Traveling with Pets

By Mikkel Becker, via Vetstreet

More and more pets are being integrated into every aspect of family life - and that includes dinner dates outside the home.

In most cases, local health codes restrict dogs from being able to dine indoors, but many restaurants get around such laws by creating designated outdoor pet dining areas.

SEE ALSO: 5 Human Foods to Never Share With Your Dog (and a Few You Can)

Some restaurants even cater to canine appetites with special doggie dishes. In the dog-friendly city of San Francisco, coffee shops, restaurants and bars even host "Yappy Hours."

To find a pup-approved spot in your region, check out dogfriendly.com and petsonthego.com, which highlight dog-friendly restaurants around the country. Just be sure to call ahead and ask if the designated pet area is open, since many of them are seasonal. You can also ask around at your local dog park or even reach out to your favorite restaurants directly to see if they ever offer pet-friendly dining options.

You should also keep in mind that there may be children and dogs around, as well as loud talking and various other distractions, which may cause your pet to be fearful or react by lunging and barking. For some pets, the stress of the dining experience outweighs the positives, but for pooches who really enjoy dining out, there are some rules that you should follow.

For many individuals, the holidays are a time to see far-flung friends and family, often with their pets along for the ride. If you're fortunate enough to be able to travel with your pets this season, the right products can help to make the trip easier.

So whether you're going over the river and through the woods with your pets for just a day trip or for an extended holiday break, make sure you have the appropriate gear before hitting the road. To help make your journey as comfortable and safe as possible, our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite products for holiday travel with pets.

Stylish and easy to tote, the Outward Hound Eco Lightweight Carrier from Kyjen is an ideal way to transport your pet if you're hopping a train or bus this holiday season. The durable carrier lives up to its name with its thin but sturdy construction, and the material folds easily for packing when not in use. Also, the bag has convenient Velcro straps to help keep your pooch secure in transit.


A car harness that's comfortable enough for everyday use, the Roadie Dog Harness from Ruff Rider works with your vehicle's existing seatbelts to keep your dog safe - and out of the driver's area - during car rides. And the restraint allows your car-loving canine to have a reassuring range of motion while still protecting him in case of an accident.


Give your pet some extra comfort while heading down the highway with the Deluxe Bench Seat Cover from Solvit. Well-constructed and easy to install, this seat protector is made of high quality material that gives your dog a cozy ride while ensuring that your car's interior stays clean and dry. And the cover is machine-washable for added convenience.


To reward your dog for completing your holiday trip, or to keep him happy along the way, stock some Mellow Mut Chicken Breast Dog Treats from Dogswell in your travel bag. Made with simple, healthy ingredients such as chamomile, clover, and cage-free chicken, these appealing morsels are also formulated to help skittish dogs stay calm - a definite plus when traveling.


Even the most seasoned four-legged travelers can use an occasional distraction from the boredom of the road. To keep your canine occupied during long trips, try the Ruffians Chicken Dog Toy from JW Pet. The rubber texture kept our tester dog interested for hours, and stood up to his strong chewing. And the high-pitched squeal and bright yellow color also made this toy a surefire hit.

You hear the term "mind-blowing" tossed around a lot, but have you ever actually seen a mind being blown? Witness what a cat's face looks like moments before its brain completely melts.

Dog owners are always on the lookout for fun, friendly places they can take their pets. We were recently invited by Chevrolet to tool around with their pooch-loving pros to check out the Best of Dog-Friendly Businesses Tour of Los Angeles. Here are four L.A. destinations that welcome furry friends.

Pussy & Pooch
564 S. Main St., Los Angeles, 90013
If you're in the downtown area, Pussy & Pooch is truly one of the best pet stores in Los Angeles. Not only does it stock awesome pet toys, beds and clothes, the Pawbar has a daily selection of raw meat meals, simmered stews and meaty bones, in addition to gourmet treats, snacks and more. With prices ranging from $3 for a quick snack to $7 for a full-size meal for a large dog, you can't go wrong. My pup enjoyed the beef stew -- so much so that I had to get her a second bowl!

Silver Lake Dog Park
1873 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles, 90026
If you want a quiet place to reflect with your dog, this isn't it; this is more like a 1.25-acre nightclub of dirty, furry fun. There are always lots of other dogs and a few shady spots to sit on a sunny day. The people are cool, and it's a great place to spot celebs and their pups!

There are plenty of tres chic addresses for well heeled visitors to Paris -- the Plaza Athénée and Le Meurice are just a couple that come to mind -- but luxe lodgings for discerning canines with well coiffed paws have been sorely lacking. That is, until now.

Beret-wearing poodles and fluffy bichons alike can now check into Actuel Dogs, the city's first upscale pad for pups who enjoy the good life, reports Reuters. You know, amenities like a heated pool, a games room outfitted with a treadmill, massages to get out those stubborn hind-quarter knots, and some personal training -- doggie style. Thanks to its proximity to the Bois de Vincennes, one of Paris' biggest parks, four-legged guests staying in one of the six rooms here benefit from doggy walks, doggy jogs, and even doggy vélo, or sprinting beside a bike to burn off some of those Parisian indulgences.