People and Pets... Better Together!
Fun Summer Activities for Pet Owners: Make the Most of the Sunshine with Your Furry Friend5/20/2025  Photo by Dmitry Egorov: www.pexels.com As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, summer presents a perfect opportunity for pet owners to get outside and enjoy some quality time with their four-legged companions. Whether you're a dog devotee, a cat connoisseur, or have a more exotic pet, there are countless ways to have fun together during the warmer months. Below is a guide to exciting and safe summer activities that will strengthen your bond and create memories to cherish.  Photo by Lenin Estrada: https://www.pexels.com 1. Beach Days and Lakeside AdventuresMany dogs love the water, and summer is the ideal time to let them splash around. Look for pet-friendly beaches or lakes in your area where dogs are allowed off-leash. Bring plenty of fresh water, towels, a sunshade, and dog-safe sunscreen for light-colored or short-haired breeds. Tips:
 Photo by Eylül Kuşdili: www.pexels.com 2. Backyard Splash ZonesIf you can’t get to a beach, bring the water fun to you! A kiddie pool or pet sprinkler system can turn your backyard into a doggy water park. Most dogs enjoy cooling off with a gentle spray or soaking their paws. Cats on the other hand...best keep them safely inside while the water is flowing. Pro tip: Add floating toys or frozen treats to the pool for extra enrichment.  Photo by Paparazzi Ratzfatzzi: https://www.pexels.com 3. Pet-Friendly Hiking TrailsNature trails offer great exercise and mental stimulation. Many national and local parks allow leashed pets on certain trails. Choose paths with shaded areas and streams where your dog can rest and hydrate. Find out more about hiking with your pet HERE. Checklist:
 Photo by Matheus Bertelli: https://www.pexels.com 4. Camping Under the StarsCamping is an excellent way to unplug and connect with your pet in the great outdoors. From tents to pet-friendly RV parks, your options are wide. Dogs typically love the new smells, sounds, and snuggles by the campfire. Things to pack:
 Photo by Emrehan Çolak : https://www.pexels.com 5. Outdoor Training and GamesUse the warm weather as an opportunity to teach new tricks or sharpen obedience skills. Try agility courses, hide-and-seek with treats, or frisbee for high-energy dogs. Cats can get in on the fun, too! Try clicker training, leash walking, or puzzle toys outdoors (in a secure, enclosed area or on a harness).  Photo by Loifotos: https://www.pexels.com 6. Pet-Friendly Events and Farmers MarketsMany towns host pet-themed summer events, outdoor movie nights, and farmers markets that welcome well-behaved, leashed pets. These outings are a great chance to socialize your animal and meet other pet lovers. Etiquette matters:
 Photo by PNW Production: https://www.pexels.com 7. Road Trips and Day GetawaysDogs especially love a good car ride. Plan a weekend trip to a cabin, pet-friendly vineyard, or scenic lookout. Just make sure your destination and lodging welcome pets. Cats can enjoy travelling too, but may find it harder to adapt to a new environment. Safety first:
 Photo by Diana ✨: https://www.pexels.com 8. Frozen Treat DIYsCool your pet down with homemade frozen snacks. Try freezing low-sodium broth with pieces of carrot or apple inside, or create a "pupsicle" with peanut butter and banana. For cats, blend tuna with water and freeze in ice cube trays. 9. Picnic in the ParkPack up a basket for you and your pet and head to the local park. Include a blanket, a book or podcast, and goodies for your furry friend. Many pets enjoy simply lying in the shade and watching the world go by.  Photo by Vitor Diniz: https://www.pexels.com 10. Photo Shoots in the SunlightTake advantage of the golden summer light for a seasonal photo shoot. Whether it’s by the beach, in a wildflower field, or on a trail, you can capture stunning images of your pet having fun. Use treats and toys to hold their attention, and remember—natural candid shots are often the best.  Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com Bonus: Indoor Fun for Hot DaysSome summer days are just too hot to go out. Keep your pet entertained indoors with:
 Photo by Helena Lopes: https://www.pexels.com Final ThoughtsSummer is one of the most joyful seasons for pet owners. With some planning, creativity, and safety precautions, you and your pet can share unforgettable adventures. Whether you're lounging at a park, exploring new trails, or enjoying a popsicle together in the backyard, the key is to stay present, keep it safe, and savor the time together.
Your pet doesn’t need anything extravagant—they just want to be with you.  Photo by Helena Lopes: from www.pexels.com Summertime travel is a national tradition and fantastic opportunity to see the world. For many pet lovers, leaving furry family members behind simply isn't an option and their animal inevitably sends up joining them on the road, track or even up in the air. While travelling with an animal can be a great experience, it also presents certain challenges, requiring additional planning and preparation to ensure a smooth experience for all involved. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip, cross-country adventure, or air flight to another land, here are essential summer travel tips to ensure your pet stays safe, comfortable, and happy.  Photo by Max Vakhtbovycn from www.pexels.com 1. Plan Pet-Friendly Travel AccommodationsBefore you hit the road or book your flight, do your homework on pet-friendly accommodations. Many hotels, vacation rentals, and even campgrounds welcome pets, but their rules and amenities vary widely.
 Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from www.pexels.com 2. Visit the Vet Before You GoA quick check-up can prevent many travel-related headaches.
 GRAPHIC DESIGNED BY RYAN HILARY 3. Pack a Dedicated Pet Travel BagJust like you pack your suitcase, your pet should have their own travel bag with all the essentials. This helps ensure nothing important gets left behind. Here’s a basic checklist:
 Photo by Aliaksei Smalenski from www.pexels.com 4. Choose the Right Mode of Travel Car Travel Tips Car travel gives you the most flexibility when traveling with pets. To ensure safety:
Air travel can be more stressful and should ideally be reserved for longer trips or relocations.
 Photo by İdil Çelikler from www.pexels.com 5. Prepare for the HeatHeat is one of the biggest concerns when traveling with pets in summer.
 Lum3n from pexels.com 6. Keep Your Pet’s Routine (as Much as Possible)Travel can be unsettling for pets. Maintaining familiar routines can reduce their anxiety.
 Photo by Cup of Couple from www.pexels.com 7. Have a Backup PlanEven the best-laid travel plans can go sideways. Have contingencies in place:
 Photo by David Kanigan: https://www.pexels.com 8. Respect Local Rules and Other TravelersWhether you’re hiking, beachcombing, or walking through a national park, make sure you follow local rules regarding pets.
 Photo by Hana Brannigan: https://www.pexels.com 9. Try a Test RunIf your pet hasn’t traveled before, try a shorter “trial trip” first. This helps you gauge how they react to being in the car, sleeping in a hotel, or visiting new places. You can make adjustments based on how your pet handles the experience—before committing to a longer journey. 10. Make It Fun for Your Pet TooRemember, this trip is for your pet as much as it is for you. Try to plan activities they’ll enjoy.
 Photo by Tim Gouw: https://www.pexels.com Final ThoughtsSummer travel with pets takes planning, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. With the right mindset, you can create memorable, joyful experiences for both you and your furry companion. Stay flexible, patient, and observant of your pet’s needs—and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
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AUTHORSOur blog is managed by Ryan Hilary with additional contributions from our awesome volunteers and supporters. Are you a member of our community and have a great idea for a post (or maybe want to write one yourself?). Reach out to [email protected]. Archives
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