For most owners, your pet is like a member of the family. Or in some cases, the pet allows you to be a member of their family (depending on who's really in charge). I have a sneaking suspicion that's how my 2 year old mutt perceives the world. After all I'm the one catering to her needs, filling her bowl every morning and evening, picking up after her, and dragging her bed from room to room of my apartment when she has nowhere comfortable to lie. (Perhaps 'slave' is a more apt word).
Either way, your pet is an integral part of your life. So it's only natural to want to bring them along when you pack your bags, lock your doors, and bid your home goodbye. I'm talking about vacation: that wonderful time when work is left in your rearview mirror and instead replaced with a gloriously open schedule stretching out ahead. And at your side, and probably slobbering on your shoulder, is your furry companion.
Your destination: Whistler, British Columbia, one of the top resort destinations in the world. Whether you're arriving in the summer or winter, a myriad of activities await: golfing, mountain biking, bungee jumping, dancing, drinking, snowboarding, the list goes on. And of course, you can't forget frequent walks with your pet around pedestrian-friendly Whistler Village and surrounding trails. Your pet will no doubt be the envy of their block buddies back home.
But wait...before loading up your bags, hitching your pet and heading up Whistler mountain, here are a few nuggets of wisdom that will prepare both you and your pet for the destination.
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Find pet-friendly Whistler lodging. With AlluraDirect's easy to use vacation rentals search engine, you can view 520+ top-located vacation rental options and book directly with the owner. Just make sure you select "Pets Allowed" in the Amenities section of the Advanced Search Criteria. Plus, you can compare detailed vacation rental photos, rates, features, locations & more. Unlike many hotels, you can see the actual rental you will stay in, before you instantly book it online.
On extended road trips, stop for some exercise. Everyone needs the chance to stretch their legs once and a while (and perhaps a quick stop in a gas station's restroom). Give your pet the chance to uncurl and run loose for at least a half hour after particularly long stretches. A nice game of fetch or a jog around the rest stop are a few examples. But be careful about letting our pet run loose, as the unfamiliar environment may hide some nasty surprises (decaying chicken bones are found in the oddest of places).
Take your pet's familiar items with you. When venturing into the unknown, there's little that's more comforting for a pet than being able to rest in their own bed or blanket. Your pet will feel safer and more at ease. As most owners will tell you, your pet will light up at the sight of their stuff. Taking along a few favorite toys will also give your pet something to play with while you're deciding your itinerary for the day.
Never leave a dog alone in your Whistler lodging for an extended period. Even dogs that are well behaved and rarely chew or maim anything in your house, can behave differently when they're in a strange place. (There's nothing worse than coming home with shreds of furniture lying around). If you must leave you dog alone for a while, consider employing the services of The Nanny Network or Tailspin Dog Care services.
Keep the barking to a minimum. Much like parents who can magically tune out their own child's ear shattering wail, dog owners exhibit the same phenomenon if they have a particularly talkative pet. Let other guests enjoy their vacation in peace and remember to tone down the barking. Also, it's a good idea to keep your pet on leash while entering & exiting your Whistler lodging and to avoid your pet tackling other guests. Even people who don't mind animals can become spooked if there's suddenly a slobbering tongue in their face.
Respect the pet policy. If your Whistler lodging allows pets, they still may not take kindly to dirty paws on the furniture. Thankfully, AlluraDirect.com's fast-friendly vacation rentals search engine allows you to read all the property policies before you make your reservation and avoid the hassle of trying to guess. It's important to sort this out before you book your stay - so you can simply find another property whose pet policy matches your own style.
Take responsibility for any damages caused by your pet. Accidents happen even with the most well-behaved pet. If your pet has an unfortunate stomach upset and leaves "deposits" on the nice carpet of your Whistler lodging, or decides to shred some towels, it's a good idea to own up and work out a fair cleaning agreement. You'll be promoting responsible pet ownership and paving the way for others to allow pets in their properties.
Keep the leash handy. Though Whistler is a dog-loving community, most parks and trails are on-leash only. Thankfully, dogs are not barred from the Village, and you can proudly have your pet by your side as you stroll through the cobble stoned boulevards. As well, there are several picturesque trails for dog walking. (Lost Lake is a great place to start in the summer).
Be prepared for emergencies. It's a good idea to locate the Emergency Veterinary Clinics in Whistler before you get there, or early upon your arrival. That way, in the event of an accident or sickness, you'll know exactly where to take your pet for immediate care and attention.
So that's it! With these easy reminders, you're Whistler vacation will be a trip you won't soon forget.
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