Traveling with your dog in New Mexico courtesy of Travelin’ Jack
April 26, 2011 • Travel •
By: Travelin’ Jack
Summer is just around the corner, and Travelin’ Jack, New Mexico’s pre-eminent Canine Travel Reporter is raring to get the word out to wannabe pet travelers and their people. Accordingly, we sat down with him recently to discuss good pet travel tips….and here is Travelin’ Jack’s advice…straight from the pooch’s lips!
1) What should pet parents be aware of when getting ready to travel with their pet?
Pets are people…just in furry clothes! (Ha-that’s a bulldog joke!). Seriously, here are a couple of my road trip pointers.
Pre-vacation, take walks in different places…allowing for potty stops along the walk. This gets me used to going to the bathroom in unknown places.
Pack my suitcase too! It should include a leash, ID tags, vaccination records, travel water & food bowls, a favorite blanket and toy…and of course yummy treats!
Go shopping for a new wardrobe! A snazzy new bandanna, a t-shirt to show off my muscles or even a pair of Doggles…..yep, we do like our doggie accoutrements!
2) When you’re traveling, what makes the car ride easier on you?
My doggie crate with my favorite blanket tucked inside is my ‘home away from home’ AND it’s my portable hotel bed too! I can rest comfortably and safely while cruisin’ down the highway.
Sometimes I get to sit up front too…of course with my special doggie car restrainer.
Mini-stops along the way! Sometimes we stop at an historical marker, check out the facts….take a potty break…stretch my legs and paws, sniff the air….. I’ve learned a lot about New Mexico at these little stops.
Picnics enroute are always fun too! Yummy food in an open air setting…aaahhh now this is a pup’s idea of a grand vacation!
Tasty treats along the road…keeps my tummy from growling, ya know!
Doggie disposal bags. Let’s leave that special place neat and clean.
3) When looking for a pet-friendly destination, what should pet parents look for?
Here are some of my favorite travel ideas.
Outdoor adventures. No matter where you go (especially in New Mexico), there are sure to be outdoor adventures to make a dog swoon over! Like hiking trails to sniff and explore, rivers to wade and wet your paws in, overnight camping trips at our beautiful State Parks …..we dogs like to explore the great outdoors as much as you do! One of my newest most FAV things is “geo-caching”….sort of like a modern treasure hunt. This a grand adventure for 2 & 4- footed family members. A hike, a search for the treasure box, and an opportunity to leave your mark on the spot….er…..somethin’ like that!
Tourist Attractions. Now here’s a Travelin’ Jack Tip. Most folks think pets aren’t welcome at tourist attractions…but this canine reporter has done his work…and I’ve made some grand discoveries….like riding the gondola at Ski Apache…or exploring Canyon Road in Santa Fe…or lounging pool side at the hot springs in Truth or Consequence…or gettin’ my pic taken with Train Conductors at the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad …dogcetera…most places have their own unique way of welcoming the canine visitor!
Pooch Pamperin’. Doggie Day Spas are scattered around most of New Mexico’s tourist towns…and what pooch wouldn’t like a little pamperin’ while on vacation. Some even have doggie day camps etc….now I LIKE that kinda dog-tinerary plannin’!
Pet-io Dining. Many restaurants allow us to come along for the meal at their outdoor patio area. And some even provide a cool bowl of water or a tasty treat too! Pretty doggone friendly in my books! Keep a dogs-eye view out for those snazzy eateries!
4) Any special tips for pet lovers on traveling this summer?
EXPLORE NEW MEXICO! Why it’ a treasure trove of great places and things to do..tucked all over the state. I have put my paws on many a road, byway and trail….and from this road-wise pooch…New Mexico gets Travelin’ Jack’s very special and prestigious “5-Paws Rating”. And that ain’t no foolin’!
RESORTS. Some of New Mexico’s swankiest resorts allow pets, and offer all sorts of great pet amenities. A one-stop-has-it-all vacation in a nice resort..what dog’s not gonna luv this…and his persons too!
PET FRIENDLY HOTELS, LODGES & B&Bs. Make sure to reserve Fido’s spot too! Some hotels have limited pet-friendly rooms. And some have rooms with easy outdoor access…and some have great outdoor roaming areas….you get the idea….no concrete parking lots for this spoiled pooch!
PARKS, MONUMENTS, SCENIC TRAILS AND BYWAYS. All these present perfect outdoor experiences. Most allow pets, but it’s always a good idea to check it out first! Go online, call ahead….just do your doggie research.
But here’s the MOST IMPORTANT TIP OF ALL: Take your canine pal with you! You’ll experience the beauty and greatness of your vacation in a way that will touch your souls….and there’ll be no sad pups left behind. It’s a win-win vacation for all…I dog-uarantee!
Travelin’ Jack
Roving Bulldog Reporter
Travelin’ Jack is considered by many to be the “SpokesDog of New Mexico tourism”. Some of his other claims to fame include:
-Star of his own pet travel spot, “Jack’s Tracks” on the TV show, “New Mexico Travel Guide” seen Sunday mornings in New Mexico.
Jack is the 1st dog ever to receive an award at the New Mexico Governor’s Conference on Tourism for his (award winning) creative work in Pet-Travel.
Jack has been highlighted on national video by “Veterinary News Network” and ‘PetDocsOnCall.com’, veterinary based organizations that focus on good pet health in the veterinary world.
Jack was elected (by animal voters) in Nov, 2010 as New Mexico’s 1st ever Dog-Governor. He ran as ‘New Mexico’s Independent Dog-ernatorial Canine-didate for Dog-Governor’. He garnered 798 write-in votes on his PET-ition!
Check out Travelin Jack’s Guide to traveling in Mexico with Fido!
New Mexico Dog Travel Guide
