If you’re the type of person who can’t imagine a vacation without your beloved pooch or fluffy cat, pack a carrier and start exploring pet-friendly Wisconsin.
You could even say that travel in Wisconsin has gone to the dogs, as travel companies have embraced the Fido and Whiskers travel trend, whether it’s providing luxury accommodations for dogs and their owners, hosting festivals dedicated to man’s best friend, or opening pet boutiques. And you can be sure that the animals are showered with the same genuine hospitality as the humans.
The friendliest accommodations, from budget to luxury
Once you’ve decided on a destination, it’s time to find pet-friendly places. Just look for the “Pets Welcome/Ask” feature in our accommodation directory.
Our cabin and cottage category receives the highest rating for pet-friendliness, which is great news for guests heading to one of the state’s many forests for a relaxing vacation. Lake resorts are often pet-friendly, too, like Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort on Lake Delton in the Wisconsin Dells and the historic Gibson’s West Harbor Resort on Washington Island.
You might be surprised to learn that upscale boutique hotels like the Iron Horse Hotel in downtown Milwaukee are also getting into the pet-friendly business. This biker-themed hotel offers VIPooch service with its Big Dog Package, which includes your dog’s name on a welcome sign in the lobby, a room-service menu for immense dogs and a map to dog-walking and outdoor dining areas.
At the Jefferson Street Inn, located in the historic arts district in downtown Wausau, the staff really does roll out the red carpet for the animals. For example, this boutique hotel hosted “Into the Wild” star Jack Hanna. He was in town for a show and brought a menagerie of animals with him, including a penguin, a snake, a flamingo and a tiger. The inn’s pet-friendly package is a popular favorite.
Another style of lodging that seems particularly pet-friendly is Bed & Breakfasts, where owners proudly post photos of their pets and their guests’ pets on their websites. Check out the cozy Feathered Star B&B in Door County.
Dog Festivals
Every dog should have its day in the sun, at least that’s the philosophy among many Wisconsin event organizers. Door County hosts an annual Scottie Rally in May. Ripon’s huge fall event, Septemberfest, includes a dog walk and a pet parade. There’s also Cambridge’s Barktoberfest, which features dog shows and a prize for the best owner/pet costume.
Taking your dog for a walk
A trip with your dog should include a stop at one of the many pet-friendly state parks. Pattison State Park in Superior offers dog-friendly trails in addition to the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin. Lake Kegonsa State Park near Madison has a dock where you can teach your dog to jump into the lake.
If you like the recommendations of Dog Fancy magazine, the world’s most popular dog magazine, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Jefferson County Dog Park near Johnson Creek. The park was named one of the nation’s 40 best by the newspaper, and is the only one in Wisconsin to make the list.
Dog Treat Stores
Taking your pet on vacation also means giving them a treat. You can make your dog feel special on vacation by visiting Paws for Treats in Lake Geneva or Door County Dog Store in Sturgeon Bay.
Then there’s Bad Dog Frida, a whimsical shop in Madison dedicated to celebrating dogs and the joy they bring to people’s lives. The shop also aims to provide visibility for animal-focused artists, offer products that reflect the bond between people and dogs, and support animal rescues, all under “one woof,” as its website says.
Travel Petition
- To make your trip with your pet enjoyable and to make sure you are welcomed, it is worth remembering a few popular tips regarding “etiquette”:
- Make sure your pet has up-to-date vaccinations and a current address tag.
- Take a moment to find the closest vet in the area you will be staying.
- Book a ground floor room near an exit so you can easily employ the toilet, and then always tidy up after your pet.
- Ask the front desk staff for recommendations on the best places to walk your dog.
- Do not leave your pet unattended in a hotel room; if you must, notify the hotel staff.
- Keep your pet on a leash.
