National Parks Michelle Johnson National Parks Michelle Johnson

5 National Parks to Visit This Year With Your Pet (for Free)

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

What's the perfect excuse to head to a national park with your best furry friend? Why, a fee-free day! Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) designates Free Entrance Days for free admission into national parks nationwide. Monday, January 9th, kicked off the first of seven Free Entrance Days for 2025, with National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter Jr.

But not every national park is pet-friendly. With hundreds of national parks in the United States, knowing where to go, what you can and can't do, and what to pack for your getaway is essential. Read on to discover five pet-friendly national parks worth exploring.

Why Head to a National Park, Anyway?

Visiting national parks is a centuries-old American tradition that dates back to 1872 when Congress established the first national park. When you visit a national park, you'll get to walk the trails that many presidents traveled and generations of visitors and their pets. 

National parks are also a great way to enjoy scenic views, exercise, and fresh air in one location. You can also spend extra time bonding with your pet and providing her a new place to explore. 

Visiting a national park is a relaxing getaway if you want to escape technology or noisy cities. National parks can also double as adventure spots, allowing you to explore panoramic trails and viewpoints with your furry friend. Whether you have an adventure cat or a curious canine who enjoys sniffing around new places, national parks offer much to do and see.

When Are the National Park Service's Free Entrance Days for 2025?

Most national parks, like Nez Perce National Historical Park, are free year-round. However, the Free Entrance Days allow you to enjoy the national parks that typically charge an entrance fee at no cost. In 2025, there will be seven fee-free days to enter national parks. These days include:

  • Monday, January 9th: (National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter, Jr.)

  • Monday, January 20th: (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

  • Saturday, April 19th: (The first day of National Park Week)

  • Thursday, June 19th: (Juneteenth National Independence Day)

  • Monday, August 4th: (The Great American Outdoors Act's Anniversary)

  • Saturday, September 27th: (National Public Lands Day)

  • Tuesday, November 11th: (Veterans Day)

What to Pack

Before heading out to a national park, ensure you pack the essentials. First, think about how long you plan to spend at the park and pack based on the activities you plan to do. For instance, if you plan to head to the beach, pack some extra towels to dry your fluffy friend. You'll also want to pack essentials like water, food, and pet waste bags.

Here is a quick checklist of what to bring:

Check Out These 5 National Parks

While over 400 national parks exist in the United States, only some parks are pet-friendly. So, knowing which national parks to visit with your pet is essential. Here are five pet-friendly national parks worth exploring:

Acadia National Park (Maine)

Enjoy hiking along adventurous rocky trails when visiting Acadia National Park in Maine. This historic park became a national park in the early 20th century and offers spectacular lake and cliffside views. 

Bond with your pet as you travel along the rocky coastline of the Wonderland Trail, catching scenic views of the evergreen forest. If you're up for a challenge, consider capturing mountaintop views of the Bubbles Mountains along the Jordan Pond Path. Just avoid the section between The Featherbed Pond and the carriage road.

Looking for a shorter, more straightforward route? Consider heading down natural trails like Ship Harbor Trail or Beech Valley Trail. Whatever path you choose, remember that Acadia National Park's pet policy requires you to keep your pet on a leash and pick up its waste.

Photo by Michael Kirsh on Unsplash

Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

The Grand Canyon offers picturesque views rivaling most paintings, and you must see it for yourself. So why not bring Fido along? Adventure cats are also welcome at the Grand Canyon. 

But there are a few rules you'll need to follow. Like most national parks, you must always have your pet on a leash when visiting the Grand Canyon. Your pets are also only allowed in specifically designated areas. For example, you can take your leashed cat or dog on the greenway or bridle trail that connects the North Kaibab Trail. On the South Rim, you can walk with your pet on trails above the rim and Trailer Village, among other developed areas. You can also use the Grand Canyon Kennel near the Maswik Lodge on the South Rim to board your dog or cat. Just make sure you have your pet's shot records on hand.

Photo by Lionello DelPicclolo on Unsplash

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Colorado)

Try a different terrain and head for the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. While pets aren't allowed on the dune field's backcountry or inside the visitor center, you can explore the Preserve and the park's main use areas with your favorite feline or pup. Travel the scenic forestry trail of evergreens and aspen that early settlers and Native Americans once traveled when you walk the 3.2-mile Mosca Pass Trail. Hang out with your pet on the Pinon Flats Campground, or take your dog to explore the dunes. Just remember to keep your pet on a leash, pick up your pet's waste, and watch out for the spines of any prickly pear cactus you may encounter as you approach the dunes.

Photo by Taylor Wright on Unsplash

Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

If you're looking for broader, open spaces for your pet to travel, consider Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. Only 20 of the 500 miles of trails in the park, including the Story of the Forest Trail and the Fox Hollow Trail, prohibit pets. The park has pet-friendly lodging, making camping with your cats easy in its pet-friendly campgrounds. 

Start with a simple, picturesque route like the Loft Mountain Loop or Ivy Creek trail via the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, you'll catch panoramic views of stony vistas and lush, forest-filled landscapes. Catch cascading waterfalls and serene streams as you walk on the four-mile Rose River Loop. Consider traveling along the Little Stony Man trail if you're looking for a short hike with cliff views. Just remember to keep your pet on a leash no longer than six feet and follow the park rules to keep you and your pet safe.

Photo by Lisa Riabinina on Unsplash

Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)

Want to frolic through a historic orchard or enjoy a serene view along a river trail amongst unique rock formations? Then, add  Capitol Reef National Park as one of your next pet-friendly road trip stops. Leashed pets can walk down the Fremont River Trail from the Fruita campground to the south end, where you will enjoy the sounds of the river and views of intricate rock formations billions of years old. Remember that you can't bring Rover beyond the gate at Hattie's Field. 

You can also travel with your furry friend between the Fruita campground and the visitor center, which comes out to about 1.4 miles or about a thirty-minute walk one way. Between dawn and dusk, you can also enjoy apple and apricot picking or frolicking through one of the park's unlocked and unfenced orchards, such as the Cass Mulford and Gifford orchards. Harvest season runs from the middle of June to the middle of October for various fruits and nuts, including apricots, peaches, apples, pears, and walnuts. During harvest season, you can enjoy sampling fruit for free or pay about $2 per pound to take some home. Remember to carry cash and check the Capitol Reef National Park's Facebook page for updates on current harvests and prices.

If you want an overnight stay, consider reserving one of the 71 spots on the Fruita campground for $25 per night and enjoy the night stars with your pup at this International Dark Sky Park.  

Spend a Day in a National Park With Your Pet

Looking for more pet-friendly national parks in the States? The National Park Service also has a map of pet-friendly national parks you can visit with your favorite furry friends. The map also gives you the inside scoop on whether you can take your pets inside the park and which trails they can or cannot travel. Whether you're looking to enjoy a holiday or some vacation time at a national park, you can do it with your furry friend throughout the year. Look at the map we mentioned here and plan your pet-friendly adventure at a national park.

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Trip Planning Michelle Johnson Trip Planning Michelle Johnson

How to Reset Your Pet-Friendly Travel Goals With a Travel Vision Board

Pets on vacation: dogs camping in a car, looking at a mountain view in the distance.

Originally published January 17th, 2022

Last updated December 18th, 2024

The new year often welcomes a fresh start, so why not take this time to organize your goals and make a vision board?  But not just any vision board: a travel vision board.  And a travel vision board you can incorporate with your pet in mind.  Whether your goal is to go on more hikes with your furry best friend or exercise in the great outdoors, you can accomplish it this year.  Here are some quick tips for making your jet-setting wishes come true with a travel vision board in 2025:

1. Reflect on your past year with compassion.

Whether you had a rough year or one filled with abundance and joy, it's crucial to think about your past year.  Reflection allows us to consider what worked and what didn't.  December is a great month to start planning and taking a look back at your travel adventures.  Maybe you could jet with your pet on her first plane ride or take a much-needed long-distance road trip to a few pet-friendly national parks.

But perhaps you kept planning but didn't make it out of state.  How did it make you feel?  Think about the emotions that came with your memorable pet-friendly trips or fiascos.  Whatever you do, reflect with compassion.  Don't be hard on yourself if you can't afford the trip of your dreams this year or if you can't find a pet-friendly Airbnb to tag your fur babies along.  Just use the time to think about what you will do differently for the year ahead to better accommodate your current situation.  And even if it's not December, you can plan and reflect anytime. 

2. Think about what excites you.

Where have you wanted to go and just kept pushing off exploring?  What do you see yourself doing there?  It could be visiting a fancy hotel like the Waldorf Astoria in Park City, Utah, and relaxing as you and your pup order room service.  How about exploring St. Augustine via the pet-friendly horse and carriage ride with Country Carriages as you watch the city twinkle during its famous Nights of Lights events?  Or maybe it's just camping at a national preserve with your adventure cat.  If this place lights you up the moment you think about it, consider throwing it on your travel vision board. 

3. Come up with a travel mantra.

Remember when you thought about how you felt during your compassionate reflection time?  Use any positive emotions to help create the travel mantra you want to live in 2025.  Do you feel fabulously fly whenever you throw on a sleek jacket for the fall?  Or did you feel frumpy because you needed to prepare better with your wardrobe selection for your most recent trip?  Channel those feelings and come up with a travel mantra to live by for 2025.  Maybe you want to "delete that and repeat that" travel wardrobe or "feel fly as you fly in 2025."

Your mantra can also be simple, such as "wellness." For instance, you can focus on more relaxing, pet-friendly trips promoting wellness or self-care, such as relaxing on a dog-friendly beach, ordering room service, and enjoying a weekend staycation at a pet-friendly hotel.  Whatever your travel mantra is for the year to come, use it to help you direct the look of your travel vision board and motivate you to focus on trips related to your travel mantra.

4. Think of your outfits.

Trip planning has many psychological benefits, including the excitement of the unknown and the anticipation of what's to come. But one thing you can take control of is what you wear. Aim to pack light to leave a little room for any items you bring back, including pet toys for Fido. You can incorporate some of Pinterest's Predicts 2025 trends like castlecore or cherry coded. Or you can keep it minimal and opt for what's in your closet to create your ideal travel pet-friendly capsule clothing collection.

5. Pick your platform.

Think about how you want to view your vision board. If you prefer a tangible vision board, then make it physical. Get a stack of magazines, scissors, tape, glue, and a poster board, and start cutting out images of places you would like to visit this year with your pet. But if you want to carry your vision board wherever you go, make it digital. Pick your favorite digital pinboard (we love Pinterest). Check out the LJP Pinterest board for a bit of inspiration.

6. Group your goals.

Consider organizing your goals into groups or categories to make your travel vision board more organized. For instance, you may wish to include travel-related goals on your vision board, such as building a wardrobe for your next ski trip that you plan to go on next winter. Or you can put images related to your goal of saving for a desert ranch vacation at a pet-friendly Airbnb in New Mexico that the whole family can stay at during the fall.

You can also group your travel goals by timeframes. Brian P. Moran's and Michael Lennington's book The 12 Week Year provides helpful insight on the benefits of shortening your execution process to achieve your goals from one year to 12 weeks, with the main advantage being that you would likely achieve it. By shortening the time you have to achieve your goal, you psychologically accelerate the importance of getting the steps necessary to achieve the goal faster, such as automating your savings fund now to save up for a trip in three months or booking the hotel instead of putting it off. So, consider planning your trips by the quarter instead of planning out your entire travel year. By grouping your travel goals on your vision board, you can create a cohesive board that makes it easier to see your goals and inspires you to take action to achieve them. 

7. Keep it focused.

Our wants are endless, and that can mean you will never get your vision board finished if you don't get focused.  Hone down the travel goals you want to achieve this year by choosing three to five destinations to visit or activities you want to check off your travel-to-do list. You can even opt for lesser-traveled places or experiences, too.

8. Make edits.

The great part about creating and updating your vision board is that it doesn't have to be started or updated at any specific time.  So, whether you're reading this in January or the middle of the summer, you can create and edit your vision board at any time.  Make the timeline make sense to you in your specific situation.  If your fresh start happens around the fall during a new school year, start in August and plan for a fall or winter trip that rolls into multiple adventures into the following summer.

9. Revisit your travel vision board.

It's common for us to get off track during the year, but there's no harm in revisiting your vision board to remind you of what you initially set out to do.  Remember that your circumstances can quickly change throughout the year and can alter your capabilities to fulfill every travel goal you have.  So, give yourself grace and be happy if you even accomplish one travel goal for the year.  Keep dreaming of all the possibilities of where you and your furry friend can go, but get something done. 

Make your travel dreams a reality in 2025!

Even as 2024 wraps up, there's nothing like making a wishlist for the travel goals you want to accomplish this year. If traveling more is on your wishlist, consider jotting it down by starting a travel vision board. Get ready to make your travel dreams with your pet a reality, and start your travel vision board today!  What's one travel goal you want to do in 2025 with your pet?

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Michelle Johnson Michelle Johnson

Why You Need to Take Your Dog on an Art Walk

If you're into art and want to share your love for art with your pet, then an art walk just may be what you need the next time you head out on an adventure with your furry friend. Here's why:

Photo by Raphaël Biscaldi on Unsplash

Photo by Raphaël Biscaldi on Unsplash 

Traveling with your dog doesn't mean you're limited to stuffing Fido in a doggie daycare while you explore street art or an outdoor art fair on your own or with family. If you're into art and want to share your love for art with your pet, then an art walk just may be what you need the next time you head out on an adventure with your furry friend. And there's no better time to do it than during the winter during Miami Art Week, taking place Monday, December 2nd, 2024, through Sunday, December 8th, 2024, or during Art Basel Miami Beach, taking place Friday, December 6th, 2024, through Sunday, December 8th, 2024 (and beyond)! Here's why:

Science Says Dogs May Appreciate Art

Okay. Let's get one thing straight. We're not saying going on an art walk with your dog will turn your furry friend into the next Picasso. But science does say dogs may recognize art. Dogs see the world differently than humans. That's because dogs have fewer cone receptors in their eyes than humans. That means dogs can only see two colors, and many scientists believe that these colors are blue and yellow. Some scientists also think dogs can see the color gray. 

While they may not respond to two-dimensional art, dogs may actually recognize the colors in the art they observe and even tell colors like blue, yellow, and gray apart from one another. Moreover, studies show that dogs can recognize their owner in pictures, even other dogs. So, your dog may find the art you pass during an art walk attractive. 

It's a Great Excuse for a Little Exercise

Whether walking with a tiny chihuahua or hanging with a Great Dane, an art walk is perfect for giving your dog some exercise time. Not only does walking your dog provide the physical activity he needs, but your dog also gets to enjoy mental stimulation. It's also a great way to help your pet burn off energy and excitement so you can worry less about a "yippy" dog at night when you're ready to go to bed. Just make sure your dog gets some practice walking on a leash, and consider using a harness for your pup or small dog for a more comfortable, secure walk. Also, avoid the heat when possible and ensure your dog has plenty of water to drink in warm weather.

You'll Get to Encourage Socializing

Dogs are social creatures. But that doesn't mean that every dog is social. With so many apartment-dwelling dogs and dog parents who don't always have the time to take their pets out as often as they'd like, it's easy to miss that importanttime every dog needs. An art walk offers another socializing opportunity for your pet pooch that goes beyond the typical dog park experience.

Art Walks are a Great Excuse for Bonding Time

Let it be the bonding factor if nothing else is a reason to take Fifi on an art walk. Your pup is your number one cheerleader; any excuse she gets to hang with you means extra bonding time for you both. Art walks give your pup that extra bonding time she needs with you. 

Pick a Place

Now that you know why an art walk is a perfect excuse to explore a new town with your dog, you only need to choose a place to explore. Here are a few places to check out for dog-friendly art walks worldwide, including some worth visiting during Miami Art Week and Art Basel Miami Beach.

Bergen, Norway (Street Art)

If you're into stencil street art, you'll want to stop by Bergen, Norway. This city is the capital of street art in Norway and has a lively graffiti art scene with work from Banksy, Dolk, and TEG.

Buenos Aires, Argentina (Street Art)

Spending time in Argentina? Then, bring Fido along to hit the pavement and take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Buenos Aires street art. Not only is Buenos Aires known for its great food, but the city is dog-friendly, too. Along the way, you'll find street art and graffiti depicting the culture, as well as dogs from global and local artists, such as Jim Vision, Blu, Jaz, and Martin Ron. Check out some of the best spots for street art in Buenos Aires, including Coleigelas, Villa Crespo, and Villa Urquiza.

Mission District, San Francisco (Street Art)

Head to San Francisco's Mission District to check out its vibrant street art. You'll see plenty of vivid murals spanning the walls of warehouses and other buildings down Balmy Avenue and Clarion Alley. But you can also catch iconic murals in other spots around the area, including the MaestraPeace Mural on The Women's Building and the colorful Carnaval Mural off 24th Street and South Van Ness Avenue. 

Dogs & Cats Walkway and Sculptures, Miami (Outdoor Art Installation)

Head to Downtown Miami and take in the unique canine and feline sculptures of the Dogs & Cats Walkways and Sculptures. This sculpture art park features aluminum sculptures of cats and dogs showcasing pets' unique roles in our lives and officially opened on February 11th, 2023. Take in the serene setting among the palm trees and hibiscus within the gardens of the Maurice A, Ferré Park, and notice the intricate details of these oversized sculptures painted by local artists. You can even learn about each breed of one of the 52 cat or dog sculptures you view in the backdrop of the Biscayne Bay by scanning the QR code mounted on each sculpture. Miami Art Week will undoubtedly bring in tourists and crowds, but viewing the park in less-crowded moments is possible. Consider going on an early Sunday morning if you must use a weekend day to enjoy the park with your pet. But if you have more flexibility, a mid-day week jaunt on Tuesday or Wednesday morning may offer less crowds, too. 

Wynwood, Miami (Street Art)

Take Rover for a ride the next time you're in Miami and head to the artsy neighborhood of Wynwood. Every second Saturday at 6 p.m., Wynwood galleries, pop-up shops, outdoor venues, and retail stores extend their hours late into the night to make way for its scenic Art Walk event. It's the perfect atmosphere for taking your fur monster on the weekend art-infused trip in sunny South Florida. 

While you can't take your pets inside the art galleries, there's tons of street art to inspire you and maybe even your pup. Check out street art by graffiti and street artists from Miami and around the world, including Ernesto Maranje, Alec Monopoly, Quake, Maya Hayuk, and El Seed.

If you can't make it to Wynwood Art Walk, you can always visit the Wynwood Walls, Wynwood Walls Garden, and Wynwood Doors anytime you're in town. Wynwood Walls is free to children 12 and under and open to the public for $12 as of 2024, featuring over 40 murals from local and global artists. Certain groups, such as students and seniors, can also take advantage of discounted ticket prices ranging from $5-$10. Here, you'll also get to see great street murals from Chris Daze Ellis, Allison Torneros, DALeast, Case, and other street artists from around the world. Remember that only registered emotional support pets and service animals are allowed in Wynwood Walls. 

Ready to Jet with Your Pet?

We've named a few art walk spots around the world. What's your favorite spot, and what other hot spots have you trekked to with your dashing dogs?

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Holiday Series Michelle Johnson Holiday Series Michelle Johnson

15 Fun Things to Do With Your Pet This Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving offers the opportunity to be grateful for your family--human and fur members alike! Discover 15 fun and relaxing things to do with your pet this Thanksgiving Weekend!

A gray and white kitten surrounded by wooden leaf blocks, pumpkin, and squash props against an ocean blue gradient backdrop in a Photo by Slavy Darozhkin

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

Thanksgiving offers the opportunity to be grateful for your family--human and fur members alike! But what if you want some unique ways to celebrate this weekend of thanks with your family, friends, and fur babies in an unforgettable way? We've got you covered! Here are 15 fun and relaxing things to do with your pet this Thanksgiving Weekend:

1. Attend a Pet-Friendly Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving is a great day to get outdoors and enjoy a local turkey trot, even if you're traveling on the road. Turkey trots began in the United States in Buffalo, New York, in the late 19th century, where a local YMCA hosted the first Turkey Trot---a five-mile cross-country race. Thanksgiving is the most popular day to run a race on the road, and there is space for your furry friend, too. Check out these five pet-friendly turkey trots around the country happening this Thanksgiving Weekend:

  • Historic Turkey Trot & 5k Fun Walk (Bethlehem, PA): Enjoy a pet costume contest, a challenging 5K course, or a 1.7-mile walk on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

  • Pensacola Beach Turkey Trot (Pensacola Beach, FL): This Turkey Trot's proceeds benefit local and national brain cancer research and feature a 5k Turkey Trot that starts at 8:30am on Thanksgiving Day: November 28, 2024. You can also look forward to a version for kids that starts at 8am and a costume contest. Bring your leashed dogand some waste bags to quickly clean up after your pet.

  • Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot (Dallas, TX): Head to Dallas on Thanksgiving Day to join The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, which features family and pet-friendly fun. Enjoy a free family photo with a giant turkey, and pay $15 to add the Dog Trot. Leashed dogs can participate in a 5k or 8-mile walk or run, where your dog can win a medal if he's one of the first 750 dogs to cross the finish line during the 5k event. Just remember to bring extra poop bags and pick up after your dog.

  • Festival Foods Turkey Trot (Milwaukee, WI, and various WI locations): This fun Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot takes place all over Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and Appleton. So, you'll have plenty of options to enjoy the Dog Jog portion of the event with your furry friend. Register your well-behaved dog for $5 to participate in this two-mile walk, including a chic branded festival bandana to complement your pup's lool as he struts down the boulevard in style.   

  • Mesa Turkey Trot 5k & 10k (Mesa, AZ): This family-friendly turkey trot occurs at Red Mountain Park and starts at 8am on Thanksgiving Day with the One Mile Fun Run/ Walk. You can also register for the 5k, 10k, or Virtual Run. While dogs don't require a registration fee, the race host asks that participants with leashed dogs start at the back of the race and that you clean up after your pet.

2. Take a Thanksgiving Day Hike

Instead of getting stuffed, rolling over, and taking a long Thanksgiving nap, consider moving your body by taking a Thanksgiving Day hike right after eating. Thanksgiving is a day focused on feasting, but it doesn't mean you have to be completely off your fitness goals that day. Pick a local park that will be open on Thanksgiving Day. The great news is that most national parks, such as Grand Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park, are open on Thanksgiving Day. Remember that although the parks may be open, the visitor centers may be closed. Check out our guide on more pet-friendly National Parks to go beyond Thanksgiving Day and discover more places to take your pup on the go. Your body (and your pet) will thank you for it later. 

3. Go for a Run (or Opt for an Obstacle Course)

You don't have to travel far to enjoy the scenery around your pet-friendly Airbnb or hotel after gobbling down some yummy Thanksgiving Day meals. Opt for a short jog or run to get your digestive system going, and add a little exercise for your favorite furry friend. It can be as simple as taking a stroll around the block of your hotel with your curious cat or inquisitive Icelandic sheepdog. If you prefer indoor exercise, consider setting up an obstacle course or just taking time to play with your pet. We like Outward Hound's Zip & Zoom Indoor Dog Agility Training Kit for Dogs for a little indoor agility training on the go. But if you have a witty kitty who is super playful, consider a laser, a fish on a pole toy, or a robot mouse to keep him active while indoors.

4. Gobble Up Thanksgiving Leftovers

Even after Thanksgiving Day, the leftovers are often still abundant. So why not get creative with your Thanksgiving Day leftovers and make some pet-safe treats for your furry friend to eat. Have leftover turkey meat? Why not pair some aside for your favorite fur ball with sweet potatoes and green beans, which would make for a great combination and source of fiber, vitamins, and protein. Just keep it plain and simple by forgoing any leftovers with added salts, sugars, or other condiments that can create digestive issues for your pet.  

5. Have a Spa-ty Paw-ty

Nothing feels as good as relaxing and bonding with your extraordinary pet than enjoying a Thanksgiving Spa Day. Here are some items to gather to make your Spa-ty Paw-ty a relaxing adventure away from home:

6. Enjoy a Brunch on the Beach

If you're lucky to celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend near a coastline, why not enjoy a day having brunch on the beach or near a waterview. You can head to a dog-friendly beach and lay out blankets, setting up your brunch. But if you want it a little easier, consider dining out. Check the hotel or local beach restaurants open if you plan to have brunch on Thanksgiving Day. You want to ensure they offer menus to accommodate your dog, too. Here are some pet-friendly restaurants where you can enjoy brunch on the beach or with a view during Thanksgiving Weekend:

  • Shooters Waterfront Cafe (Fort Lauderdale, FL): This restaurant offers a water view and typically offers brunch on the weekends. You can also expect a dog-friendly menu with your pup's choice of chicken, beef, or ocean reef turkey.

  • Sandy's Beach Shack (Huntington Beach, CA): Head to the Huntington Beach Pier this Thanksgiving Weekend and enjoy brunch goodies from the menu, like Hawaiian French Toast and the Beachfront Breakfast with the view of the sandy beach, waves, and pier. Dogs are welcome to hang out with you as you dine on the patio, and they even have their own dog menu with meals catered to small and large dogs.

  • Barefoot Beach Cafe (Honolulu, HI): Soak up the sun and enjoy a delicious brunch at Barefoot Beach Cafe in Honolulu, Hawaii. This pet-friendly beach park sand bar features breakfast items, such as Spiked Avocado Toast and the Sweetbread French Toast on the menu. Sit at one of the picnic-style tables, enjoy live music from 10am to 1pm on Sundays, and have fun frolicking on the sand with your pup. But remember that this is an alcohol-free spot due to local Park and Recreation rules.

7. Enjoy a Fall Photoshoot

A great way to remember your holiday weekend would be to take a fall photo shoot. Think of how many main shots you want to capture and plan the scenes, such as the backyard of your VRBO or Airbnb with fall foliage. You can even take your scene planning up a notch and find fall foliage around the area using the Fall Color Finder Map by Minnesota DNR. Consider coordinating clothes, such as taking photos in matching pajamas. But keep in mind that taking a photoshoot with pets calls for a bit of patience and planning. Make sure to have a favorite toy to distract your favorite feline. If you're taking a photo shoot with multiple dogs, consider giving them an easy command they will pay attention to, such as "sit" or "stay." Make sure if you're taking photos of your pets that you hold a treat up and behind the camera so that it appears that they are looking at the camera. But remember to include some candid photo shots and take advantage of the best light during the golden hour, typically within one to two hours of the sun setting and rising.

8. Enjoy a Starry Night Campsgiving

You can save on the cost of an expensive hotel, be one with nature, and enjoy a clear night sans city lights by camping out at a pet-friendly campground. When planning for a starry night camping with your pet, consider checking out the location early if you can before booking to make sure you're not choosing a spot too close to a busy bathroom or pathway where tons of campers make sure you pack a few items to make your starry night run as smoothly as possible. Here are a few items you may want to have on hand:

9. Teach New Tricks

Thanksgiving Weekend is also a great time to teach your dog new tricks. Start with beginner-level training commands like sit and stay or leave it. But if your pet knows basic manners, then it's time to have some fun and teach them tricks like spinning and shaking hands. Teaching new tricks can also be helpful in taking fall photo shoots. You can teach your pup to lower her chest and take a bow for a cute yet candid late-fall photo.

10. Enjoy a Pet-Friendly Potluck

Gather your family and friends and get ready to have fun while eating grub and host a pet-friendly potluck. Enjoying a pet-friendly potluck is ideal even when you're away on vacay, but it's critical to plan for the event so it can run as smoothly as possible. First, consider food and treats for both humans and pets. If you plan well enough, you can even make treats from scratch. Try making Nyesha Arrington's dog biscuits and glaze featured in Max's Chef+ Selena's first season. Make sure you think of foods to accommodate your human guests' and furry friends' diets, such as ensuring there is a fish dish, vegetarian, or vegan dish for guests who are pescatarian, vegan, or vegetarian. Assign the side dishes to those you can rely on, and think of a backup plan, such as a backup dish or restaurant if someone is late or doesn't show up with the turkey and dog treats. If you're hosting your pet-friendly potluck early enough, you can have the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade playing in the background as you prepare brunch. Or leave it on and continue to stream The National Dog Show from noon to 2pm your local time on NBC.

11. Volunteer at a Local Animal Shelter

Thanksgiving is a time to share your caregiving skills with local animal shelters through volunteering. Check if a local shelter you're vacationing near needs help on or around Thanksgiving weekend. The type of help you can provide can be helping to walk the local animal shelter dogs or feeding the cats. Some animal shelter organizations, such as theArizona Humane Society, allow group volunteering, one-time volunteer opportunities, or even taking adoptable dogs on a field trip to a coffee shop. Check in advance to see if the animal shelter allows your pet to accompany you if you plan to bring her along.

12. Have Fun With a Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt

Give your pet mental stimulation while enjoying a little exercise by creating a fun Thanksgiving scavenger hunt. If you're staying in an Airbnb with your cat, you can incorporate nose work training and climbing challenges by placing treats on a cat tree, under a red Solo cup, or underneath cardboard boxes. You can also encourage your cat's hunting instincts by hiding her favorite toys around different locations on Airbnb. Make your dog excited to find treats and add some mental stimulation by hiding his favorite treats in a food puzzle. We're fans of Outward Hound's selection of food puzzles at different levels. Try this Outward Hound dog bright treat puzzle by Nina Ottosson for the beginner and dog brick puzzles for a more advanced level. You can also include an exercise element in the scavenger hunt and set up a dog agility course. A Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt can also be fun if you're hosting a pet-friendly potluck.

13. Prance Around a Pet-Friendly Pumpkin Patch or Farm

While the beginning of fall is typically the best time to head to a local pumpkin patch with your pet, you can also enjoy time out on the farm in late November. Head to Outhouse Orchards in North Salem, New York, and enjoy hayrides and a corn maze at this dog-friendly pumpkin patch. Just remember to put Fido on a leash. If you want to kick off Christmas and hunt for some Christmas trees, head to Santa's Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis, Florida. While this pet-friendly pumpkin patch is closed on Thanksgiving Day, you can enjoy looking for live Christmas trees starting Black Friday, November 29, 2024. The farm also features a petting zoo, ice cream from the Frozen Elf, and Santa's Flight Zip Line.

14. Make it a Movie Night

Thanksgiving Weekend is a great time to spend indoors cuddled up with your kitten and making it a movie night. If you have a lap dog like a chihuahua, they'll also enjoy a movie night! You can opt for a movie marathon and watch some family-friendly, pet-related content, Beethoven, Marlee and Me, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and a Garfield Thanksgiving, or watch some Thanksgiving classic movies like Soul Food and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. But if you want to hone in on pet-centric content, consider the new streaming service Buddi. As of November 2024, the service offers a seven-day free trial, which rolls to $7.99 a month or $79.98 annually. You can also give the gift of Buddi and take advantage of the holiday promotional offer at $59.98 a year until December 31, 2024.

15. Remember Why You're So Thankful With a Gratitude List

With all that is happening in the world, there is nothing like creating a gratitude list to name all you're thankful for. Pick up a playful journal or jot down some reasons you're grateful for your pet in your life on a mini chalkboard or whiteboard. It can be as simple as being thankful for the company, having your own cheerleading team, or having an exercise partner.

Be Thankful

Thanksgiving Weekend is the time to spend time with your loved ones. It's also the perfect time to relax or get out with furry friends. With so much to do this Thanksgiving Weekend, you have much to be thankful for. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season, and what do you plan to do?

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Michelle Johnson Michelle Johnson

6 Clever Ways to Spend Halloween with Your Furry Friend

Photo by Ben Hanson on Unsplash

Halloween offers another chance to have fun with your furry friend during the holidays. But what's a traveling pet parent to do when you're out of town on this ghoulish day? If you're looking for some inspiration or creative ways to spend Halloween with your pet pals while on the go, read on for these six fun tips:

1. Take a Halloween Hike

While everyone is trick-or-treating in the mall, you can take advantage of the great outdoors and head on a Halloween hike with your best furry friend. If you want to meet new people, consider joining a local "Howl-o-Ween" hike or create your own adventure with your travel buddies or family. For instance, you can make a Halloween scavenger hunt while hiking with your human and furry friends. Before you head out on the walk, choose a fun or tasty prize for your pet pack and consider hiding some of your pup's favorite toys. You can even hide some Halloween-inspired bags of treats on the hike, such as this Bocce's Bakery Witches Brew soft chewy treats. Give your hiking pack some scavenger hunt cards to mark off the items their dog finds, and the person who finds the most items wins!   And if your cat is up for the adventure, you can bring him, too. Just make some adjustments to make your hike more cat-friendly, which may mean opting for a cat-friendly backpack like this Texsens Innovative Traveler Bubble Backpack.

2. Host a Howl-o-Ween at Your Hotel

If you're more of a homebody or just want to stay indoors on a rainy Halloween night, consider hosting your own Howl-o-Ween soiree in your hotel room. Hop on over to a local Party City or DoorDash your Halloween decorations to your hotel. Is your pup a howler? Offer special music for your guests, play a harmonica, and watch your pooch howl along. Use this opportunity to get creative and have a howling good time!

3. Hop on Over to a Yappy Hour

Love happy hour? Well, attending a Yappy Hour is one of the best ways to combine having a good time with your pet while meeting new people or just catching a vibe of the scene. Halloween presents the perfect time to find a local Yappy Hour participating in this year's ghoulish festivities. Check out the 5 O'Clock Somewhere Yappy Hour at the Margaritaville Hotel in San Diego. This rooftop Halloween-themed Yappy Hour takes place from 4-6pm on Thursday, October 31st, 2024, and includes a costume contest with a prize that consists of a dining credit, a unique amenity for your pup, and a one-night stay at the resort. Also, 20 percent of proceeds benefit the San Diego Humane Society. Expect toys and treats for your furry friends and a unique Doggy Menu with your pup's choice of "Barktails" like a Puppuccino or Pawgarita and some "Bark Bites," including a Bacon Bark Burger. 

4. Create a Cat-Friendly DIY Haunted House

On vacation with your favorite feline? Give her something to explore without tearing up your pet-friendly Airbnb, even when you're out enjoying a ghost tour, and build a DIY Haunted House. Include a back scratcher, corrugated cardboard, and a dangling mouse or fish toy to give your cat some activities to keep them busy in their custom haunted house. You can paint it black, draw spider webs, and add tasty snacks to a fishing line or a feather for your cat to catch and snatch.

5. Enjoy a Pumpkin Patch

October is a great time to head to a local pumpkin patch with your pet. Check out these dog-friendly pumpkin patches across the United States:

  • Outhouse Orchards in North Salem, NY: Enjoy hayrides and a corn maze at this dog-friendly pumpkin patch, but make sure Fido is on a leash.

  • Arata's Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay, CA: Enjoy pumpkin picking with your pet and hop on a hayride.

  • Louisburg Cider Mill's 2024 Family Farm Season in Louisburg, KS: Frolic through the 10-acre corn maze with your dog, or enjoy the pumpkin patch, tire tower, hay wagon rides, and more!

  • Mr. Jack O' Laterns Pumpkin Patch in West Palm Beach, FL: You can head to this magical pumpkin patch with your dog as long as she's on a leash and enjoy a wide variety of things to do, from a haunted maze to pumpkin bowling to a photo station for capturing great memories with your favorite pup. 

  • Pumpkin Nights at Howell Farms in Arlington, TX: Put a leash on your pooch and get ready to enjoy this interactive pumpkin patch at this pet-friendly farm.

6. Wind Down With a Movie 🍿 Night In

Not every moment with your furry friend needs to be spent outdoors, even when on your trip out of town. Whether the day has been filled with exciting times dashing around with your dog trick-or-treating or you're still exhausted from jet lag, you can opt for a movie night with your furry friend. Grab some popcorn 🍿 and a few savory snacks for your witty kitty 🐱 and opt for some horror comedies or whatever scary genre fits your fancy. We like old 80s and 90s classics like anything from Gremlins, Beetlejuice, or Tremors. Try some of these snacks:

For Humans:

For Pets:

Wrapping it Up

Halloween is a fun time to spend quality time with your pet. Whether you head to a local pumpkin patch or stay in for a Gremlins' themed Howl-O-Ween hotel party, there are many options to take advantage of even when you're out and about traveling.  How do you plan to spend Halloween with your furry friends?

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Michelle Johnson Michelle Johnson

37 Ultimate Picks for Pets and Owners at the 2024 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – Shop Now!

Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Canvas Shoulder Bag Sale: $39.99 (After Sale: $60.00)

Photo Credit: Nordstrom, Inc.

It's that time of year again for Nordstrom fans to geek out over pre-fall and exclusive offers at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Like clockwork, Nordstrom has an anniversary sale every year, and this year is no different, with all the exclusive deals you can access even without being a cardholder. It's the company's largest fashion event of the year and the perfect time to score up to 33 (and sometimes more) new items and beauty exclusives.

During the Sale, Nordstrom suggests looking out for jeans, coats, shoes, and jackets, but you can still find some of the best skincare, fashion, fitness, home, travel, and pet products. Even if you read this on the last day of the Sale (Aug 4, 2024), there are plenty of selections to take advantage of during the Sale's final hours. Here are 37 ultimate picks for you and your pet at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.


Best Skincare


Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Jumbo + Go Set Sale: $52 ($78 Value)

Photo Credit: Nordstrom, Inc.

End out the summer and prep for the fall by protecting your skin with some of the best skincare products to get during Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale. In the Beauty Exclusives section, you can get large sizes of personal care products available only during this time of year. Look for skincare products you can use outdoors while walking your dog (or adventurous cat), such as the Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Home & Away Sunscreen Set. Discover more of our top skincare picks:

Best Fashion and Fitness Items

Nike Zenvy Leggings  Sale: $74.99 (After Sale: $100)

Photo Credit: Nordstrom, Inc.

Opt to grab hold of leggings that make your dog jog or walk while getting some fitness in during your travels. Try the Zenvy Gentle Support High Waist Pocket Ankle Leggings by Nike, which drops a special price once you add it to your cart (we got $74 for $100 value). This sporty legging has Dri-FIT, moisture-wicking technology, which makes for a more comfortable walk or run. You can easily pull it on, take advantage of the back drop-in pocket to hold your ID and feel the comfort of the pant's nylon and spandex material, which makes it easy to pull on and off. Check out more of the best fashion and fitness items on Sale worth grabbing at the last minute:

Best Accessories

Quay Australia After Party Sunglasses Sale: $49.99 (After Sale: $75.00)

Photo Credit: Nordstrom, Inc.

Summertime is the perfect time to get some much-needed shades for protection from afternoon sun exposure, and the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is a great time to save on designer glasses. Remember to opt for shades providing 100 percent UV protection, such as Quay Australia's After Party 51mm Square Sunglasses. Take a look at more accessories to snag during the Sale:

Best Shoes

March 5 Running Shoe (Men) Sale: $104.99 (After Sale: $140.00)

Photo Credit: Nordstrom, Inc.

This is your time to grab some athletic sneakers for your hikes or quick coffee runs while on the go. One of our favorite brands is Hoka, and there's a reason why—Hoka has figured out how to make orthopedic-style chunky soles fashionable and comfortable. Hoka is a super popular brand, so they likely won't have many shoe sizes available during the Anniversary sale, but it's still worth checking out at the last minute. We love the Mach 5 Running Shoe. It comes in Impala/Cyclamen, Citrus Glow/ Lime Glow for women, Mountain Spring/Puffins Ball, Lime Glow/ Ocean Mist, and White/ Blue Glass for men. On-Cloud is also an excellent option for working out or running with your pup.

Best Home, Travel, and Pet Products

Beis Commuter Duffle Bag Sale: $102.99 (After Sale: $138.00)

Photo Credit: Nordstrom, Inc.

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale also offers some of the best home, travel, and pet products, including the Beis Commuter Duffle Bag and the Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffel Bag. Each features a shoe pocket for stuffing an extra pair of shoes without making a mess in your bag. Herschel Supply Co. also offers a belt bag where you can easily stuff a spare dog collar and tag or your keys when you have no pockets on your clothing.

Let your pet cozy up in the fall with a Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Animal Print Throw Blanket. You can also try out the Dusen Dusen Embroidered Dog Bed, which comes in handy when the hotel or Airbnb doesn't have a spare dog bed. Also, remember to hydrate. Opt for Hydroflask's 32-ounce Wide Mouth Flex Straw Cap Water Bottle to achieve temperature-controlled hydration station moments. Check out more items to grab before they're gone:

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Checks & Stripes Pet Sweater Sale: $31.99 (After Sale: $48.00)

Photo Credit: Nordstrom, Inc.

Shop Now

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale occurs each July but ends at the beginning of August, and sometimes, we just need more time to scroll through the thousands of products they offer. If you're in a rush, just type in a keyword in the search bar, then filter it by selecting Anniversary Sale to find the items you're looking for. But you can also pick from our ultimate last-minute shopping guide right here. What will you buy during this year's final Nordstrom Anniversary Sale hours?

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Michelle Johnson Michelle Johnson

Take Fido to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Mardi Paws Parade and More Wintertime Events

Photo by Arie Wubben on Unsplash

Photo by Arie Wubben on Unsplash

*** Letsjetpet.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, Letsjetpet.com earns from qualifying purchases.

Wintertime often can mean staying indoors or only enjoying a few hours outside to take your furry friend for a quick walk to relieve herself. But there are tons of events that make wintertime the perfect time to get out to a pet-friendly event when you're on the go. Here are a few wintertime festivals, fashion shows, and fun events to enjoy with your dog:

South Beach Wine & Food Festival's Nulo Pet Food's Yappie Hour (Miami Beach, Florida)

  • Cost: $75 for adults, $35 for kids (and anyone under 21), and Free for Four-legged Friends

  • Where: Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

  • When: Saturday, February 22nd, 2020, 4 pm-6:30 pm EST

If you're looking for a star-studded event to attend with your favorite pooch while soaking up the sun, then you won't want to miss Yappie Hour at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami Beach. Every year, this Food Network-sponsored event teams up with various companies and celebrities to host one of Miami's premier food-infused weeklong extravaganza with events in Broward and Miami-Dade counties to benefit Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, including one dedicated for you and your dog: Yappie Hour. As a family-friendly event, you can bring the kids, whether that means human children or furry four-legged French bulldogs. 

For 2020, Nulo Pet Food is sponsoring Yappie Hour, which takes place between 4 pm and 6:30 pm on Saturday, February 22nd, 2020. You'll get a chance to enjoy the South Florida sun with your favorite four-legged friend among a crowd of canine companions, including the festival creator, director, and canine king Lee Brian Schrager and his four-legged besties Charlie and Stanley Brown. Chopped and Chopped Junior celebrity host Ted Allen is hosting this year's event, which promises tons of snacks and treats for you and your pooch. You can expect to sink your teeth into delectable bites and sipping on some of Tito's Handmade Vodka cocktails, too. You'll just want to make sure your dog is cool in crowds and is socialized. You'll also need to pick up after your pet, so don't forget to have a set of doggie waste bags on hand like these Earth Rated dog poop bags.

Mardi Paws Parade (Covington, Louisiana)

  • Cost: Free to watch; Between $25 for one dog to $250 for ten dogs and includes up to 6 human escorts per dog to participate at no additional cost ($10 each per additional human escort)

  • Where: Downtown Covington, Louisiana

  • When: Sunday, March 1st, 2020, 12:30pm-5:00pm CST (Parade starts at 2pm, Post-Parade PAWTY starts at 3pm)

While Mardis Gras is officially on Fat Tuesday, February 25th, in 2020, there are tons of celebrations that follow, including Louisiana's famed Mardi Paws Parade. This pet-friendly parade is a charity fundraiser and has been taking place since 1994 in Mandeville, Louisiana. But for 2020, Mardi Paws is heading to downtown Covington, just 10 miles north of Mandeville. You'll get to join actor, activist, director, and model Ian Somerhalder in this popular parade taking place in his hometown of Covington, which starts at 2 pm. You'll get to see cute dogs all dressed up in costumes and enjoy music, food, and a whole lot of fun at the post-parade extravaganza, which starts at 3 pm at Covington Trailhead. 

You can watch the parade for free along with family, friends, and your fur babies. The Costume Contest is also free to enter once you register for the parade and features a celebrity judge panel. Your pet will also get the chance to win the coveted "poop" trophy and great prizes from the New Orleans Pelicans, BarkBox, Polkadog Bakery, and other event sponsors. But if you want to be a part of the parade, you'll need to register your dog. Tickets start at $25 for one dog up to $250 for 10 furry friends. The proceeds of the ticket sales support Mardi Paws and include up to six human escorts per dog. While you can register for your pup to walk the same day of the parade, you'll save tons of time by pre-registering online. But you'll need to purchase your tickets in advance as pre-registration ends on Saturday, February 29th, 2020.


You'll just need to follow the rules of the parade, including dressing up your pooch appropriately to match the theme of the parade. For 2020, the parade celebrates aviation, space and sea exploration with its Beyond All Boundaries: Exploring Sea, Air & Space theme. So, make sure to put your pup in a cute, theme-appropriate costume, such as this aviator bomber jacket harness from DOGGIE-DOGGIE, this SELMAI airman fleece winter coat waterproof hooded snowsuit, or this KaiLian pet sailor costume.

BarkHappy Sacramento Leap Year Pawty (Sacramento, California)

  • Cost: $10 early bird tickets, $12 general admission tickets

  • Where: SacYard Community Tap House, 1725 33rd Street, Sacramento, California 95816

  • When: Saturday, February 29th, 2020, 1:00pm- 3pm PST 

Are you hanging on the West Coast? Then, head to BarkHappy's Leap Year Pawty in Sacramento. This dog-friendly event offers a chance to win door prizes and enjoy fun leap year activities with your furry friends. Proceeds from the event benefit the Chako Pitbull Rescue and Advocacy, which focuses on finding homes for pit bulls. Your paid ticket also comes with goodies worth over $75, including an Incredible Pets free dog wash voucher, a free Happy Dash Design Co. custom dog tag, and a free first-month service from the Sacramento-based dog poop pick-up service DooDoo Squad. Don't forget to bring your camera to take cute pics of you and your pet. For taking super-detailed photos, we're fans of Sony's mirrorless cameras like the Sony Alpha A6600 mirrorless camera and Nikon DSLR cameras and bundle packs, such as this Nikon D3500 bundle pack. 


BarkHappy Austin BFF Doggy Fashion Show (Austin, Texas)

  • Cost: $15 early bird tickets, $18 standard tickets

  • Where: Nordstrom Domain Northside, 3111 Palm Way, Austin, Texas 78758

  • When: Sunday, March 1st, 2020, 11am-1:00pm CST 

Looking to fuse fashion, fun, and a great excuse to spend even more time with your furry friend? Then, you'll want to make your way to Austin to attend the BarkHappy Austin BFF Doggy Fashion Show at Nordstrom Domain Northside. This pet-friendly event takes place just before regular store hours on Sunday, March 1st, from 11 am to 1:00 pm CST and benefits the nonprofit low-cost vet clinic organization Emancipet. You'll get a chance to enjoy exclusive shopping with your pooch and a fun doggy fashion show. You'll also get to sample free refreshments and appetizers from Nordstrom Domain Northside's on-site restaurant Bazille and enjoy treats from all-natural bakery Poochie Trend's on-site treats truck. The event also includes a free swag bag from Austin-based pet specialty store P & F Pet Provisions and free class passes from Orangetheory Fitness in Downtown Austin. You'll just want to make sure your pet is well-behaved and on a leash, such as this BAAPET strong dog leash.

Where Will You Jet with Your Pet This Winter?

Instead of just wrapping up for the winter, why not wrap up your winter with a pet-friendly event? From fashion shows to festivals, there are a ton of activities to choose from. Which pet-friendly event do you plan to jet to with your pet this winter?

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