Vermont Dog-Friendly Travel Guide

golden retriever sticking head out car window

Traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful. Usually, planning ahead is what makes the difference. You can’t guarantee everywhere you go will welcome your dog, so it’s important to research dog-friendly things ahead of time. If you’re planning a trip to “The Green Mountain State”, use this Vermont dog-friendly travel guide to start your research:

3 Dog-Friendly Activities in Vermont

Looking into activities and attractions before your trip can help you make sure that anything that makes it onto your trip itinerary is something you and your dog can enjoy together. Here are a few dog-friendly activities in Vermont to consider for your trip:

1. Smugglers’ Notch State Park

Located in Stowe is Smugglers’ Notch State Park. This park is named after a narrow pass that cuts through the Green Mountains and provides the perfect place for nature lovers to explore. In addition to scenic views, there are also a variety of trails available that feature ponds, waterfalls, and streams.

There are also historic structures throughout the park. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you throughout the park as long as they are leashed and you clean up after them. This state park is open in mid-May and stays open through mid-October.

2. Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort

Also located in Stowe is the Gondola Skyride at Stowe Mountain Resort. This lift takes passengers to the top of Mt. Mansfield. As long as your dog is leashed and can handle the heights, they are welcome to join you for the ride during the summer months.

Although your dog is not allowed in the restaurant at the top of the mountain, there are plenty of hiking trails and other things to explore. You can also choose to take the Gondola back down the mountain or hike down on one of the trails.

3. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park

The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park is located in Woodstock and features a gorgeous landscape of trails. Along the way, you’ll see hemlocks, maple trees, old stone walls, covered bridges, and more. Plus, your dog is welcome to explore the beautiful scenery with you as long as they are leashed and well-behaved, and that you clean up after them.

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Vermont

After a day full of fun and excitement, you want to make sure you have somewhere you and your dog can rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Because not all hotels are dog-friendly and dog-friendly rooms tend to go fast, it’s important to do your research and book a room early. Here are some dog-friendly hotels in Vermont to consider for a reservation:

1. The Lodge at Spruce Peak

If you need to stay overnight in Stowe, consider booking a room at The Lodge at Spruce Peak. Up to two dogs up to 100 pounds of combined weight are welcome to join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $125 per stay.

Although dogs are not permitted in Penthouses and you cannot leave them unattended in your room, there are bowls and beds available at the front desk if you need them. There is also a designated grassy relief area on-site for your convenience.

2. The Paw House Inn & Cottages

Should you need to stay overnight closer to West Rutland, The Paw House Inn & Cottages is a dog-friendly option to consider. This place is built specifically to cater to dogs and their owners. There is no additional pet fee, but there is an additional $10 per night fee if you don’t bring a dog with you!

Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. There are even dog beds built into every room and cottage. A fully-equipped, fully-fenced dog park is on-site for your dog to run, play on the agility equipment, socialize, and have fun. There is even a doggie daycare on-site called Mario’s Playhouse that is available to you at no extra charge.

3. Stowe Cabins in the Woods

Stowe Cabins in the Woods is a dog-friendly option that is located in Waterbury. Dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $10 per night. In addition to plenty of green space for your dog to run and wooded areas to explore with them, you can also leave your dog unattended in your cabin if you need to.

3 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Vermont

Although you can always rely on the food you pack to bring with you and what you pick up along the way, it can also make you miss out on the local flavors and dining experiences. Instead, consider stopping for a meal at these dog-friendly restaurants in Vermont if your travels bring you nearby:

1. The Publyk House

The Publyk House is short for The Bennington Publyk House & Tavern in Bennington. This historic tavern features a menu full of New England favorites and classic American cuisine. Outdoor seating is available on the decks during summer and part of fall. In addition to beautiful views of Mt. Anthony and sunsets, your dog is welcome to join you on the decks.

2. Blue Donkey

Blue Donkey is a local favorite in Stowe. They specialize in gourmet burgers and feature hand-cut fries. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you at their outdoor tables. Your dog may even be able to get a special burger just for them!

3. Soulfully Good Cafe

Located in Woodstock, the Soulfully Good Cafe is a local favorite for breakfast, brush, and lunch. Their menu features Belgian waffles, ham and egg biscuits, french toast, paninis, fresh salads, pizza, and more.

Plus, there are plenty of dessert options to satisfy any sweet tooth. Your dog is welcome to join you on the outdoor patio where they will receive a bowl of water and even a Puppachino if they want one.

Although this Vermont dog-friendly travel guide is a good start, it’s certainly doesn’t cover everything. If you come across something else you want to do during your trip, just make sure it’s dog-friendly before it goes on your trip plan.

If you’re headed somewhere else, take a look at the other dog-friendly travel guides available. Here’s to safe travels and wagging tails wherever your adventures may take you!