Rocky Mountain Travel Are you traveling with your dog to Estes Park? Our pets are part of our families. So when we go on adventures, we want our pets to experience them with us! Preparing for long car rides, air travel, or hotel stays requires preparation before your leave home. And bringing a pet to Colorado, has some unique challenges. Here’s everything you need to know before coming to Colorado traveling with pets, including a pre-departure checklist and veterinarian-approved tips.
RELATED: Hiking with Pets
Weather
Our weather here in Colorado can be pretty extreme. With the higher altitude, it can be sunny one day and snowing the next. Our furry friends with heavy coats fare well in the snow, but for those with short hair, well, they need a little extra warmth support. So, some things to think about packing are:
- Sweater and Jackets
- Booties
- Neck Gator – yes, even wearing a buff around their neck can help keep them warmer.
- Doggles
Sunshine and Summer Heat
The sun in Colorado can be very intense. A sunny, 60 day degree at altitude is much warmer than what you might experience at sea level. So, that makes the summer months hotter. Walking or hiking with your dog is advised in the morning or late afternoon / early evening when the sun is less intense.
And bring water with you. Our dry air and abundant sunshine can dehydrate both you and your pup quicker than you realize.
After the hike, you may think you want to make a quick stop at the store or a coffee shop. Please rethink this if your dog is with you. With that intense sun, this means you should NEVER leave your pet in the car. Even with the windows down. In fact, it is illegal to leave your pet in the car in Colorado.
Here are some things to think about packing:
- An extra water bowl – one for the hotel and an extra for the car when you go out on adventures
- A collapseable water dish to fit in your backpack
- A Nalgene – great to have a dedicated supply of water just for your pet.
Know Where you Can Go
In Colorado, there are so many amazing trails and parks. This offers lots of options for adventures with your pet. However, not all trails are dog friendly. And if visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, dogs are not permitted on any trails. Finding a pet friendly hotel or condo is a great option, so your furry companion can stay behind while you enjoy the national park.
Keeping your dog on leash will be important as well. We have lots of wildlife here to excite their prey drive. Sadly, lots of dogs go missing. There are success stories of being reunited with your pet, but once you head home, that window narrows. Also, we have wildlife such as bear and moose which can actually kill your dog as they see dogs as threats. Especially if they have their calf with them.
While in downtown Aspen, this woman rounded the corner with her dog. A bear was headed her way! Luckily, the bear was startled, turned and headed the opposite direction. The dog looked shocked too!
Here in Estes Park we have elk roaming the downtown streets and the properties of the various hotels and condos. Keeping your dog leashed at all times will help protect your pup and the wildlife too!
Here are some suggestions of what to pack to make your pet’s trips safer and more enjoyable.
- At least two leashes. It’s nice to keep one in the car and one in the hotel or to have an extra if one breaks.
- A comfy dog bed. This helps your pet feel at home when not at home. Security is key when your dog is on the road. It also helps you be a 5 star renter for the VRBO!
- Microchip. Consider scheduling a visit to the vet before leaving and getting your pup microchipped. Already microchipped? Check that the information on file is updated.
