Travel WV
written by kenzie dye
Vacation
WITH
Fido
tips for traveling with dogs
Traveling with your favorite , four-legged , furry friend can be stressful . Whether you are a new pet parent taking your puppy on her first road trip or a long-time pet parent bringing your senior dog to her favorite hiking trail , it is important to plan ahead . Discover West Virginia has some tips and tricks to help you out .
Safety First
Before leaving town for your weeklong getaway in Harpers Ferry or your weekend trip to Lewisburg , consider taking your dog to the vet for a checkup . This way , you can make sure all of their vaccinations are up to date and they are in good mental and physical shape to travel . To keep your pup healthy as you are on the road , bring some of their regular dog food , plenty of bottled water and any medications they need .
To ensure your pup feels safe and secure while traveling , be sure to have a harness that attaches to a seatbelt or bring a dog crate with a leak-proof bottom that ’ s large enough for them to stand , turn and lie down in . Stock the crate with essentials , such as a comfortable crate pad , a few of your furry friend ’ s favorite toys and a dog water bottle .
In the unfortunate event your dog gets lost on your trip , make sure you have a sturdy leash and collar with identification tags with the dog ’ s name , your name and phone number and proof of rabies shots . Consider getting your dog a permanent form of identification , such as a microchip . Have recent pictures on your phone of your dog , and bring a copy of their health records listing all of their recent vaccinations with you .
If there is a situation where your dog needs medical attention , be prepared with the necessary information on hand . Find and save the phone number of the 24-hour emergency vet closest to your destination , and make sure you have the office and emergency number for your regular vet in case the vets need to speak with each other .
Research Destinations
Thankfully , resources like BringFido . com make finding dog-friendly adventures a breeze . Check out some of these surprising and not-so-surprising pup-approved spots around the Mountain State .
Blackwater Falls State Park , located in Davis , WV , is named for the amber waters of Blackwater Falls , a 57-foot cascade tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles . Visitors can enjoy the picturesque , scenic views year-round by taking steps to the falls or using viewing platforms . The park has 20 miles of petfriendly hiking trails , and leashed dogs are allowed .
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in Glen Jean , WV , allows dogs on the trails that wind around the banks of the river , which pass through rocks , rock outcrops , trails and coal mines . Bring your pup along the 2.4-mile Endless Wall Trail , which passes through rich forest , crosses Fern Creek , then weaves along the cliff edge until reaching the overlook at Diamond Point .
Shepherdstown Mystery Walks offers dog-friendly tours of Shepherdstown , WV . Open year-round , visitors can learn about the paranormal history of this charming town during the sweltering heat of summer or in the chilly winter air . You and your pup will hear stories of residents who have left this world but are rumored to haunt the homes they once lived in .
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