Traveling with Your Dog
According to the American Pet Products Association, in the past year, 9 out of 10 pet owners took their dogs on vacation with them. Everything from dog wellness to curated pet itineraries to and dog friendly Air BnB's are more common now than ever. A recent article in Dogster Magazine states that 78% of Americans travel with their pets each year.
Things People Do to Include Their Dog on Vacation
It's more than just bringing your buddy along and than leaving them behind in a cabin while you go paddleboarding. IG influencers have made their mark by showing reels of their dogs front and center on that paddleboard. Hiking, boating, and even fine dining are just the tip of the iceberg (of which I'm sure your dog could join you in scaling) when it comes to things to do with your dog while on summer vacation!
A New Trend: Destination Pet Photography!
Elopement or destination weddings are not the only demand in the destination portrait world. Pet owners who travel with their pet want a new way to commemorate the experience. Not only this, but the fact that pet photography has exploded as a new genre to the tune of 0.9 billon in a report by Market.us. demonstrates that people want beautiful images of their dogs.
Pet-Friendly Travel Destinations
1: Wineries
These days, an extremely popular spot are wineries. More than half of wineries in most regions are pet-friendly. Relaxing among the vines with a glass of your favorite wine with your best buddy by your side sings like a song. A new way to experience this is capturing that moment with a photography experience. Wandering Woof Photography is the premiere Temecula Wine Country pet photographer offering both vineyard and architectural images with your dog as the star. Families are also encouraged to join in! Setting up a winery portrait experience is easy. Just contact them here.
2: Mountains
Mountain destinations with dogs are now more popular due to social media influence of dogs enjoying get aways at resorts, lodges and rental homes. Big Bear Lake in California is such a place. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake remains a premier four-season destination for residents in neighboring counties looking for a quick mountain escape. And it's abundantly clear that dogs are welcome there! You see them on boats, on trails, at the resorts and in the Village at the pet-friendly restaurants and shops. Pet portraits in Big Bear is the specialty of Wandering Woof Photography. Using the forest, lake or mountain top as a backdrop, your dog will shine in imagery so beautiful you will want to frame those photos! For more information about Big Bear Lake pet sessions, click here.
3: Beaches
Without a doubt, a beach vacation is the most popular for most families. There are currently approximately 166 dogs beaches spread out in California shores. Rules do apply, but once summer arrives, most dog beaches permit off-leash romping during specific hours. Be sure to check the county or city websites to find out the dates. Of all the settings for a portrait, the beach offers an unparalleled natural beauty with its soft textures, neutral tones, and stunning coastal light. When you place a dog into that frame, the contrast of their vibrant personality against the serene backdrop creates a piece of art you'll want to display on your walls forever. Wandering Woof Photography is your Southern California beach photographer for stunning beach pet portraits this summer! Click here for more information.
4: National Parks
Not all NPs are the same. Many do allow dogs on leashes, but the rules are very clear. Check with the park's website as not all parks have the same rules. For more information, check out this link:
Perhaps the most beautiful is Yosemite National Park. Although crowds in the summertime are very heavy, dogs can enjoy the many trails and vistas the park has to offer. A tip: forget summer and head there in the fall! The colors are gorgeous and the crowds are doable! Are you planning a trip to a California State Park? Most allow does on trails as well. Check out this guide on dog-friendly state parks
5: Cities
It can sound counter intuitive, but cities are actually a very popular vacation destination to travel to with your dog. Places like San Francisco or San Diego offer boardwalks to see the sights while making for easy strolls. While in a city destination, think parks, dog-friendly fine dining, luxury hotels and spas. Giving your dog a spa day while you shop in the city is another idea! Places like Wags Hotel in San Francisco, a very popular pet spa, can be found in most cities. And booking using a cityscape as a backdrop for pet photography is unparalleled! Whether your dog is a confident explorer who loves to sit proudly on a historic stoop, or a smaller pup who looks adorable perched on a downtown park bench, the city provides a unique backdrop. It gives the images a sense of place and a narrative—it’s the story of your pet conquering the town. Heading to San Diego or Old Town Temecula this summer? Why not do a portrait session for your dog? Reach out here for more information.
