Eiffel Tower Photoshoot With Our Dog

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

Three years ago, Eric proposed in Paris on a beautiful bridge overlooking the Eiffel Tower. This year, we went back to Paris with Calvin and had a wonderful photoshoot with Céline Chan. The photos turned out amazing and we love working with Céline every time we visit Paris!

We met Céline at the Trocadero overlooking the Eiffel Tower around 7am to get photos before the crowds. We barely got any sleep the night before, and didn’t have any coffee in our system…It was rough. On top of all that, Calvin was NOT having it that morning. He did not want to listen, he did not want his photo taken, and he was being very difficult. Luckily Calvin eventually woke up and became a good sport. We posed for some photos on the Trocadero and began having fun. Somehow, Céline was able to make it seem like everything was fine and dandy.

The Parisian monuments have an additional sense of magic in the early morning. The air is fresh before millions of tourists start swarming the streets and there is a peaceful feeling of quiet. We made it a priority to head out early each day to experience the feeling of tranquility.

After our shots near the Eiffel Tower, we made our way to Pont Bir Hakeim where Eric proposed. When we arrived, we saw a sweet proposal which brought back memories from our special day. Just like the day we got engaged, the girl was dressed up and looking as if something amazing was about to happen at 8am on a Saturday morning. I chuckled, remembering that I did the exact same thing on our engagement morning. I had worn a white dress and actually did my hair for once – the decision to get married is a big one, so hopefully it’s never truly a surprise when he pops the question.

I remember that Eric had told me we were going out to a fancy dinner so he wanted me to dress nicely (I immediately knew what that was code for but I played along). In case you are wondering, the dinner was overpriced and way too fancy for us. One of the courses was jello infused with vinegar (what?) and I was definitely hungry when we left. We agreed to never do that again but it was still a magical day.

Anyways, it was so nice to go back to the place where we made such a big commitment to each other 3 years ago. We will cherish this album as a wonderful memory of the trip we took to Paris with Calvin.  Hopefully there will be many more to come.

All Photos by Céline Chan Photographie

No comments yet

New Puppy Photoshoot

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

When we found out we were getting a new puppy, we immediately booked a photoshoot with Devon & Brooke to capture our family in puppy bliss. Samson was 10 weeks old when we took these family photos – He was the star of the show, but truthfully just wanted to sleep.  Calvin was his typical energetic self and decided halfway through the shoot that he would rather run through the park. Since we are generally behind the camera, we make sure to get professional family photos taken of all four of us a few times per year. Our photographers were so great to work with – they were patient and made us feel at ease the entire time. Check them out! Here were some of our favorite shots from our family photoshoot.

Samson was so cute and fluffy that we couldn’t stop ourselves from hugging him so tightly. Those puppy days only last a few weeks and we wanted to cherish every single moment. Samson has always loved being held so he happily obliged, although his face seems to show otherwise.

Enter Calvin; he was ready to party and definitely did not want to sit still for a photoshoot.  The best way to describe our shoot is the photo of Calvin sprinting towards the photographers – he loved them and didn’t want to leave them alone.

Even though Samson had only been part of our family for a week, we were already so in love with him.  He fit into our family immediately, and he and Calvin were best friends from day one (despite what the videos on social media show).  Over time, their relationship has continued to grow and I am sure Calvin doesn’t even remember a life without his little brother. What I find so wonderful about their companionship is that they manage to be best friends even despite their differences.  Anyone who has met these dogs know they couldn’t be more different – yet somehow, the miracle of friendship works its magic.

We will hold onto these photos for a long time as a memory of our first few weeks as a family of four. Even though we wish that Samson could have stayed so small and fluffy forever, we are grateful that he has grown and learned to become a confident….and potty trained….dog.

No comments yet

Engagement Photoshoot

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

Although Calvin did not get to be part of our wedding day, he got to be the star of the show for our engagement photos with Scott & Dana. They were our wedding photographers and also happen to share a wedding anniversary with us. We love working with them and highly recommend them for photos in the Bay Area and beyond.

As with many things in life, this shoot did not go as planned.  The first time we attempted to shoot, we accidentally drove to the wrong location.  We ended up lost in the woods with no service and little gas in the tank. When we finally made it, the sun was already setting but Scott & Dana were gracious enough to let us try it again a few weeks later.

Turns out, Calvin is terrified of the balloons so he spent the car ride horrified that one was going to pop.  We must have been quite a sight to behold walking out of our little car full of balloons. We tied the end of the balloons to an apple slicer so they wouldn’t fly away The balloons were worth the trouble because they ended up looking so magical in our photos.

The tree shot below has become one of our favorites photos.  We have it hanging as a canvas above our fireplace. I love shots taken during the golden hour and so this photoshoot was full of gems. These shots were taken in Napa, California.

Throughout the shoot, our Scott & Dana would ask us to whisper things into each other’s ears or say something that would make the other laugh.  I don’t even remember what we said to each other but we thought we were soooo funny. To this day, we never cease to make each other laugh.

 

Calvin looks so young in these photos – he was only 6 months old and still very much a puppy. Calvin grew until he was about 1.5 years old so he was not even close to full grown in these shots. We always wish we had more professional family photos of Calvin with us during his first year, so we will cherish these for a long time.

All photos by Scott & Dana

No comments yet

Homemade Dehydrated Dog Treats

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

steps to make dehydrated dog treats at home in the dehydrator

dehydrated dog treats chicken

Why homemade dog treats?

Homemade dog treats are healthier! With just a dehydrator (or oven) you can customize exactly what kinds of yummies your dog is eating. Dehydrating treats gives you full control over portions & ingredients without additives that could upset your pup’s stomach. Additionally, homemade treats are generally cheaper and healthier than store bought ones. Keep in mind, these are treats and should not replace the dog’s usual meals as the dehydrating process does remove some of the nutrients from the food.

How to make homemade dog treats:

  1. Pick out your ingredients (see full list below).
  2. Cut your ingredients into thin pieces a little bigger than the final desired size (they will shrink during the process). The thinner you cut your ingredients, the quicker they dehydrate.
  3. Prepare your dehydrator or preheat your oven to 150F. 150F is the minimum temperature that is generally accepted as a safe temperature for killing bacteria.
  4. Transfer ingredients to the dehydrator sheets or baking sheet lined with aluminum if you are using an oven. Don’t worry about placing the ingredients very close together (just not on top of each other) since they will shrink while they dehydrate.
  5. Start dehydrator/place in oven. We always use the highest setting on the dehydrator.
  6. Check on your treats every 12 hours
  7. After 24 hours, the small treats will be ready. Larger treats and pig ears may take a few days and the largest chews may take up to two weeks. Your treats are done when they are completely stiff, dry, and not bendable.
  8. Keep refrigerated and enjoy within a few weeks (or freeze up to 6 months) since these treats do not have any preservatives to extend shelf life!
homemade dehydrated sweet potato dog treats
homemade dehydrated chicken dog treats
chicken, beef, and sweet potato dehydrated dog treats

What do you need to make dehydrated dog treats? Tips & tricks to make perfect dog treats: 

  • Get a dehydrator.  If you do not own a dehydrator, you can use your oven at a low temperature (150 degrees F). We recently upgraded to an Excalibur 3948CDB 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator and find that it is much more effective than the dehydrator shown in this post. The dehydrator shown in this post is the more cost effective NESCO FD-75A. The NESCO works well for small pieces of food but if you will be dehydrating meaty bones or larger pieces, you will need a dehydrator like the Excalibur that has removable trays
  • The thinner you cut your ingredients, the faster they’ll be ready.
  • Dehydrating can get smelly so set up your dehydrator in an outdoor space if possible.
  • Freeze meat treats to avoid any build up of bacteria
  • Most dehydrated treats are meat products.  If meat makes you uncomfortable, we recommend not reading further. Of course, what you feed your dogs is entirely up to you so we entirely understand and respect your decision.

How do you know when your dehydrated dog treats are ready?

The dog treats are finished dehydrating when they are no longer able to be bent. The treats should be stiff, and hard to the touch. Larger chews or fattier chews will take longer to dehydrate. Marrow bones can take up to two weeks to dehydrate but small chicken jerky may just take two days.

dehydrated dog treats made at home
dehydrated steak, chicken, chicken hearts, and sweet potato dog treats

Ingredients for homemade dog treats. Without further ado, here are dehydrated dog treat ideas….

Fruits & Veggies

Dehydrated fruits and vegetables for your dog are simple, low risk, and not smelly! Just slice and dehydrate. You can add some coconut oil for an extra kick of nutrition and tastiness.

Sliced Apple
Sliced Banana
Sliced Sweet Potato
Sliced Carrots
Whole Green Beans

Dehydrated Meats for Your Dog

Dehydrated meats like tracheas, bully sticks, and pig ears are some of the more expensive treats you can buy online. Luckily, you can find these ingredients at local markets (generally Asian markets) for a fraction of the price. We dehydrate these meats at home to crispy perfection.  Meats with more fat will take more time but will eventually dry out entirely. Here’s how you can prepare your favorite treats at home…..

Chicken Hearts or Lamb Hearts – These are the best value you will find.  For about $1.50 you can get 30 chicken hearts. They are high in protein and make dogs go crazy.  Just pop them into the dehydrator whole. They are generally ready within 24 hours.
Chicken Feet –  Before dehydrating chicken feet, make sure to clip off the nails and thoroughly wash to remove any dirt. They are ready to eat when they no longer bend under pressure.
Pig Snout – Pig snout takes the longest to dehydrate because of its high fat content.  Generally, we will wipe off any oils about a day after we begin dehydrating to help the process along. Use a sharp knife to cut the pig snot into 4 equal pieces (or however large you want the treats to be).  Cut to desired size before dehydrating because they will be hard to split later. You will need a very strong knife, so be careful!
Pig Ears –  These can generally go into the dehydrator as is.  If the ear is too big to comfortably fit – you can use a knife to remove the parts that curl over so they fit on the dehydrator trays. Pig ears from markets are bigger *and cheaper* than the ones online.
Ground Beef – Make quarter sized balls out of the ground beef and then flatten into discs.
Ground Turkey – Make quarter sized balls out of the ground turkey and then flatten into discs.
Steak – Slice the raw steak into thin jerky sized strips. Once dehydrated, the steak will shrink to about half of its cut size.
Chicken Breast – Slice the raw chicken breast into thin jerky sized strips. Once dehydrated, the chicken will shrink to about half of its cut size.
Bull Pizzle – Bull pizzle is what we know as bully sticks. This is hard to find so snatch it up if you ever see it!
Liver Protein – you can buy liver protein for any type of meat.  If you don’t like the thought of slicing it, some markets will sell the liver pre sliced.
Dried Sausage – Limited ingredient turkey sausage (no added onion or garlic) or 100% beef hot dogs without nitrites make a great snack. Slice them however you’d like.

Bones & Chews

You can even dehydrate your own bones and chews at home for your dog! If you are using a dehydrator with removable trays, you will be to make heavy dog chews at home. We use the Excalibur 3948CDB 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator for bones and can generally fit three tiers of bones in the 9 tray model. We have been experimenting with multiple types of dehydrated bones. We are of the belief that dehydrating is a healthy way for dogs to enjoy bones as the heat is not high enough to cause the bones to become brittle. It is generally believed that the risk surrounding bones is when high temperatures are used for a rotisserie chicken at the family dinner and then the bones are fed to the dog – dehydrating does not impact the bone in the same way and the bones do not splinter like a cooked chicken bone will. Even bones such as chicken can be enjoyed by dogs as long as they are not cooked at higher temperatures (we dehydrate everything at the lowest “safe” temperature which is 150 F). We believe the literature we have read about dehydrating bones but we urge you to do your own research as well. Always supervise your dog when eating bones and heavy chews. Here are the bones and chews we have been enjoying recently:

Chicken Backs- We find chicken backs at our local butcher shop and dehydrate them for about a week.
Turkey Wings – Turkey wings are larger than chicken wings so they provide longer lasting fun for pups. We dehydrate turkey wings for about a week.
Marrow Bones – Marrow bones are our favorites because the dogs love being able to chew the outside of the bones and then lick the marrow out from the insides. Plus, they can be reused and filled with peanut butter or wet food once the dog has finished chewing off the marrow. Dehydrate for a week.
Pork Trotters (Pork Feet) – We pick up an entire pork leg from our local asian market and have the butcher at the counter slice the trotter symmetrically in half. The dogs can eat the entire leg! Pork trotters take about two weeks to fully dehydrate.
Cow Hooves/Legs – Our local market has entire cow legs available for purchase which we have cut into pieces. The dogs love slurping out the marrow and also chewing on the bone.
homemade dehydrated pork bones for dogs
dehydrated chicken backs for dogs
homemade dehydrated chicken feet for dogs

Fish

Although smelly, dehydrated fish is great for dogs – high in Omega 3s, low fat & high protein. Fish helps for a shinier coat as well. The general rule of thumb is to stick to fish with lower lifespans which have not had the time to build up mercury in their blood. Avoid fish like Tuna.  Keep raw salmon, fish bones, and shrimp tails away from your pups. There is a great variety of fish that you can dehydrate for your dogs. The following types of fish are a great *smelly* value and healthy for your pups….

Whole Lake Swelt
Whole Minnows
Whole Sardines
Whole Herring
Whole Anchovies
Sliced Salmon Filet
Enjoy your treats!
-Your Pal Cal
2 Comments

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival: Dog Friendly Oregon Coast & Countryside

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

How dog friendly is Oregon? VERY PET FRIENDLY

The Pacific Northwest is a dog friendly paradise. Oregon has so many dog friendly activities wherever you look. It is time that we finally write about the wonderful spots we have visited up north.  In our most recent visit, we packed up the car and drove 12 hours with both boys. As always, the boys handled traveling with grace – this was Samson’s first major trip and he spent the entire time napping (being cute is hard work). There were so many pet friendly activities in the Portland Area and along the Oregon coast. The Oregon coast is especially pet friendly.

We arrived in Silverton, OR around 3am and crawled into bed for our 6am sunrise wakeup – yes, we travel like lunatics. Life is too short!  We spent each morning visiting the Wooden Shoe Farm Tulips for sunrise before heading off to our next stops.  We met up with our Instagram friends in Portland, went on a few hikes, and then made our way back down the Oregon Coast towards home. Overall, we drove over 1600 miles and hit up the coast in 4 days. We’re excited to check out other parts of the coast next year. This post focuses on the areas we visited outside of the city.  For our trip to Portland, see our Portland Blog here.

dog in front of colorful tulips

dog in front of tulips at sunrise

many retrievers dogs in front of flowers

puppy with flower tulips
labrador in front of pink tulip flowers
puppy in front of red tulips

Map of Dog Friendly Activities in Oregon:

Pet Friendly Hotel Getaway: Where to Stay in Oregon With your Dog

When to visit Oregon
The earliest we have visited Oregon is at the end of April – Oregon is known for being perpetually covered by a light drizzle for most months of the year. We visited in April for the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, but previously visited during the sunny summer months.

Where to stay in Oregon
On our most recent visit, we were interested in exploring outside of Portland so we stayed 45 minutes outside of the city at the Silverton Inn
On our way back down the coast, we stayed at the Brookings, OR Beachfront Inn. We got a pet friendly beachfront room for less than $100 per night!

Pet Friendly Things to do: Taking your dog to the Oregon Countryside

Pet Friendly Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
Woodburn, OR
The number one reason we drove up to Oregon in April was to attend the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival.  The festival runs from end of March through end of April but the exact dates vary by year.  For the best blooms, it’s best to visit during the later half of the festival season.  The festival is dog friendly and takes place on over 40 acres of blooming flowers. On weekend mornings, rainbow hot air balloons are released to bring additional colors to the scene.

Important Tip: Get the season pass for the opportunity to visit the tulips outside of usual business hours. The season pass is valid for an entire car to enter before and after festival hours. Without the season pass,  there is limited parking and the crowds are brutal by 9am.  By the time we left the tulips, the fields were swarmed by crowds and there was a long line of cars waiting to get into the parking lot – the chaos put a damper on the serene blooms. We got in around 6:30am and were out by 9 with each visit.
puppy with flowers

Pet Friendly Swan Island Dahlias
Canby, OR
If you missed out on the Tulip Festival, don’t fret – the Swan Island Dahlias are similarly beautiful and pet friendly. The fields are open to the public from August through September. The Dahlia farm includes over 360 varieties of colorful flowers on 40 acres of land.  We visited in late summer and were pleasantly surprised at how quiet and peaceful the fields were.

dog with two horses

Pet Friendly Downtown Silverton
Silverton, OR
We stayed in Silverton, OR to be close to the festival for sunrise and got to enjoy the picturesque downtown for breakfast after visiting the tulip fields. Our top pet friendly eateries in Silvertown are the Main Street Bistro & Gather.  They are located across the street from each other so check out the menus and pick a table outside.

Taking Your Dog to the Oregon Coast

Pet Friendly Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach, OR
We didn’t make it to Cannon Beach but it is on our list of dog friendly beaches for next time and should def be on any Oregon Coast bucket list. This beach is easily identified by “Hay Stack Rock” overlooking the sand. After fun at the beach, head over to the town for a taste of art and culture.
dog at the beach
Pet Friendly Newport’s Historic Bayfront
Newport, OR
The town of Newport mirrors the coastal towns of New England. We walked down the main strip and got some food.  During most of the year, the echoing sound of Sea Lions resonates through the town.  We ate on the outdoor patio of Clearwater Restaurant patio for a front row seat to the noisy Seals. The food was great and the seal’s quirky antics were mesmerizing. For outdoor fun, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a pet friendly excursion nearby

Pet Friendly Seal Rock State Park
Seal Rock, OR
If you are pressed for time, you can skip this stop. We stopped at Seal Rock to stretch our legs and let the dogs run on the beach. Think: big rocks, sand, and beach.

Pet Friendly Cape Perpetua Lookout
Yachats, OR
We took a pit stop to take in the views at Cape Perpetua lookout – the dogs stayed in the car but there were plenty of well behaved pups  This stop can take as short or long as you’d like depending on if you want to walk the trails – we just took in the view, and were on our way. 

Pet Friendly Beachfront Brookings
Brookings, OR
The Beachfront Inn is a hidden gem in Brookings, OR.  We stayed in an oceanfront room for less than $100 per night and breakfast was included. The Inn is located on Sporthaven Beach – a rocky beach on the Pacific Ocean. The pebbles resembled the types of beaches you find in the south of France and Spain. We had the beach to ourselves in the early morning.

dog at seal rock oregon

view of the oregon coast

Take Your Dog to the Oregon Dunes

Pet Friendly Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Reedsport, OR
We finally crossed the Oregon Dunes off our bucket list! The dunes can be accessed at many different entry points but not all are pet friendly and some are used extensively for ATVs. We researched the best place to see the dunes with dogs and found the Tahkenitch Dunes Trail If desired, you can follow the trail for an entire loop that includes forest, dunes, and beach all in one visit. The trailhead has two entry points and both eventually get to the dunes.  We chose the trailhead on the right side of the parking lot to start our loop (NOT the one with the picnic tables). This trailhead was only about a mile to the dunes. On our visit, there was only one other car in the parking lot and we didn’t see anyone on the trail. The dogs played in the sand for about an hour and then we headed back down the coast.

PNWonderland Awaits!
-Your Pal Cal

1 Comment

International Dog Travel Rules & Regulations

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

How to travel to Europe with your Dog: International Pet Transport

Are you looking to bring your dog to Europe? There is a lot of paperwork and regulations for international dog travel but it’s worth it. We travel from San Francisco to Paris frequently so we’ve put together some resources to get you started on international dog travel. This post is just a starting point – laws vary by country and so it is pertinent to research the country you plan to enter with your dog.  The USDA APHIS website will be your source of truth so make sure to meet all those requirements for customs and border control.

Can You Travel Internationally with a Dog? What are the International & Customs Laws for Dogs?

  • Service Dog and ESA laws are NOT covered in the same way as they are in the USA so you will need to research the laws before travel – you will not be covered by the same laws and working dogs are not as common in countries outside of the United States. Even if the laws do cover working dogs in international countries, you unfortunately can’t expect that access will always be granted.
  • Some countries only recognize “ADI Accredited” Service Dogs for entry into the country via in-cabin plane travel. This means that “Owner Trained” Service Dogs are not able to enter via plane (UK is one example but there are more). Sometimes there are ways around this by flying into a different EU country and then driving into the UK by car through the tunnel.
  • Hawaii/Caribbean Islands: Although these are not Europe, they have unique requirements for entering with service dogs to avoid quarantine.
  • Dog food is often restricted at customs. Have a pet store ready at your destination or pre-order. Your favorite brands may not be available overseas so look for a food with similar grain profile and protein levels.

Bringing a Service Dog to Europe? Can all dogs travel in Cabin?

Every airline has different regulations regarding whether they allow SDs and ESAs in cabin. Low budget carrier tend to be the most restrictive especially within Europe. Delta, United, Air France, and Lufthansa are great airlines to check out if traveling with your dog. Most budget airlines appear to allow service dogs but we have only ever used Air France/Delta based on flight availability from California. Samson is a working Service Dog so he always is able to fly in cabin. Being a service dog does not exempt the dogs from all the required import paperwork.
  • Some airlines have rules that limit the aircraft to 1 total animal (regardless of status) on board – First to check in gets to board with their animal and the next person is out of luck.
  • Some airlines do not recognize assistance dogs at all
  • Some airlines require ALL dogs over 10kg to fly in the cargo hold
  • Generally, pets under 10kg can travel with their handler with appropriate documentation.
  • Smaller airlines for stop over travel (I.e small airlines that fly between EU countries) are least likely to be accommodating and allow the pet on board
  • Some countries and airlines ONLY recognize internationally accredited program trained service dogs (ADI) and guide dogs to fly in cabin.

Bringing a Dog to France from the United States: Traveling to Paris with our Dog

We have traveled to France a few times on flights booked by Delta (operated by Air France). The flights were each around 12 hours long and we didn’t have any issues while on board. For Air France flights, We recommend purchasing tickets that allow you to choose seats before check in as you’ll find Air France customer service to not be as accommodating with seat selections as US airlines. Each time we travel to Paris, we are told over the phone that there are seats reserved for passengers with disabilities but once we get to the airport we are told the opposite. We will be sure to pay a premium to choose our seats next time.

We brought our international paperwork, training documentation (we always keep CGC, CGCU, and CGCA titles with us when we travel), and doctor’s notes which were all checked in San Francisco at check in. Even if you are traveling with a Service Dog, doctor documentation is important to have once you leave the United States.

Once we get off the long flight, there’s no pet relief station so I set up a potty pad for in the human bathroom and the dog decides if they want to use it. I use the command “go potty” and I find that the dog will only relieve themselves if it’s an emergency.

At Paris customs, border police checks the paperwork but hasn’t ever asked any questions. They are most interested in the EU France Health Certificate – they check for the required signatures and stamps and then we are on our way. We always have the same experience on the way back into the United States.

Overall we’ve had no issues – Our biggest tip is to be over prepared for international travel to minimize stress.

What do I Need to Take my Dog to Europe? Pet Travel Regulations for France (country requirements vary)

  • 16 character microchip Implanted BEFORE original rabies vaccine.
    • The microchip is read at customs so make sure you know where it is located – you can generally feel the rice shaped chip around the shoulder blades.The microchip reader can only read microchips in the 16 character format
  • Rabies Vaccine for International Travel
    • 1 or 3 year rabies vaccine? France recognizes the 3 year rabies vaccine, some countries only recognize the 1 year vaccine.
    • If this is your dog’s FIRST rabies vaccine ever or if a previous vaccine has expired, you cannot travel into France until 21 days after the shot. Calvin was up to date with his rabies shot so this did not apply to us.
  • Country Specific Health Certificate (complete at your vet’s office)
    • Completed by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian no more than 10 DAYS before travel (thats a mouthful)
    • Most countries in the EU have country specific health certificates. If the country does not have a specific health certificate, there is a general one that can be completed. We got both completed just in case.
    • IMPORTANT:
      • The health certificate MUST be completed by a Veterinarian that is accredited by the USDA (This is not common so make sure your vet has this title)
      • The health certificate must be completed less than 10 days before entry at the destination. We completed ours the day before travel.
  • Endorse the health certificate (complete at a USDA office)
    • The official EU/French health certificate is not valid until it has been stamped and embossed by the USDA Office
    • See here for locations near you
    • Make an appointment in advance as this has to be done within 10 days of your travel date and not all offices accept walk ins (think DMV style experience)
    • Double check that every page of your health certificate is properly filled out and signed in appropriate places
  • Recommended: Carry a rabies certificate, full vaccine history, spay/neuter certificate, extra copy of health certificate, doctor’s note (even if your dog is an SD), proof of training (CGC, PAT, board and train, ect), written confirmation from the airline that your animal is allowed to travel in cabin, printed airline policies.
  • Submit any required paperwork to the airline at least 48 hours before travel.
  • Bon Voyage! 

Additional Requirements for International Pet Travel

Check the pet import requirements for the country you will be traveling to here. Some countries require quarantine, additional testing, deworming, ect.
  • The UK & Iceland have additional rules and make it difficult to enter with an animal
  • We found that most EU countries have less stringent requirements for pet travel compared to the UK. 

How to Prepare Your Dog for the Airplane

Master domestic flights with your dog
  • Calvin had been on about 75 domestic flights before we attempted a >10 hour flight (in total we were traveling for almost 18 hours). Samson had been on multiple flights as well and had no issues. If your dog is able to settle down and relax, they won’t mind the longer international flight.
Limit food & water when traveling with your dog
  • For a flight over 10 hours, limit food at least 12 hours before travel. Limit water for 6 hours before travel and then allow your dog to have ice cubes/sips of water throughout the flight.
Stay organized
  • Get a binder for all your paperwork. Make sure all your appointments (Vet + USDA appointments) are booked in advance
  • Call airlines before hand and get confirmation that they know you are traveling with an animal
Overnight flight if possible
  • If the flight is overnight, your dog will be used to sleeping and will hopefully settle quickly and sleep through the night. Additionally, the airplane will be dark so they’ll have a better idea that it is time to sleep.
Our packing essentials when traveling with our dog
  • Portable bowl
  • Food & Treats for the flight (will have to be thrown out before customs)
  • Familiar mat to sleep on
  • Blanket

What paperwork do I need to travel with my dog? Resources & Paperwork for Bringing Your Dog Internationally

Dog Travel Checklist

[]Spay & Neuter certificate
[]History of all vaccines
[]History of rabies vaccine
[]Rabies tag & SF dog tag
[]EU Health Certificate for USDA Vet
[]Completed Health Certificate for APHIS pet import office
[]Doctor’s note (including trained tasks if applicable)
[]Training documentation
[]Call airline and get confirmation that pet is flying in cabin
[]Call airline to confirm seats
[]Submit airline specific paperwork
[]Organize all paperwork in binder
[]Research whether treats will be allowed into the country. Find pet store at destination if not.
[]Microchip number & proof of microchip
No comments yet

Dog Friendly Activities for your Pet in Portland, Oregon

Posted on by Your Pal Cal
butterfly on dogs nose in portland rose test garden

Dog Friendly Places in Portland: Is Portland Really That Pet Friendly? (YES)

From Portland Dog Friendly Bars to Off Leash Dog Hikes – The Pacific Northwest is a must visit with your dog. There are so many dog friendly activities throughout Portland that we have visited multiple times.
Portland is a tried and true favorite – we keep coming back for more. Every time we visit, we are welcomed with great vibes from the locals and days full of activity.  We’ve been to Portland 3 times with Calvin and still haven’t even scratched the surface of what the city has to offer. We know we will be back but for now, we would like to share the highlights from our recent trips.

Pet friendly hotels Portland – Where to stay and when to visit Portland with your Dog

When to visit Portland with your Dog
Wet until the summer sun comes around

Our favorite time to visit Portland is after the rainy season – during our summer visits we have been graced with sunshine and good weather.

Where to stay in Portland with your Dog
Boutique Hotel or Budget Friendly AirBnb

Oregon is one of the more pet friendly places that we have visited and you’ll never have trouble finding lodging with fido in the city.
When we travel, we always check for a nearby Kimpton Hotel.  Kimpton Hotels are pet friendly at no extra charge. The rooms are always quirky and unique, and your pet will always be welcomed in a friendly manner. We have previously stayed at the Kimpton Monaco in downtown Portland but have also tried a pet friendly AirBnb when we were on more of a budget. AirBnb on a budget means no frills, but when we are out exploring all day, we are less inclined to spend a premium for a bed and a pillow. Fun fact:  On our first visit to Portland, we actually stayed at an AirBnb that didn’t even have a restroom (at least it was cheap).
dog under covers
dog in bed

Portland Map of Dog Friendly Activities:

Explore Portland with your Dog: Pet Friendly Things to Do

The Pearl District & Downtown Portland
Mingle with the locals and enjoy the river

A bite to eat in the Pearl: The Pearl District and Downtown Portland are walkable parts of the city that can easily be explored together. Gone are the Pearl’s days of warehouses and manufacturing – the neighborhood has now evolved as the host of modern, upscale eateries, luxury condos, and art galleries. For those who have visited New York City, this area reminded us of the trendy Chelsea neighborhood of NYC. The Pearl District has a great ambience and lots of options to grab a bite to eat. You’ll find ample outdoor seating for dining with fido and establishments are always welcoming. Check out the top ten places to eat in the Pearl here.
a labradoodle, golden retriever, boxer and labrador in the grass

golden retriever puppy and maltese sitting at a table

Tom McCall Waterfront Park: We visit the Waterfront Park each time we find ourselves in Oregon.  The riverfront park is always bustling with activity – Strolling along the park is a great way to enjoy the Willamette River as you walk towards downtown. We got the feeling that this area is a popular place for locals to meet up and relax.  On the weekends, the park becomes even more exciting with all the booths from the local farmer’s market.  One thing to note is that although this part of the city is safe and bustling with activity, it is also home to those who unfortunately struggle with drugs & addiction. We did not feel unsafe but did notice the high presence of individuals struggling on the street or doing drugs.
 
Downtown & Ira Keller Fountain Park: We came across this park while walking around downtown Portland. The park was nondescript at first but we soon realized that is is actually a work of architectural splendor.  This manmade “fountain” is more like a set of cascading waterfalls in the midst of concrete. Sit down for a moment and enjoy the sound of the falling water.  Stretch your legs, have a picnic, or just snap a few photos and be on your way.
 

Northwest District “Nob Hill”
Old fashioned fancy vibes in Portland

The Northwest District is lined with colorful Victorian homes and store fronts most frequently compared to the ones in San Francisco. This part of town has an old fashioned but fancy vibe to it – you’ll find lots of overpriced shops and boutiques.  Compared to some of the other neighborhoods in Portland, Northwest District has more of the Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod upscale feeling. We have heard from locals that this neighborhood isn’t really their “vibe” but regardless, we found the main street is great for grazing on snacks and window shopping. The area is clean, well manicured and home to many pet friendly restaurants.

Washington Park
Stop and smell the roses then enjoy the trees

International Rose Test Garden: The Rose Test Garden is a #1 must visit in Portland during the summer months….and it’s entirely FREE. The pet friendly international rose test garden is home to over 8,000 types of roses and is currently the oldest public rose test garden in the United States. Unfortunately, if you visit before June you’ll be disappointed that the flowers are still dormant. During bloom, you can wander through the rows of flowers enjoying all the different colors and smells. To avoid crowds, stop and smell the roses first thing in the early morning or during sunset.
 dog with roses

 
Pittock Mansion: We’d consider this stop optional…we visited because we were in the area to see the Rose Test Garden – the Pittock Mansion is beautiful but not worth the visit on a cloudy day. Pets are not allowed inside the mansion so you’ll want to check the weather to make sure you can enjoy the grounds and views.  The mansion is at the top of a hill and the gardens surrounding it are well manicured and pleasant for a stroll. If you visit on a sunny day you can see all of Portland from the lookout point.
Hoyt Arboretum: From the Hoyt Arboretum you can enjoy an endless combination of trails and a breath of fresh air in the city – grab a map and explore.

Alberta Art District
Hipsters & art

We’d best describe this part of Portland as the art district and home to our favorite Portland brunch spot.  We brunch at the Tin Shed Garden Cafe (top 25 places to eat in Portland) each time we are in the area. Don’t feed your pup breakfast that morning because the Tin Shed has a special menu just for dogs! Check the website before you visit to see if there are any special dog days where your pup can eat for free! These days change based on the season. After filling up, we like to walk down Alberta Street and stop into all the quirky shops along the way. On a warm day, grab an ice cream at the famous Salt & Straw. The more popular dining options have a long wait, so put your name down and then explore the art district in the meantime.
 

East Portland
Stroll on the floating walkway

Eastbank Esplanade: If you are staying on the East side of the Willamette, you can enjoy the river from the floating walkway known as the Eastbank Esplanade.  This is a great way to take in the views and get a walk in. You can follow the Esplanade along the river for 1.5 miles.

South East Portland
Quiet hideaway on the outskirts of Portland

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden: This park is a hidden gem on the outskirts of Portland.  We visited for sunset right before closing and were shocked at how few people we saw as we strolled through the gardens. The staff recommended coming back in May as the Rhododendrons go into bloom (we visited in July). Calvin enjoyed watching the ducks from afar and joining us for a peaceful stroll. Afterwards, you can find some great food in the nearby Sellwood district.

Off Leash Dog Hiking & Swimming in Portland

Pet Friendly Portland: Run wild & free
Portland has a lot of open spaces for the dogs to run and play – we have narrowed it down to our top 3 favorite places to bring the dogs when we visit Portland.
 
Sandy River Delta Park (East)
The Sandy River Delta Park is a favorite among the locals and pet friendly.  The park provides endless trails for dogs to run off leash including a flowing river for them to swim in. The park used to be a cattle ranch but has now gone to the dogs – choose between several trails and open fields.
 
Tryon Creek State National Area (South-West)
Tryon Creek offers the more classic PNW trail experience – forests and greenery.  We visited during a rain storm but were very well covered by the trees.
 
Sellwood Riverfront Park (South-East)
Sellwood Riverfront Park provides all the freedom of a dog beach without the long drive to the coast.  There is an elevated path along the water with a large open field, but we went right for the beach. Definitely a must visit for dog lovers looking for a peaceful stroll along the water.
 
Forest Park
The park is made up of multiple trails and we only ran into a few people on our walk. Regarding leash rules for the trails – the rule of thumb for Forest Park is that dogs must be under full voice control and remain close to their handlers for off leash fun. It’s definitely not the kind of “free for all” dog park that you will find at Sellwood or Sandy River. With Calvin at a heel, we still got to have lots of fun.

Pet Friendly Activities: The Water Falls

The Waterfalls in Portland are Dog Friendly: Lots of pretty water, lots of loud crowds
The (consistent) rainy season in Portland makes for beautiful natural waterfalls.  If you are not a fan of crowds, I would keep away the falls below and search for a more quiet water fall experience.  Both of our visits were chaotic, with lots of lines and swarms of tourists.  These vibes definitely put a damper on our visit but the falls are still quite pretty. Multnomah Falls and Latourell Falls are two popular waterfalls to check out.
The PNW is calling, 
Your Pal Cal
No comments yet

Take Your Dog to Work: Getting Your Dog Office Ready

Posted on by Your Pal Cal
golden retriever puppy on a couch at the pet friendly lyft office
Pet friendly offices are becoming a trend and we are lucky enough to work at one. Pet friendly offices contribute to higher morale and a less stressful workday. Having dogs around the office help you connect with your colleagues and develop lasting friendships. Here are some doggie tips and tricks for your office dog!

First, ask yourself some important questions…Is your dog ready for work?

Is your dog comfortable in new environments? 
Not all dogs are comfortable in a busy environment full of strangers – Offices are full of loud noises and new people.  Even if your dog is great at home, an office environment may be too stimulating and cause undesirable behaviors to emerge. Some dogs will not be able to adapt comfortably to office life, and it is important for us to respect their wishes.
Is your dog comfortable with new people and new dogs?
This is an extremely touchy subject since we all want our dogs to be friendly to others – Unfortunately, this is an issue that we have heard of in all pet friendly offices. First and foremost, your dog must be friendly with strangers and other dogs if they are going to spend the day with you at work. It is hard to come to terms with aggression related behavior issues in our dogs but pet friendly offices mean that the dogs have to be friendly to other dogs as well.  A dog that is trying to hurt others or has ever tried to hurt others, is not an appropriate office dog.  Be sure to ask yourself whether your dog will be comfortable with the interactive environment of an office. For the sake of professionalism, this is an extremely important matter –  A dog with recurrent aggressive tendencies is not good news to anyone in the office but also an unfair environment for the dog.
Can your dog settle down for extended periods of time?
 If your dog has trouble settling, let’s work on it! They will need to settle at your desk and in busy meetings. It took Calvin about a month to learn how to settle in the office. Start small and then build up duration.
Does your dog bark at unexpected sounds?
If your dog barks at unexpected sounds, you will need to be hyper-vigilant to his triggers until the dog learns to stay calm. This includes reactions to rolling carts, moving boxes, other dogs walking by, crowds of people, and sudden noises.  Have your high value treats or correction methods ready, and be sure to use them as you sense the sounds approaching. Another alternative is training “leave it” so that your dog redirects their attention to you when an unexpected sound comes by.  This is something that we still do at times if Calvin seems too fixated on incoming sounds – look for ears pulled back, face alert, and eyes fixated.

Second, set your pup up for success

Start Small
If possible, bring your dog to the office for half days or a few times per week to slowly ease into office life. Don’t push your pup too hard – When we noticed that Calvin was beginning to become restless, we brought him home or to daycare. If you do not have this option, try to find a colleague to take your pup on a walk when he starts to get restless.
Get a Mat
A reliable “go to bed,” “go to place” command is very useful in an office environment.  A thin mat like this one from P.L.A.Y fits perfectly under an office desk (our is size Large and code CALVIN will get you 20% off).  Teach your dog to go to his mat on command and stay there. Place your mat in the same place everyday – we have the mat under the desk.  You can also bring this mat to meetings if you want to reinforce that your dog needs to stay in one place.
Work on a Reliable Stay
See our post about proofing a reliable stay here.  At the office, your dog will have to hold a stay for hours. Eventually, he will understand that work time means quiet time…but at first, you will need to use the “stay” command to tell him what you want.
Use Long Lasting Chews
In case of emergency: pull out the meat sticks. Bully sticks, tracheas, pig ears, long lasting bones – These are GREAT tools when your dog is getting distracted, restless, or uncomfortable.  These chews will keep him busy and help your dog understand that he is rewarded for staying in place.
Tire Out Your Dog
If possible, exercise your dog for up to an hour before heading into the office. When Calvin was a puppy, we would spend an hour at the park before heading to the office.  As he got older and used to the rhythm of the office, we no longer needed to wear him out beforehand. Additionally, a long walk in the middle of the day is a great opportunity to reset.  If you have a lot of dog loving colleagues, you’ll be able to find help to walk fido midday.
Frequent Potty Breaks at First
Set up a consistent schedule to teach your pup to wait until walks to relieve him/herself. Set your dog up for success by having multiple potty breaks throughout the day until they become more comfortable with office life.
What if the dog still won’t settle? 
It is normal to have an adjustment period when bringing your pup into the office. Have patience and your pup will eventually become a well adapted office dog!
If any of the adjustments challenges are red flags – i.e constant barking, reactivity to other office dogs you may need to work with a professional trainer or reconsider whether it is appropriate to bring your dog to the office.
Will work for treats, 
Your Pal Cal
1 Comment

Socializing your Puppy? New Puppy Exposure & Socialization Checklist

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

8 week old golden retriever puppy in a box. Puppy announcement photo

Download the puppy exposure checklist below to be ready for your new dog! Early Puppy Exposure and Socialization is important for a well adjusted dog. Bringing home a new puppy home is a big deal – you suddenly become entirely responsible for a ball of fur that relies entirely on you for guidance. Now what? Puppy Socialization is our number one priority. Whether you are buying a puppy or adopting from a shelter, enjoy this checklist of what to socialize your new puppy to during those first few months. Please note; the word exposure refers to things like sounds and sights while socialization refers to interactions with people and dogs – we may accidentally use the words interchangeably in the case of this post as both are very important but there is a difference in the dog training world. We aren’t professional trainers so please always remember to check with professionals if you have any issues.

Download our full list of sounds & sights your puppy should be exposed to in the crucial socialization window
DOWNLOAD: Puppy Exposure Checklist

Socialization & Exposure with your new Puppy: New Puppy Checklist

There are varying puppy socialization and exposure methods, but we always raise our puppies to maximize exposure and desensitization. A sheltered puppy is more likely to turn into a poorly adapted adult. The risk of a poorly socialized dog has led us to expose our puppies to the outdoors from day one. Here are the guidelines that we choose to follow by the guidance of our vet and trainers:

  • We always speak to our vet prior to exposing our undervaccinated dogs to the city streets to make sure there haven’t been any recent parvo or disease outbreaks.
  • We keep the walks to clean streets and carry the dog in a bag for the remainder of the time.
  • We introduce our puppies to hundreds of humans and friendly vaccinated dogs as soon as we bring them home. Vaccinated dogs are least likely to be carriers of the diseases that are most dangerous to puppies.
  • We send our puppy to puppy day school and attend puppy playgroups in our area to allow our puppy to play with other dogs.
  • We introduce our puppy to all types of sounds, sights & surfaces

download the puppy socialization checklist. 8 week old golden retriever puppy in a box. Puppy announcement photo. Puppy wearing a crown and looking at the camera.

Why Socialize Your Puppy?

Luckily, animal behaviorists have already done extensive research on the benefits of early socialization. It is undeniable that puppies benefit from early exposure & socialization but the extent of exposure depends on how comfortable the handler is with the risks of the outside world. It is up to the handler to determine whether the low risk of disease is worth the unlimited benefits of socialization. Puppies with extensive early socialization become better adapted adults – they are more comfortable around new and unexpected things, and have a better grasp of social cues.

During the first few months of life, our dogs are eager to experience new things. Their brains are taking in and learning from every new experience. Scientists have determined that this socialization window closes by the time they reach around 16 weeks of age. Until then, they are shaped into their future selves with every interaction. Not convinced? read more on the benefits of early socialization in the links below.

https://adbadog.com/importance-early-puppy-socialization/
https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/puppy-socialization-stop-fear-before-it-starts/
https://andreaarden.com/puppy-training-and-socialization/benefits-of-early-puppy-training-and-socialization/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/puppycenter/communication/evr_dg_why_is_puppy_socialization_important
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/01/20/critical-importance-of-socializing-your-puppy.aspx

Where to socialize your puppy in San Francisco: Puppy Playgroups and Puppy Training Classes in San Francisco

San Francisco has a lot of great options for socializing young puppies. A quick Google search will allow you to determine if these options are available near you. Check out new puppy training classes as well! Here are our favorite San Francisco puppy socials:

SF Puppy Prep
SPCA
Bravo! Pup
Here, Doggy
SmartyPup!

golden retriever puppy in basket with a pink throw blanket. english cream golden

No comments yet

Bringing Your Dog to Canada. Pet Friendly Activities in Banff National Park – Alberta, Canada

Posted on by Your Pal Cal
banff national park moraine lake. lake moraine is a very blue lake. dog standing in front of lake moraine

Dog Friendly Things to Do in Banff National Park

There are so many dog friendly activities in Banff National Park – In September, we visited what has got to be one of the most beautiful places in North America. We made our way up North to Alberta, Canada to visit Banff National Park. Even in person, the turquoise lakes seem unreal, and the surrounding mountains of the Canadian Rockies are breathtaking. Compared to the National Parks in the United States, Banff was entirely dog friendly. Calvin was allowed on all trails, campgrounds, and most hotels. Additionally we loved that most lakes had access to both easy and more intense hikes.
But First…Why is the water in Banff SO blue?
Banff is so breathtaking that most people think that these shots were taken in front of a green screen with Calvin dropped in. Truth is, Banff is even more beautiful in person.
Banff National Park is known for its unbelievable blue/turquoise colored water.  The color most closely resembles the Glacier Freeze Gatorade flavor. Based on the surroundings, time of year and time of day, the lakes take on a different shade of blue.  So why does the water look so blue? During winter, rock flour/silt is created when glaciers grind against the underlying rock. Come spring, the glaciers melt and bring the silt into the lakes. When sunlight meets the silt, the lake appears to reflect a blue color. The lake’s color can change by the hour as the sun moves across the sky.
 snow in moraine lake. lake moraine snow. blue glacial lake

How to bring your dog into Canada

It is relatively easy to travel to Canada with your dog. From the United States it is super easy to bring your pet through the border. You have two options for crossing the Canadian border with a dog: either drive across the border or fly. If you are driving across the border, you must carry a valid rabies certificate.  For flying, the dog goes through the formal custom process so it is important to look up all relevant rules to make sure you have proper documentation. We had to submit a lot of information regarding Calvin’s vaccines, health information, and additional doctor’s notes. Customs also asked for proof that he had been trained (we showed his CGC paperwork). We would not recommend flying to an international destination unless your dog is objectively very well trained – the rules are stricter and customs does not fool around. For people traveling with Service Dogs there is less documentation required but it is important to note that the ADA is technically only covered in the United States so the Border Officers are allowed to ask additional questions and are not as familiar with US laws (although American based Airlines traveling to Canada do recognize ADA laws).  As always, make sure that you check all airline rules when traveling to international destinations because they can get confusing.

When to visit Banff with your dog 

We’ve heard that it is best to visit Banff in every season to get the full scope of its beauty.  While we were there, we got a glimpse of fall and winter.  September is generally considered a good time to visit because many of the crowds are gone and the weather is still good. Additionally, the lakes haven’t frozen over for the winter yet. We ended up in a full blizzard so we weren’t able to do most of the hikes we initially planned – the locals assured us that this type of weather is not typical for September. In the spring time, the lakes are especially blue as the glaciers melt. Don’t expect to hike if you visit in the winter, the lakes freeze over and the snow is deep.
It’s best to research seasonal pet restrictions when you plan to visit Banff. Many trails are in “core” grizzly bear areas and therefore have additional hiking rules and do not allow pets during cub rearing season.
 

Dog & pet friendly places to stay in Banff National Park

If you are into camping, the Lake Louise campground is the cheapest place to stay given its proximity to Lake Louise (about 1 mile away). The campground is surrounded by bear fences so you do not have to worry about unwanted furry friends. Additionally, the campground is lined with a flowing river which makes a great swimming hole for pups. Be WARNED…the cold can start in September and we got stuck camping in freezing rain and snow.  We made it 1 night before we had to look for lodging in the town of Banff. During the summer months, camping is definitely the most affordable (and pleasant) option if you want to be close to the lakes. Book about 4-6 months in advance.
There are only a few hotels in close proximity to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake and they come with a hefty price tag. Your options are slim since the one of the only pet friendly hotels is the Fairmont Hotel. This hotel overlooks the lake for a whopping $800 per night. The other hotel near the lake is not pet friendly.  For affordable pet friendly hotels you will have to look into the town of Banff which is about 40 minutes away – after freezing in a tent for a night, we stayed in the town of Banff for the remainder of our trip.  There were so many pet friendly options to choose from and the town is great to explore in the evenings. We booked last minute so we stayed at the Red Carpet Inn (no frills) and the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort (full kitchen, fireplace, cozy living room). Luckily, it isn’t too difficult to find pet friendly hotels in the area.  Many hotels in Banff allow dogs.

How much does it cost to get into Banff National Park?

Banff National Park has a per car entrance fee. When you enter Banff, you will have to pay a per vehicle fee of C$19.60 per day.

Get to the Banff lakes early

This pointer gets its own section because it was our biggest takeaway from the trip and something we were prepared for. The parking lots at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are small and fill up quickly. Shuttle buses are available but we have heard horror stories from friends who waited hours in the summer time. In peak tourist season, expect the parking lots to be full by sunrise (6/7am).  During our stay (September) we visited Louise and Moraine on different days so we could be there in the early morning (7am) before the crowds arrived – by 9am the lots were full.  We also had no trouble parking at Louise in the afternoon (after 4pm) when crowds had left.  Parking lots at the remaining lakes were busy but we managed to find a spot.  We presume that parking is an issue at all the lakes during the summer.
 

Don’t sweat the photos

At first we were disappointed that the weather did not prove to give us the best visibility for photos. Many of the lakes we visited were total white outs or too foggy to make out any mountains. The weather in Banff is very unpredictable so don’t let “failed” photos impact your admiration of the beauty. I’ve included the lakes that were on our bucket list. We didn’t get to see all of them but be sure to try to check em out if you are visiting for a few days.

Do you need Bear Spray in Banff? 

For peace of mind, we recommend picking up some bear spray especially if you are visiting during cub rearing season. Bears generally do not want any trouble but Grizzlies are generally considered more aggressive and will certainly charge when threatened. Be sure to keep your dogs on leash in bear territory for safety. There are many dog friendly trails throughout Banff – you are going to be hiking through Banff with your dog bear spray could come in handy.   See this great article from Orvis about what to do if you encounter a bear while hiking with your dog.

Map of Places to Visit in Banff

The Lakes in Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks

Visiting Banff means hopping from lake to lake.  All of the lakes have both easy and hard trails.  The harder trails are steeper inclines that lead to a birds eye view of the lake.  These are less crowded.
Pet Friendly Lake Louise
Lake Louise is dog friendly! Lake Louise is probably the most famous destination in Banff National Park. It is known for its picture perfect blue water and mountain reflections. We visited Lake Louise multiple times during our stay since we fell in love with the Deli inside the Fairmont Hotel. The Fairmont overlooks the lake and is definitely worth a visit – check out the 24hr deli on the first floor for some great snacks.
There are quite a few trails that leave from Lake Louise. We were snowed in but would have loved to make the hike Lake Agnes Teahouse (closes at 5pm). This is a half day hike (1.5-2 hours each way). Once at Lake Agnes, you can walk about 500m to the lookout at the back of the lake. There are additional hikes including the Little Beehive (1km), Big Beehive (1.6km) or the High Line Trail (5km) that goes to an additional tea house.
Pet Friendly Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is another one of the most famous lakes in Banff – rivaled only by Lake Louise. There are a few ways to enjoy Moraine Lake without breaking sweat (arduous hikes are available for those who want them). The best way to enjoy the lakeshore is to take the 1.5km out and back Moraine Lakeshore trail.  This trail has no elevation but has lots of great lookout points along the way.
For an elevated view of the lake, there is .3km trail that starts right at the parking lot and leads to the Moraine Lake Viewpoint. From there, you’ll get one of the most famous views of Banff.
Dogs welcome at Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is about a 20 minute drive from Lake Louise and is technically in what is known as Yoho National Park. Like other lakes in the area, a lot of tour buses come through but you’ll find that they do not venture to the lakeshore trail.  To best enjoy the lake in peace and quiet, you’ll want to walk around the lake’s perimeter. There is a 5.2km mostly paved trail with minimal elevation. We got caught in a downpour but still had a fabulous time.
Bringing your dog to Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is close to the town of Banff so be sure to check it out after you visit the town center. If you want more, the Lake Minnewanka trail follows the lakeshore but has multiple restrictions that must be followed due to the high concentration of momma bear activity in the area.  If you are planning to hike, be advised that dogs are not permitted past the Stewart Canyon bridge and you MUST travel in groups of at least 4. See additional seasonal restrictions here.
Dog shaped Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is famously known for looking like a dog. Unfortunately we were unable to see it as we went by during a snowstorm. There is a 2.6km trail to the lake lookout point which is quite easy when it’s not icy.
Swimming in Bow Lake 
Bow Lake was one of our unexpected finds that we came across while looking for a restroom.  We are so glad we got to stop by – Calvin was able to swim in the water and the lake was looking amazing from the Bow Glacier runoff. If you have time, you can take the ~5km Bow Glacier Falls Trail for some extra views.

Visiting the Town of Banff with your Dog

En route to the lakes, be sure to stop in the town of Banff! Banff is located about 45 minutes from Lake Louise. It is also where you will find the most reasonably priced pet friendly accommodations. The Main Street, Banff Avenue is where you will find lots of cute boutiques. Most non-food establishments are pet friendly. The town gets very crowded so we found that the best time to stroll around was the early morning.

Renting Canoes in Banff

Banff is very dog friendly, including the canoe rentals on the lakes. The Lake Louise & Moraine canoes start at about $100-$115 per hour…Eek! The Emerald Lake canoes are cheaper to rent, at around $70 per hour. If you have your own canoe, you are allowed to self launch it on the lakes but there is no public boat launch. We did not take a canoe out onto the lakes but it is surely a unique experience.

Pet Friendly Jasper & Yoho: Other Pet Friendly Sights to See in the Banff area….

Johnston Canyon – Lower Falls, Upper Falls, Ink Pots
Takakkaw Falls
Other Lakes to check out: Vermilion Lakes, Hector Lake, Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake, Grassi Lakes, Lake Agnes, Twin Lakes
Have a great time, 
Your Pal Cal
2 Comments