trails, and even a dog park for enjoying the outdoors with your four-legged pals. The beach also offers modern facilities and plenty of parking, key ingredients for top swimming beaches.

6-The Ocean Lodge at Cannon Beach, Oregon
The Ocean Lodge believes nobody has to stay at home, including the dogs. Unlike many hotels along the coast, The Ocean Lodge is delighted to welcome your pet and has designated select rooms with easy beach access to accommodate you and your friendly pets.

7-Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Your and your dog can view the popular Grand Canyon along the South Rim where millions of visitors come every year. Dogs are allowed on the South Rim trails, which includes a 2.7 mile scenic walk along the rim. And, well-behaved pooches are allowed on the Geology Walk, a one-hour park ranger guided tour, which consists of a leisurely walk along a 3/4 mile paved rim trail.

8-Acadia National Park, Maine
Dogs are allowed on most of the trails and carriage roads. There is even an off-leash area within the park at Little Long Pond. Pets must be on a 6 foot or less leash at all times, except for the above mentioned off-leash area.

9-Camp Winnaribbun (Lake Tahoe, California)
Camp Winnaribbun is located on the shoreline of Lake Tahoe set among 33 acres of pine forest with a private beach. The camp activities includes hiking, swimming, lure coursing, training, crafts, pet obedience, psycho cybernetics, agility, health, Frisbee, carting, free time for relaxation and sightseeing, barbecue, games, tricks, contests, camp t-shirt, dog bandana and more.

10-Dog Scout Camp (St. Helen, MI)
Dog Scout Camp is located at the Maple Valley Conservatory in the Northern Lower Peninsula in Michigan. The camp offers 80 acres with hiking trails and a large pond with a beach. Camp activities include agility, flyball, backpacking, water rescue, IMPROV obedience, the art of shaping, herding, sledding, Frisbee, search and rescue, freestyle, carting, tracking, lure coursing, painting, swimming, boating, hiking, and more. Learn topics like wolf behavior, canine conditioning, first aid, dog massage, knitting with dog hair, telepathic communication, and making your own dog cookies. Also the opportunity for your dog to earn merit badges and become a Dog Scout.

Source: www.petvr.com