As our senior travel dog, Pepper has quite a travel resume and she wants to share her knowledge with you. Pepper has visited oodles and oodles of pet friendly accommodations & destinations. While road trips are her specialty, she has certainly logged her share of flying hours. Pepper also explores pet friendly recreational activities to sniff out her favorites.

If you have any questions on pet travel, Pepper will do her best to dig up the dirt for you on pet friendly accommodations, destinations, transportation, and recreational activities. Pepper can be reached at info@tripswithpets.com.

Dear Pepper,
I'm planning a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine this summer with my 2 year old golden retriever, Rex. He loves long walks and hikes. Can you suggest any pet-friendly nature or hiking trails in that area?
Sally G. (and Rex)

Dear Sally and Rex,
You are going to one of my favorite sniffing grounds! Acadia National Park is in Bar Harbor's back yard. There are 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads in the park where you and Rex can explore! My mother rants about the beauty of the park, however, I prefer all the wonderful smells. The park does have some very important rules that you need to abide by. For Rex's safety, he must be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet in length. Click here for more information on Acadia National Park's rules regarding pets. Be sure to bring plenty of water to drink and have a safe trip!
Pepper

Dear Pepper,
I'm traveling cross country with my two dogs in my SUV. I have a 80 pound lab, Oscar and a 15 pound mixed breed, Sasha. I'm looking for a way to keep them separated in the car and of course, safe and comfortable for the long journey. My vehicle is not set up to accommodate travel carriers or crates. Besides, they both really enjoy car rides and I don't want to overly restrain them. I want them to be able to look out the window and enjoy the scenery. Any other suggestions? Thanks.
Clifford R.

Dear Clifford,
I use a vehicle pet partition which keeps me safe in the back part of my SUV. I also have a special pad that I can sit on or lay on which is very comfortable. It fits nicely in the back of the SUV and it's very durable and washable. You may want to consider that for Oscar. As far as Sasha, there are a number of pet car seats available for smaller dogs. Please keep in mind that it's recommended that these car seats be placed in the back seat. They even make one that is a pet suitcase, travel bed, and car seat all in one unit. You may also want to consider a safety harness, which is basically a pet seat belt. We carry these items at our pet shop. For more information on the Vehicle Pet Partition, click here. To check out our pet car seats and safety harnesses, click here. I also recommend reviewing our travel tips for safe car travel. Happy Trails!
Pepper

Dear Pepper,
I'm a spunky, 8 year black lab and a real waterdog! My parents have promised to take me on my dream vacation down to the Florida Keys! We're looking for a place that will not only welcome me but have a place where I can enjoy the beach and swim! Does such a place exist?
Peanut

Dear Peanut,
A dog after my own heart! I'm also an 8 year old black lab and I LOVE the water too. I have good news… such a place does exist. There's a great place on Lower Matacumbe Island in Islamorada, Florida. It's about half way between Miami and Key West. It's called the White Gate Court Resort. They believe that "vacations wouldn't be the same if your dog were not around, running, swimming, and having fun with you." They boast a tropical beachfront area which is 220 feet long and 60 feet deep. You can swim 'til your heart's content in the clear waters of the Matacumbe Bight. Wish I were going with you! Have fun and don't overdo it. We're not getting any younger!
Pepper