Five Tips for Planning a Pet-Friendly Vacation to The Smokys

Pets are our greatest companions. They become a beloved part of the family as soon as they walk through the doors. After all, what’s not to love about them? They always seem to know how to lift our spirits with their unending sweet antics (which never fail to amuse us!), and they always find a way to fill our phones with their cutest photos. So, when planning your next relaxing mountain getaway to the Smokys, if leaving them home alone or under the care of a pet sitter doesn’t sit right with you, nothing should stop you from taking them along.

The Smokys: Best place for a pet-friendly vacation

The Smokys is a great place to have hearty fun with your family members, including the four-legged ones. It offers many pet-friendly attractions in its vicinity, perfect for a day out with your pet. After all, you are not taking them along just to lock them up in your cabin, now are you? 

From hiking and adventurous rides to shopping and dining out, there is a lot to do with your pet on your getaway to the Smokys. So keep scrolling to learn how to plan the perfect pet-friendly vacation.

1. Book pet-friendly cabins

The first step to a pet-friendly vacation is finding pet-friendly lodging. Although it’s not hard to find pet-friendly cabins in surrounding mountain towns like Gatlinburg or Sevierville, it’s still important to look around and find one that fits your liking. For example, if you’re staying in Sevierville, whether you want a cabin with a large yard or plenty of space, you can look up cabins Sevierville TN pet friendly and find the most suitable option for your stay. On a side note, it’s best to choose a pet-friendly cabin away from the town center, preferably somewhere in the woods, to make sure your furry best friend has a good night’s rest and isn’t kept up by the sounds of the outside world. 

2. Make sure your pet is completely vaccinated

Vaccinating your pets ensures their health and well-being and is also crucial if you plan to bring them along to your next vacation to the great outdoors in the Smokys. In addition, vaccinations protect your pet’s health and the health of others who come into contact with them.

Vaccinations are essential to the safety and well-being of your pet. During your trip, your pet may get exposed to harmful bacteria, which may make them sick, and it’s the last thing you would want on your otherwise happy trip. Furthermore, your vet can advise you on any destination or venue-specific vaccination requirements. So, it’s best to take your furry friend to the vet and ensure they are up-to-date on their shots. Your pet’s immunization record must be brought along for the vacation. It is a must-know for anybody hoping to take their pet on a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains.

3. Pack generously

Always remember to pack generously for your pet while traveling. Packing for a trip means bringing along not just your personal belongings but also the things you know your pet would like. For example, bring along some of their favorite playthings to ensure they have something to do in and outside the cabin. Also, to help your pet adjust to its new surroundings, don’t forget to pack its favorite item, be it a blanket or something else. You should also bring your pet’s regular food and treats if you only feed your pet a specific type or brand of pet food.

While on vacation, you may be unable to find a store that sells pet food since not many tourist destinations have the necessary variety of items. We recommend that you bring extra pet food for your trip. If there is an unexpected crisis, it is wise to bring more supplies than necessary.

4. Don’t forget the meds for your pet

It’s common for pets to take medications for different medical needs or conditions. If your pet also needs to take a prescribed dose of meds, stock up on your supplies and take them with you on the trip. Furthermore, if you’re unsure about your pet’s medical needs, you can always talk to your vet about any specific meds your pet may need on your trip to the Smokys.  

Your pet’s health should be your priority, so don’t forget to bring any necessary meds to ensure that they have a wonderful trip. 

5. Explore pet-friendly attractions in the area

If you plan to leave your pet locked up in the cabin while you enjoy all the fun and activities, why even bother bringing them on this trip? The whole point of bringing Fido or Fluffy along on a trip like this is so they can also have fun. Pets have feelings, too, remember? So, in addition to the activities that interest you, arranging outings to places suitable for your pet is crucial.
It’s even better to find activities that you can enjoy together.

Many local attractions wholeheartedly welcome pets; you will have a great time visiting them with your furry best friend. You can visit the 1.9-mile-long Gatlinburg trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is among the two dog-friendly trails in the park. This trail starts in the center of Gatlinburg, follows the beautiful Little Pigeon River, and leads to the town outskirts. You can also visit a special place just for dogs, Doggywood, where your dog can spend the day frolicking around with other dogs. Remember to research all the pet-friendly attractions beforehand to have a fun time with your pet.

Final thoughts

It’s not hard to plan an enjoyable trip for the family, including the four-legged members. Bringing your pet along on your next getaway is not rocket science. However, there are some things that you need to prepare in advance, from scheduling vet visits and setting up appointments for vaccine shots and medications. Consider how you can comfortably accommodate your pet in the car if it’s a road trip. Finally, don’t forget to book a pet-friendly cabin and find pet-friendly attractions around the mountain towns.

Going on a trip with your pet shouldn’t be complicated at all. With just a little planning and prep, you and your family may have the most memorable and enjoyable vacation in the Smokys – pet included!