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Looking for the best places to travel with your dog? Missouri is the place for you. The best way to ensure you have a fun-filled adventure is to prepare in advance. The preparation you make before embarking on your journey will pay huge dividends. Here are some helpful tips to make your trip with your best furry friend as smooth as possible.
Dog Friendly Vacations In Missouri
Update dog tags and microchips. New surroundings will make the dog want to roam and explore. Hey, there are still a lot of rocks that I haven’t smelled yet! If the worst happens and your pet gets lost, updated tags and microchips can help you find them.
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Practice driving in the car. If your dog isn’t comfortable in the car, it’s a good idea to help him get used to it before going on vacation. Start with short trips and gradually add longer distances.
Cover your seat. Mud-covered paws and fingernails can do a lot to your car’s interior. Use a cover to protect your seat from wear and tear. Investing in a hammock cover will not only keep the seat clean but also keep your dog safe.
Book your accommodation in advance. After a long day of travel, the last thing you want to do is hop from hotel to hotel looking for a dog-friendly place to spend the night. Additionally, many campgrounds fill up quickly during peak times of the year, so reserve your spot before you go.
Bring vaccination records. If you plan to park at a dog park or dog-friendly location, many parks require up-to-date vaccination records to enter.
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Bring medicine and a first aid kit. Don’t forget to bring any medications your dog takes regularly. It’s also a good idea to bring a first aid kit with you in case your dog gets a cut, scrape, or scratch—especially if your dog is the dramatic type and small cuts will escape.
Bring familiar items. It’s nice to have a tiny house by your side when you’re out and about and ready to make sure your dog is comfortable in any environment. Water and food bowls are a must (and if your pet is potty trained, a crate is a must), but cuddly toys, blankets, and bedding are extras, too.
Reward good behavior. When traveling, there are many opportunities for dogs to act less docile than expected. To combat this, make sure they bring high-value treats and reward them generously when they make good choices.
Entertain your dog. If a dog is tired from playing and exploring all day, it won’t have the energy to go to public places. It’s simple math.
Missouri State Parks Pet Policy
Take frequent breaks. Traveling with Fido means you need to stop more often than ever. Give your friend a chance to stretch her legs, go to the bathroom, and get a drink of water. (Be sure to bring some poop bags for easy cleaning.)
Never leave your pet alone in a hot car. It is not recommended to leave your dog alone in a car for any length of time, but leaving your dog alone in a hot car even for a short period of time can be life-threatening. Keep a human travel companion in the car with your four-legged passenger, or leave the car running so the air conditioning is on while you’re away.
Now that you’re ready to go, check out some of the best places in Missouri to travel with your dog: Visit Missouri for an unforgettable beach trip. Most of the best dog-friendly beaches and swimming areas are located in or near Columbia, which is home to numerous state parks and natural areas that are connected to each other by hiking trails. In fact, most of these areas have dog parks with ponds and lakes just for pets. When choosing a Missouri vacation rental, keep in mind that state parks have fairly strict rules regarding dogs on public beaches and swimming areas. Pets are allowed, however, as long as they splash on the sidewalks. Check out the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Missouri.
Twin Lakes Recreation Area on Columbia’s South Shore offers great dog fun. Fenced areas include a large lawn, paw pool and portion of the beach as well as all 16 acres of Twin Lakes Fishing Lake, providing plenty of room for your dog to run and swim. Although the beach is closed from November to March (thin ice is a problem for both bipeds and quadrupeds), the beach remains open and unrestricted the rest of the year. Several pet-friendly vacation rentals in the area are within walking distance of the park. In fact, if you purchase a dog from the Hankison Forest Preserve, you can take your dog along the trails through the park. While you pet your dog, the rest of the family can swim in Little Matt Cove or hike along Hankison Creek. Later, hike along the Forum Nature Area and Branch-Hinkson Creek Wetlands.
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If you head north from central Columbia, you’ll reach Garth Nature Area, which has its own fenced dog park with a pet-only pool and beach. While neither the beach nor the pool is that big—the entire park covers 3 acres—it’s big enough for your dog to stretch his legs and have a good time. The dog park is part of the larger Garth Natural Area and features trails through trees, ponds and wetlands. Explore the area with your leashed dog, or hike from the park to Cosmo Park along the Bear Creek Trail. Later, the two enjoyed a meal at Houlihan’s, Smokin Chicks BBQ and 44 Stone Public House. Get ready to hang out on the patio with your dog.
At 200 acres in southeastern Columbia, Grindstone Nature Preserve is the largest enclosed area on the dog list. Explore the millstone nature trails that wind through forests and fields. Climb to the top of Lost Hill to enjoy the view, or let your dog wade in the creek, which is completely allowed. However, the Hinkson Creek Trail, which runs through the natural area, is strictly closed. After your dog’s excitement is over, head to Capone Park for some alone time and stunning views.
Lake Stephens Park is one of the few places not reserved for dogs or people, but leashes are required. Take a walk on the beach with Fido, let him get his feet wet, and then even walk across the lake (thanks to the boardwalk that has a small island in the middle connected to the fence). After giving your dog an outdoor adventure, enjoy a game at Columbia Country Club and then spend some time in the North Village. Here, you can dine at Shakespeare’s Pizza Downtown or Flat Branch Pub and Brewing (dogs allowed) and catch a show at The Blue Note or The Canvas on Broadway (dogs not allowed).
Dog-friendly Vacation Guide
Broemmelsiek Park in Defiance, Missouri is a country retreat that offers solitude and one-on-one time for you and your four-legged best friend. While dogs are not allowed on the park’s lake, there is a 4.7-acre indoor dog park with its own pool and beach. After you’ve burned off some energy, you can take a walk elsewhere in Bromelsack Park. There are over 400 acres of land and many trails to explore. When you come back at night, you can see some stars in the astronomy area. If you want to explore a larger area, check out Weldon Hot Springs Preserve and Howell Island Preserve. Float the Missouri River Rent a raft and adventure with your pet (some rental agencies allow this). Nearby parks feature historic sites such as Peace Park, Thomas Jefferson’s original tombstone, and the Francis Quadrangle. Even better, as long as you keep clearing the trail and cleaning up afterward, you can find your dog.
