To many people, their dog is more than just â??a dogâ??, itâ??s part of the family. So when going on vacation, itâ??s natural to want to bring your dog along as well. So here are some tips so both you and your dog can have a great time.
Know the Pet Policy
Of course it is understood that if youâ??re bringing your dog, you need to rent a house that accepts pets. Most rental homes charge a pet fee for each dog. (2 dogs = 2 pet fees). Although most pet homes only accept a maximum of two dogs, exceptions can be made in certain circumstances.
Now that you have found the ideal pet home, there are some other considerations. Depending on the time of year, your dog may or may or not be welcome on the beach. For example, dogs are always welcome on the beach in Duck, Corolla, and Nags Head. However, in season, some towns such as Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Southern Shores only permits dogs on the beach at certain times of the day.
It goes without saying that picking up after you dog is required wherever you go. Leash laws vary from town to town, so be sure you know what the leash law in the town where you are staying.
Dining Out With Your Dog
Would it surprise you to know that a number of Outer Banks restaurants welcome dogs? Itâ??s true. Though North Carolina prohibits dogs from dining inside, you can still dine with them outside. Thatâ??s why many restaurants with outdoor seating will let you dine with your dog. Some will even have special dog friendly offerings.
Here are some pet friendly eateries on the Outer Banks (with outdoor seating) and there are probably more, but these are some of the local favorites.
Duckâ??s Cottage â??this coffee shop has great coffee, tea, hot chocolate and a few pastries. It also has a great porch and an ever filled bowl of water for your furbabies.
John's Drive In -One of the oldest eateries on the Outer banks, they know how to keep customers happy with their casual, yet delicious fair and unbelievable milkshakes. They even offer â??puppy cupsâ??.
Mulligan's Raw Bar & Grille -The upper outside seating area is where you and dog can enjoy a traditional dining experience, and great ocean views. Plus, the burgers there are fantastic.
Full Moon Café-This wonderful eatery in Downtown Manteo features outdoor, dog friendly seating in a bistro atmosphere.
http://www.thefullmooncafe.com/
Surfinâ?? Spoon-this great froyo shop not only great yogurt and toppings, but they even offer â??pup cupsâ?? for your dog.
Lighthouse Bagels-this bagel place offers all outdoor seating. They also serve sandwiches and smoothies. (Want a treat? Try the French toast bagel.)
Fun Places for Dogs
Outer Barks-features all kinds of treats and accessories and a yappy hour.
Salty Paws Biscuits -gourmet treats for you dog.
http://www.saltypawsbiscuits.com/
Oh Yappy Dayz-treats, accessories, and so much more. They even have doggie rain coats.
The Kitty Hawk Dog Park- A fenced in area that welcomes unleashed dogs and their grown owners. It's free but an application must be filled out and delivered in person.
http://www.darenc.com/parksrec/parksnb_khp.asp
Grooming
Paws N' Go Mobile Dog Grooming-theyâ??ll come to you!
Boarding
Boarding includes both weekly boarding and â??Doggy Daycareâ??. Be sure to check the sites to see what they offer. These places also offer grooming.
Ocean Sands K-9 Resort-they offer a full service dog salon and boarding experience. And as one of our Explore the Shore partners, Atlantic Realty guests get 10% off.
http://www.oceansandsk9resort.com/
Cyber Dog USA-not only do they offer doggy daycare, they're also an organic pet shop. It's a great place to buy specialty foods for your furbaby.
http://thecyberdogusa.com/Outer-Banks-Doggie-Daycare.html
Vets
Letâ??s hope you donâ??t need one, but if you do, here are some great ones.
Martins Point Vet
http://martinspointvethosp.com/
Coastal Animal Hospital
http://coastalanimalhospital.com/
Outer Banks Veterinary Hospital
See you and your dog real soon. For a full list of vacation homes that accept pets, go here. https://www.atlanticrealty-nc.com/pet-friendly-outer-bank-rentals