Planning a summer getaway often starts with a difficult question: Who will watch the pets while the family is away? Increasingly, for many families the answer is simply to bring them along. Fortunately, there are many pet-friendly destinations within a short drive of Northeast Ohio. We provide some inspiration to help you plan a one-tank trip for the entire family — pets included.
Pet-Friendly Destinations
From wooded trails and waterfalls to sandy shores and classic summer boardwalk fun, Ohio offers a variety of pet-friendly destinations perfect for family getaways. These four spots combine outdoor adventure, scenic beauty and plenty of opportunities to bring your furry family member along for the trip.
Hocking Hills
Located in Logan, Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park (explorehockinghills.com) is home to more than 25 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, rock formations and recess caves. Leashed dogs are allowed on most trails, and dozens of pet-friendly nearby lodgings are available to rent.
Best trail for families: Ash Cave, the largest recess cave in the state, features a flat, paved trail that is stroller-accessible, making it perfect for families with young
children and senior pets.
Water access: Old Man’s Cave, the most popular hiking area, offers a scenic trail with creek access for dogs to splash in.
Geneva-on-the-Lake
With its laid-back vibes and classic beach town charm, Geneva-on-the-Lake (visitgenevaonthelake.com), in Ashtabula County, is great for fun in the sun while staying close to home. The bustling “Strip” features vintage arcades, mini-golf and eateries, while Geneva State Park provides outdoor adventure. Many area rentals and hotels are pet-friendly.
Best trail for families: The paved bike path in Geneva State Park runs parallel to the lake, offering cool breezes and easy walking for strollers.
Water access: Bring canine companions to the west end of the park’s Breakwater Beach. There is a clear boundary where the human-only swim area ends and the dog-friendly sand begins.
Put-in-Bay
Located on Lake Erie’s South Bass Island, Put-in-Bay (shoresandislands.com) may be well-known for its nightlife, but there are also many family-friendly activities to enjoy. Dogs are welcome at the kid-favorite Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, while the Put-in-Bay Ghost Walk is a dog- and family-friendly guided lantern tour that explores the spooky side of the islands. Canine companions can also burn off energy at the two-acre Island Paws Dog Park. Both the Miller Ferry and the Jet Express to Put-in-Bay allow dogs and other pets, provided they are leashed or in a crate/carrier at all times.
Best trail for families: Jane Coates Wildflower Trail is a short, shaded loop that is much quieter than the downtown area, giving pets a break from the crowds.
Water access: South Bass Island State Park has a small cobblestone beach area where dogs are welcome to splash.
Mohican State Park
Located in Loudonville, Ohio, Mohican State Park (ohiodnr.gov) allows leashed dogs on all hiking trails, in the campground, and in designated pet-friendly cabins. Peppy Paws Pooch Park and Pampered Paws Dog Park are located nearby, as well as private vacation rentals that also allow pets.
Best trail for families: Hike Big Lyons Falls trail starting at the historic covered bridge. It’s a great photo op for the family scrapbook.
Water access: The Mohican River is shallow in many spots near the campgrounds, making it easy for dogs to cool their paws without swimming.
Check bringfido.com to compare and book thousands of pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals worldwide. Reservations can be made directly on the app, with no booking fees.
Essential Summer Travel Tips
Keep pets safe on the road with these suggestions:
The seven-second rule: Touch the pavement with the back of your hand for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it will burn a pup’s paws; in that case, be sure to stick to grassy trails or shaded boardwalks.
Stay hydrated: Don’t just rely on finding a park fountain. Bring an insulated water bottle and a bowl for thirsty pets.
Plan a quiet hour: Traveling can be overstimulating for pets. While the rest of the family is at a museum or somewhere pets can’t go, one parent should take the dog for a walk in a quiet, shaded area.
Bring Something From Home: For cats and small animals, smell is important. Put a piece of your own unwashed clothing or the pet’s favorite blanket inside the carrier to reduce stress during the drive.
Remember Identification: Proper I.D. isn’t just for collars. Be sure to have your pet’s microchip info up to date and keep a digital photo of them on your phone in case they slip out of a harness.
Plan for Summer Heat: While traveling with your pet means the whole family can experience the fun, due to high temperatures, it sometimes might be better to leave them at home. If you do bring your pet, never leave them in an unattended, parked vehicle.
Road Trip-Ready Products
Aim for comfort and convenience with the following pet products:
Collapsible Silicone Bowls: Convenient to carry and lightweight, these handy hydration stations clip onto a backpack or stroller for instant water breaks.
Cooling Vests and Collars: Using evaporative technology or frozen packs to lower body temperature, these products (like the Canada Pooch Cooling Dog Vest) help keep Fido comfortable on hot, humid days.
Portable Paw Cleaner: These handy cleaning containers (like the Dexus MudBuster) come in multiple sizes to fit many paws, and are essential for clearing mud or sand before the dog climbs back into the minivan.
Pet Stroller: For cats or older rabbits, a mesh-enclosed pet stroller is a game-changer. It allows them to catch the lake breeze or the forest scents without the risk of them darting into the brush.
Portable Playpens: For families staying in a cabin or campsite, a pop-up mesh tent allows non-canine pets to safely enjoy the grass and fresh air at the site.
Pet Seats and Harnesses for Car Safety: Whatever size cat or dog, keep them safe in the backseat with comfortable pet car seats or a harness that can be attached to the seatbeat.
Backpack Carriers: “Bubble backpacks” for cats (like the Halinfer Expandable Bubble Cat Backpack Carrier) allow feline travelers to see the world safely.