(Vera Kratochvil)
Need a vacation but can't bear to part with your precious pup? Check out the following tail-wagging destinations courtesy of Kelly Carter's TheJetSetPets.com.
Aspen, Colo.
Topping Carter's list, Aspen is a stunning year-round haven boasting a myriad of parks, trails and streams to entertain outdoorsy owners and their dogs.
During summer months, board the Silver Queen Gondola with your pooch and take a trip to the 11,212 ft. summit of Aspen Mountain.
Need a buddy? The Aspen Animal Shelter even offers a 'Rent-a-Pet' program, allowing visitors to adopt a companion for the day.
Animal-friendly accommodations:
Viceroy Snowmass provides dog beds, customized water bowls and treats upon arrival, as well as dog toys and bandannas at check-in.
If you're traveling with a pal who isn't petite, TheJetSetPets.com recommends The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, an Auberge Resort or Sky Hotel, where the size of your pet is irrelevant.
Boston, Mass.
According to Carter, active pets will relish Boston's endless walking parks and trails, specifically Peters Park, an off-leash dog park in Boston's South End.
Savor beautiful weather and meander around street fairs and local art shows with your pup, such as the SoWa Open Market. For an off-shore outing, cruise around Boston Harbor Islands on Saturdays, since dogs sail free.
If you need to go somewhere that doesn't permit critters during your stay, Carter commends Fenway Bark as a fun destination for pets-- it offers day care, an indoor, bone-shaped splash pool, grooming, a full boutique and boarding.
Animal-friendly accommodations:
Revere Hotel Boston Common provides comfort for even its tiniest guests with a dog bed and two dog bowls. Onsite, guests can arrange for the hotel to walk their dogs, or pick up one of Revere's complimentary dog park maps.
For the pampered pooch, TheJetSetPets.com applauds The Fairmont Copley Plaza, the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton.
Del Mar, Calif.
With its dazzling beaches and ideal location (just twenty minutes north of San Diego), Del Mar attracts pets and owners alike.
Its annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon at leash-free Dog Beach raises money for the Helen Woodward Animal Center every September.
Nine months out of the year, dogs are allowed along Del Mar's entire two-mile stretch of coastline as well as Seagrove Park and Powerhouse Park.
Animal-friendly accommodations:
At Hotel Indigo, dogs can receive their own bed and travel bowl for use during their stay, in addition to a special "local if found" dog tag and beach ball to take home.
Carter's pick: L'Auberge Del Mar.
Los Angeles County, Calif.
LA County rolls out the red carpet for its furry visitors. Countless dog-friendly, outdoor areas abound including Hollywood's Runyon Canyon and Rosie's Dog beach.
Studio City's Laurel Canyon Dog Park provides morning and late-afternoon off-leash hours, separate areas for small and large dogs and a small pool for cool-off time.
LA also boasts extensive dog-friendly dining options.
Animal-friendly accommodations:
The Peninsula Beverly Hills bestows royal treatment upon pets by providing the ultimate amenities from complimentary dog walking to velvety doggie beds and monogrammed paw print towels. Dog grooming, dog massages and dog sitting are also available upon request.
Carter's LA favorites include the W hotels (Westwood and Hollywood), Hotel Bel-Air and Beverly Wilshire.
For the seasoned pooch interested in international travel, visit TheJetSetPets.com to view a comprehensive list of pet-friendly destinations.
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