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Posted By: Guest

Subject: Pets on vacation???

Do you enjoy taking your pet with you to the OBX? Is it more work for you and is it seem stressful to them? We aren't sure if we should take our dog next year. I hate the idea of another kennel- week for our pup since that is stressful to us all. I guess I'm wondering if its worth taking her (along with 2 kids) and if she will enjoy the beach? Oh, and how do they do with the ride in the car for all those hours getting there? Sorry for so many questions. This is really a big decision for us. Thanks for any input.

Message Replies:

8814: RE: Pets on vacation???

11/10/2006 7:14:19 AM

Posted By: Guest

Our Golden Retriever loved the beach. We went in April, during the off-season and stayed ocean front so he got to run around on the beach and no one was around to mind, except the occasional walkers and they usually got a kick out of him.
I didn't find it stressful at all-- much more enjoyable than worrying about them in a kennel all week. BUT, I would not try taking him/her during the peak season when the sand and roads are extremely hot and the beaches are too crowded for him/her to enjoy.
The car ride was fine-- after a few hours I think they realize they're in for a long trip. We drove 11 hours with ours. We got in a few hours before check in, so we took him to Jockey's Ridge to run around. It was so early in the morning, no one was there. By the time we left, others had arrived with their dogs too.

8817: RE: Pets on vacation???

11/10/2006 8:26:58 AM

Posted By: local

You want to check with the town rules about pets before you go. Each town has different regulations and some do not even allow them on the beach during the peak season. I have never seen these rules being strictly enforced, but you just want to be careful. Here are brief descriptions of the rules below.

Corolla: Please keep your dog under leash and under control at all times. Town Hall: 252-453-8555 www.co.currituck.nc.us

Kill Devil Hills- Between May 15 and September 15 of each year no dogs shall be permitted on the public beach between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. unless being used to aid a handicapped person. At all other times no dogs shall be permitted on the public beaches except upon a leash and under control of owner. All pet waste must be gathered in appropriate containers. Year-round leash law. Town Hall: 252-480-4000 www.kdhnc.com

Nags Head: Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach. The leash cannot exceed 10 feet. Town Hall: 252-441-5508 www.townofnagshead.net

8820: RE: Pets on vacation???

11/10/2006 10:30:59 AM

Posted By: Guest

In relation to your post... I don't own a dog, don't necessarily dislike them, but just wanted to give another perspective. Even if it's not required, leashes are appreciated by folks like me. Please don't assume that everyone enjoys being sniffed by a curious dog. If we liked them that much we'd probably own one ourselves :) Also, please clean up after your dogs. Yes, the beach is huge, but it is still gross to stumble upon a pile of yuck.

8821: RE: Pets on vacation???

11/10/2006 11:13:22 AM

Posted By: Guest

We take our dogs every time we go, and in fact it seems to be more of a vacation for them than for us, they have a ball! We usually take them for a walk in the morning so they can do their business and get some exercise, then we take them down to the beach around dusk when there really isn't anyone on the beach, and we go in September around or after Labor Day. It's so much fun watching them have a blast running and our lab would fetch his toy from the water until he died if we let him. they do fine in the car ride of about 5 hours. And the rest of the time, they just like chilling out and relaxing with us at the house. My husband isn't much of a beach person, so he stays at the house with them while I take my daughter to the beach. It works out great for us and its more fun for us having them with us.

8825: RE: Pets on vacation???

11/10/2006 3:03:33 PM

Posted By: Guest

I've heard that fleas can be bad down there in the summer and for that reason alone we've not ever taken our dogs.

8830: RE: Pets on vacation???

11/10/2006 9:12:49 PM

Posted By: Guest

For us it would be like asking if we would consider leaving our kids at home! We never hesitate to take them (the dog and the kids !). As far as fleas go . i put Frontline plus on him the night before we leave to go and bathe him the night before we leave to come home. He doesnt nessesarly enjpoy the ride but it isnt a problem. He sleeps the whole way home!My husky definatly appreciates the vacation. I wish i knew how to post a picture so you could see his relaxed attitude!

8834: RE: Pets on vacation???

11/10/2006 10:02:29 PM

Posted By: Guest

We take our dogs on vacation to OBX every year. Last year we had my two dogs (a Shepard-Akita mix, and a Lab mix) and my sister’s two dogs (a Lab, and a Greyhound-Pit Bull mix). I would absolutely recommend taking them without any doubt. Make sure you use some kind of flea/tick medicine before you go because the bugs can be pretty bad. My Shepard-Akita absolutely hates the water but loves the beach because of the sun. If you’re hesitant about taking your dog to ocean try the sound first (depending on where you stay) it helps them get use to the water if they are not familiar.

We drive from Pittsburgh which is about a 10 hour drive and my dogs do just fine in the car, if yours is not as well behaved or anxious in vehicles vets have medicine that makes ling trips easier, it’s my understanding that it is similar to Dramamine with a very mild sedative to relax your pooch.

8837: RE: Pets on vacation???

11/11/2006 6:48:12 AM

Posted By: Guest

8814 here! In response to 8820, I do agree that cleaning up after your dog is the #1 rule. We saw "deposits" from other dogs that had been left behind and it is irritating to see, especially when you're so careful cleaning up after your own. Who wants to be walking barefoot through the sand and step in that?!?

Our dogs were never out on the beach alone and when we spotted the occasional walker, we'd hang on to dogs. We did get lucky with lots of folks who wanted to pet them, but I understand not everyone enjoys that! Especially wet dogs:)

8834, with the 4 dogs, may I ask where you stayed? My parents have 2 dogs and we'd love to go together, but have never seen a house that allowed 4 dogs. If you'd rather email me privately with the house name, my email is curtis@beacon.com.

Katie

8841: RE: Pets on vacation???

11/11/2006 4:20:27 PM

Posted By: Guest

Thank you all for your honest replies. Because of such positive input, we've decided we're going to take Cleo with us. We are going in May so it wont be as crowded, so that should be a good thing. I can't wait to see how she reacts to the ocean. Thanks again so very much. What a load off!

8845: RE: Pets on vacation???

11/12/2006 5:58:53 AM

Posted By: Guest

We take our lab with us every year and I wouldnt even go if I couldnt take her. The joy of watching the dogs in the water is priceless. One thing I use is a retractable leash they are great for the beach and also I bought theses little garbage bags that come in a container that hook onto the retractable leash for the waist management sure beats lugging big walmart bags. Hope you have a great time.

8856: RE: Pets on vacation???

11/13/2006 4:10:42 PM

Posted By: Pet Friendly Renter

Our home has been welcome for pets since we built it in 1999. We have a dog ourself and we built the house in mind for pets.

There is an outside dog kennel for your loved one if you want to dry them off or keep them outside without running away. Also, our management company sprays after each renter (whether or not they have a pet - not everyone is up front with that).

We have never had a flea problem to date. If you wanted to view our home, it's in Duck:

http://www.twiddy.com/homes/duck/olde-duck-beach/inn-like-flynn.aspx

Good luck & know that Cleo will have a blast wherever he goes!

10249: RE: Pets on vacation???

2/19/2007 4:43:46 PM

Posted By: Guest

I own a boarding kennel and I have 3 dogs of my own, one dog goes with us everytime we go to the obx, which is 2 times a year. The other 2 stay at home because they aren't good travelers. It is more work to take along a dog but is well worth it if your dog enjoys the trip also. Just be sure that it doesn't stress the dog or yourself remember its vacation! Dogs think that the kennel is also a vacation time for them. It is something different and fun, my clients tell me that the dogs go home exhausted from having so much fun. Don't worry if you need to leave them behind BUT I would take them if you can.

10505: RE: Pets on vacation???

3/8/2007 9:35:57 PM

Posted By: Spunky

Last year we had 15 people and three pekingese. We had a blast in corolla. Very pet friendly.

11378: RE: Pets on vacation???

4/20/2007 7:37:31 AM

Posted By: Guest

This is an old question, but I'm still going to respond in case anyone is still reading...sand spurs in the paws are a real problem!!Also, dogs can be unpredictable in strange situations. For example, you may leave them at home for a few hours to go to dinner and the'll do fine. You may leave them on vacation for a couple of hours to go to dinner and thet may freak and start chewing and being otherwise destructive.
We LOVE dogs, however we DO NOT allow them in our rental house B/C many people are ALLERGIC and they may be coming into our house after the dogs leave.There is no way the cleaning people could get every hair and bit of dander up.

12461: RE: Pets on vacation???

6/4/2007 7:12:24 PM

Posted By: Guest

We are taking our Catahoula to OBX for the first time this year. She is 1 1/2 years old and high strung so the vet has given her some "doggy downers" for the trip. I'm hoping it won't be too much of a hassle to take her. We left her with the vet last year when we went on vacation and she didn't act right for weeks after we got back. The vet says she suffers from separation anxiety when she is away from us for too long. Wish us luck - we may need it.

20235: RE: Pets on vacation???

2/26/2008 8:32:05 PM

Posted By: Guest

It's been about 7 years since we last visited obx... and we took our Akita with us (stayed in Avon). I wouldn't have had it any other way. One thing I WILL say is that it is my opinion that dogs should be leashed at all times, for reasons that some people listed here. It's important to remember that even other dog lovers will not love your dog as much as you do!! We are going this summer to Avon and our new Akita will be coming, as well as our 2 daughters. He will be leashed at all times. He is completely non-aggressive and well-socialized, but Akitas can't be trusted not to run off. And even if I did have a Golden Retriever or a Lab, oe whatnot, LEASH, LEASH, LEASH. I recommend a long one, and I tie it around the leg of the chair that my husband's butt never leaves. ;)

20573: RE: Pets on vacation???

3/7/2008 10:49:36 AM

Posted By: Guest

i just wanted to add that i have been coming to the obx for fifteen years multiple times a year. i have a small lhasa apso (this is the second one) and would never think of leaving her of the first one before he passed at home). i follow a simple few rules. i do keep her on a leash and respect the distance rule with other vacationer's. i clean up everywhere we go. and i do purchase a pair of "doggie booties" due to the sand spurs but keep in mind that lhasa apso's have incredible long hair. wihout the boots when walking we would be in for hours and hours of brushing every day just to get the spurs out. the current puppy enjoy's the water, the beach and is quite the people watcher. if other's choose to come over to visit her (which almost everyone does.......then so be it........but i wouldn't leave homewithout her. we generally spend the first night homecooking in our home so shegets used toit and knowswe are allthere tostay and donot have a problme leaving her there for periodicoutings through out the week forshopping, etc. this little bugger even kyacks with me. so go, take your pooch just clean up after them and have fun!

34754: RE: Pets on vacation???

4/29/2009 9:11:33 AM

Posted By: Guest

Take your pet- he/she will love it.
I take me 15month old lab and he loves the beach and ferry ride to Ocracoke Island. They do have a kennel I believe in Frisco so you can leave your pet there for a day if you don't want to take him/her somewhere.

36226: RE: Pets on vacation???

5/16/2009 11:02:37 AM

Posted By: Guest

We are leaving on Jun 6th with our 85 lb adorable 4 yr old Yellow Lab Cody in the back of the SUV. This Guy loves the water. We are going to DUCK in an oceanfront house this time. Last time we went, he was one and did real well on the 12 hour drive (better then me). He's a VERY active dog and I cannot wait to take video of him. He loves to swim and play frisbee. Go ahead and take your dog..it's a BLAST! Happy Vacationing..!!

59281: RE: Pets on vacation???

12/11/2009 6:13:14 AM

Posted By: Guest

We have never taken a pet but you should.You just have to buy or get a cage.Get some toys.
If you have cat's take them too.They will be good if you have trained him\her.

60793: RE: Pets on vacation???

1/26/2010 1:19:31 PM

Posted By: Guest

The reason I chose the OBX last year for the first time was because it was one of the few beaches that would allow dogs. And after bringing my Lab and Minature Pincher, we had a blast. They did not like the water so much, but they loved their morning and evening walks. We abided by the leash law and picked up messes. But we loved the OBX so much, that we are going back this year!!

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