For most owners, their pet is like a member of the family. Or in some cases, the pet allows you to be a member of their family (depending on who is actually in charge). I have a sneaking suspicion that this is how my 2 year old dog perceives the world. After all, I’m the one who tends to his needs, filling his bowl every morning and night, picking up his waste, and dragging his bed from room to room in my apartment when he doesn’t have a comfortable place to lie down. (Perhaps ‘slave’ is a better word.)
Either way, your pet is an integral part of your life. So it’s only natural to want to take them with you when you pack your bags, lock the doors, and say goodbye to home. I’m talking about the holidays: that wonderful moment when work is left in the rearview mirror and instead is replaced with a gloriously open schedule stretching out ahead. And next to you, and probably drooling over your shoulder, is your furry companion.
Your destination: Whistler, British Columbia, one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Whether you arrive in summer or winter, countless activities await you: golf, mountain biking, bungee jumping, dancing, drinking, snowboarding, and the list goes on. And of course, you can’t forget frequent walks with your pet through the pedestrian-friendly Whistler Village and surrounding trails. Your pet will surely be the envy of his block friends at home.
But wait… before you load up your bags, hitch up your pet, and head up Whistler Mountain, here are a few pearls of wisdom that will prepare you and your pet for the destination.
Find accommodation in Whistler that is pet friendly.
When you book accommodation directly from the property owner, you are more likely to find someone who is willing to accept a pet. Many property owners have pets and will understand why you can’t bear to be without Rufus by your side. Plus, when you’re looking for owner direct accommodations, you can compare detailed photos of vacation rentals. Unlike many hotels, you can see the actual rental you’ll be staying in before you book it instantly online.
On long road trips, stop to get some exercise.
Everyone needs a chance to stretch their legs once in a while (and maybe a quick stop at a gas station bathroom). Give your pet a chance to uncoil and run free for at least half an hour after particularly long periods. A good game of fetch or running around the rest stop are some examples. But be careful not to let your pet loose, as the unfamiliar surroundings can hide some nasty surprises (rotting chicken bones are in the weirdest places).
Take your pet’s family items with you.
When venturing into the unknown, there are few things more comforting for a pet than being able to rest on their own bed or blanket. Your pet will feel more secure and comfortable. As most owners will tell you, your pet will light up when they see your stuff. Bringing along a few favorite toys will also give your pet something to play with as you decide on your itinerary for the day.
Never leave a dog alone in your Whistler accommodation for any length of time.
Even well-behaved dogs who rarely chew or mutilate anything in your home can behave differently when they’re in a strange place. (There is nothing worse than coming home with pieces of furniture lying around.) If you must leave your dog alone for a while, consider hiring the services of a doggie daycare.
Keep barking to a minimum.
Like parents who can magically turn off their own children’s deafening crying, dog owners exhibit the same phenomenon if they have a particularly talkative pet. Let other guests enjoy their vacation in peace and remember to tone down the barking. Also, it’s a good idea to keep your pet on a leash when entering and exiting your Whistler accommodation to prevent your pet from clashing with other guests. Even people who don’t care about animals can get scared if they suddenly have a slimy tongue on their face.
Respect the pet policy.
If your Whistler accommodation allows pets, they may not like getting their paws dirty on the furniture. Be sure to read all property policies before making your reservation and avoid the hassle of guessing. It’s important to figure this out before you book your stay, so you can simply find another property whose pet policy matches your own style.
Take responsibility for the damage caused by your pet.
Accidents happen with even the most well-behaved pet. If your pet has an unfortunate upset stomach and leaves “deposits” on the nice carpet in her Whistler accommodation, or decides to shred some towels, it’s a good idea to own up and come to a fair cleaning deal. You will be promoting responsible pet ownership and paving the way for others to allow pets on their properties.
Keep the leash close at hand.
Although Whistler is a dog-loving community, most parks and trails are leash-only. Fortunately, dogs aren’t banned in the Village, and you can have your pooch proudly by your side as you stroll down the cobblestone boulevards. Additionally, there are several scenic dog-walking trails. (Lost Lake is a great place to start in the summer.)
Be prepared for emergencies.
It’s a good idea to locate Whistler Emergency Veterinary Clinics before you arrive there, or soon after you arrive. That way, in the event of an accident or illness, you’ll know exactly where to take your pet for immediate care and attention.
That is all! With these simple reminders, your Whistler vacation will be a trip you won’t soon forget.