Starting in March, Nantucket Island will flaunt millions of daffodils on Milestone Road bike path. The actual festival doesn’t start until April. However beat the crowd and take your four-legged friend for a lovely walk to see these dazzling yellow flowers.

The Nantucket Island Chamber Of Commerce’s 36th Annual Daffodil Festival Weekend (April 23rd – 25th) will offer art exhibits, antique car parade, and “Best Daffodil Pup” Dog Parade (on April 24th).

While you’re visiting Nantucket, stop by Cold Noses and Geronimo’s where leashed dogs are welcome to try a treat. With over two dozen dog-friendly hotels on the island, be sure to make your reservations soon.

If your lucky pooch is traveling this winter with you to Seattle, be sure to book a room at the dog-friendly W Hotel-Seattle.

Four-legged hotel guests are spoiled from the moment their paws enter the hotel. From comfy doggy beds to fresh doggie treats and chew toys, this hotel makes their canine guests properly captivated.

After your dog is done sniffing the hotel room, take a walk downtown to survey the menus at dog-friendly restaurants. Seattle’s dog-friendly shops allow leashed dogs to accompany you as you make your selection.

And if your dog loves meeting new pups and chasing after Mr. Squirrel, visit Seattle’s dog-friendly parks.

For most dog-owners, a pet is a friend and constant companion, and thus during a vacation or other extended trip the temptation is strong to bring one’s dog along for the ride. Traveling with dogs is certainly not taboo in the United States, but it is by no means an easy endeavor, so if you plan to bring your pet both the traveling conditions and the mode of transportation must be carefully considered.

Traveling by air is perhaps one of the most convenient ways to get from place to place, but for dogs it is also one of the most dangerous. Most airlines only allow larger dogs to travel in the baggage compartment, which is an uncomfortable living situation to say the least, but since dogs are simply treated as baggage they are subject to all the same potential problems: dropped luggage, incorrect connections, long delays and exposure to heat or cold are all threats to a living creature. Most airlines do not take dogs in the baggage compartment during summer months, due to the risk of heat stroke, and brachycephalic dogs with short noses, such as pugs or bulldogs, should not travel as baggage at all, as they have difficulty breathing at high altitudes and are more susceptible to heat.

Ultimately, the only way for an owner to ensure the safety of a pet is to carry him into the cabin, a practice that is usually allowed for dogs under 20 pounds who can fit under a seat. Note that airlines will charge $50-$300 for each pet brought on board a flight. Pet-specific airlines such as Pet Airways are also an alternative, which allow dogs to travel in the cabin of a pet-only airliner, but such services only cover select cities and, once again, are expensive.

Trains and buses may seem like a cheaper alternative to flying with a pet, but ultimately such modes of transportation are usually off-limits to dogs. The majority of train or bus lines simply do not allow pets on board, with the exception of assistance animals.

The most convenient and flexible means of traveling with a dog is by car, but even when taking your pet on a road trip the proper precautions must be addressed. It is important to make sure that the dog is comfortable with the idea of riding in a car, and taking short drives prior to a longer trip can dramatically reduce anxiety. Anxiety medication can also be requested of a vet if a nervous pet absolutely must come along. Care should also be taken that pets can be accommodated overnight, as many motels do not all dogs in rooms.

When deciding whether or not to travel with a canine companion, the last and most important rule is to think of the dog first. Dog-sitters and pet hotels are legitimate alternatives if a safe and comfortable journey cannot be ensured for a pet. If you do decide to bring a dog along, be sure to equip her with proper identification, and to bring along essential amenities (medication, treats, a leash, water, toys, etc.). Taking these necessary precautions may mean the difference between a miserable trip and a happy vacation, and go a long way to assure the health and happiness of your furry friend.

Before you board the plane to visit grandma, check out the following dog books:

• Red Dog Rising, By Jeff Schettler
• Cooking 4 Canines, By Amy Stevens
• It’s A Dog’s Life … But It’s Your Carpet, By Justine A. Lee
• The Mobile Pet Grooming Guide, By Tish Bachert

I know a few lucky dogs who will be traveling for the holidays. Here is a little list of canine getaway spots to consider when planning your winter vacation:

If your kuvasz loves to jump in the snow banks, be sure to visit Western Massachusetts for snow shoe hikes. One tip: invest in a good pair of doggie boots so the snow doesn’t irritate their paws.

If your chihuahua prefers to lounge by the pool, Miami South Beach is plenty dog-friendly. From the outdoor restaurants to the board walks along the water, your pup will enjoy the fresh ocean air.

If your miniature schnauzer doesn’t mind the damp air, fly out to Seattle and sample the many parks the city has to offer.

Regardless where your travels take you this holiday season, don’t share your trail mix with your four-legged travel buddy. Raisins are found to cause kidney failure. Instead, stop by a local bakery to keep your dog happy on the trails.

We have all seen the blue designated parking signs at the mall for disabled people. However Mary Gensen of Cameron, Wisconsin came up with a clever idea to show pet hospitality to travelers with dogs.

She designed a symbol to post & indicate which shops, hotels and rest stops are pet-friendly. If you dog is the perfect traveler, be sure to look out for the pet hospitality green signs along the road to point your dog to the nearest shady spot for a wee break.

Now that the 90% humidity is behind us, here are a few places in Florida to take your dog and stretch your legs.

Miami

• Lincoln Road – several dog-friendly shops and restaurants that will welcome you and your well-behaved leashed friend. Don’t forget to check out the Farmer’s Market on Sunday’s from 9 am – 6:30 pm where you can pick up organic produce and fruit to make a fantastic meal at home.

• Flamingo Bark Park – has a fenced off leash area with water fountain, making it a fun outdoor activity to meet new four-legged friends.

• Pine Tree Bark Park – fenced dog run that lets tails wag and wag.

Winter Park

• Winter Park Farmer’s Market – held each Saturday in downtown Winter Park from 7 am – 1 pm. Watch that little paws don’t get stepped on while you pick for ripe produce.

• Park Ave – enjoy a leisurely walk with your leashed dog along Park Ave & New England Ave. There are plenty of dog-friendly shops and cafes to rest those tired paws. Try Bull Fish and Orchid Thai.

Key West

• Lazy Dog – has guided tours where dogs ride for free. You can also rent a kayak and let your dog be co-pilot while you paddle around Key West. St. Petersburg

• Saturday Morning Farmer’s Market – stop by 1st Ave & 1st St for fresh produce and home-made goods from 9 am to 2 pm. Leashed dogs are welcome to browse the market booths, however dog owners should stay alert to high foot traffic and keep the leash short to avoid people tripping over your pooch.

(photo source: Andrew Pescod)

Some dog owners view dog runs as filthy plots of fenced in land with aggressive dogs and inattentive owners. An alternative to dog runs in Philadelphia, here are a few dog-friendly walks:

• South Street - an eclectic mix of restaurants and shops, dogs will love accompanying you while you window shop; don’t forget to stop by Chic Petique and Accent On Animals for toys and treats for your buddy.
• Chestnut Hill – wander around this picturesque area, home to vintage home furnishings stores, quaint clothing shops, and lovely cafes. Be sure to check Bone Appetit Bakery and Labrador Coffee.

Just because the air is cooler and the sunlight seems to wane doesn’t mean leisure doggie adventures come to an end. So grab a sweater and leash and head out with your dog:

Florida

• Smyrna Dunes Park: a popular beach for fishing, surfing, and strolling, has over 250 acres with 3 miles roughly of elevated boardwalk for your puppy to enjoy the fresh Atlantic Ocean air
• Fort De Soto Park: nearly 3 million visitors walked the park’s seven miles last year to enjoy the park’s natural and historical elements. Leashed dogs are allowed and there’s even a paw playground to get your dog to stretch her legs

Massachusetts

• Cape Cod: between Bourne & Sagamore Bridges is a seven mile paved path for you and your dog to enjoy the sailboats as they pass under the bridges
• Four Pond Conservation Area: an easy hike through the wooded area that is home to salt marshes, fresh water ponds, and frogs to spike any dog’s curiousity; open year round for leashed dogs to explore the 130 acre park

Philadelphia

• Fairmount Park: offers 200 scenic miles to view the Fall foliage. Dogs aren’t allowed at the zoo or in the histroic house but there is still plenty of sniffing around the two million trees for your four legged companion to enjoy
• Wissahickon Valley Park: rustic wooded park, with Forbidden Drive being one of the more popular trails to visit

Rhode Island

• Brenton Point State Park: enjoy a cool breeze off the Atlantic Ocean while hiking with your leashed dog
• Goddard State Park Beach: over a dozen trail miles to walk along the secluded cove

Seattle

• Marymoor Park: clean trails, with a huge off-leash area, making it worth the drive and naming it the ultimate adventure any dog could wish for.
• Washington Park Arboretum: a great excuse to wander the hills, stare at the variety of trees, and find a peaceful spot in the park to soak in the crisp air, while your dog observes nature

Need a brake from work? Looking for some inspiration and relaxation? Then, enjoy nature’s variety & fresh air with your pooch and best of all these parks listed above don’t cost a penny to visit them.

Next time you book your holiday flight with your dog, you may want to check Sherpa’s On-Board Program.

Sherpa Pet Group has teamed up with many US airlines to assist pet owners in guaranteeing dogs fly on-board. It’s stressful travelling with your dog, however Sherpa’s goal is to assist dog-owners that their documentation is in place before the flight departs.