gatlinburg with our dog
 

We have been going to Gatlinburg for over 25 years. We now have a dog and wonder what are the best places to stay with our pup. Last year we stayed in a mountain-top chalet and it didn't work well. Any suggestions on traveling with a pet? Thanks

Joanne,<BR><BR>If you are a AAA member (or know someone who is) you can order, for free, "Traveling with your Pet" it has all kinds of tips and petfriendly hotels for almost every city in the US and many in Canada.<BR><BR>They have 3 listed for Gatlinburg:<BR><BR>Holiday Inn Sunspree (3 diamonds)<BR>865-436-9201<BR><BR>Microtel- Gatlinburg (2 diamonds)<BR>865-436-0107<BR><BR>Terrace Motel (1 diamond)<BR>965-436-4965<BR><BR>Hope this helps <BR>:) Ruby

Thanks Ruby. I don't belong to AAA, but I will ask my niece to get that book for me. I was thinking of booking a room at the Microtel. There are many places that accept pets, but I'm not sure how clean they are. I'm hoping since it's AAA rated, the Microtel will be a good place to stay. I also like the location. Thanks again. Anyone out there who travels to Gatlinburg with their pets, I would appreciate any information you can offer. How do you go out to eat? Do you leave your pet in the place you're staying? I have noticed some places don't allow you to leave your pet in the room unattended. In November we did a lot of carry-out and ate in a park. It was a little chilly for breakfast.

I recently posted a number of websites that had to do with Traveling with Dogs...don't know whether a search will bring it up for you. I sure hope this plan is for before the heat hits...I doubt any hotel is going to allow a pet in the room unaccompanied. Nor is it very kind to your pet to leave him/her alone in a strange place. If it's not too hot, what's wrong with Bowser staying in the (ventilated) car while you dine? Our pup is quite happy in the car, a place he's familiar with. <BR><BR>Incidentally, there was recent mention here of Microtel offering excellent accommodations/value.

Thank you Arjay. I will do a search and see what I can find. Actually, I wouldn't leave our pup alone in the room, don't know why I asked about it. She is so spoiled and we are very attached to her...one reason she is going with us. We left her with my sister when she was just three months old and we left her again last April. We missed her so much we came home early. We are going in April again so it shouldn't get too hot. I don't know if I would feel comfortable leaving her in the car. Thanks again for your help.

Joanne - I try to never travel without my "other child". I've stayed at a few Comfort Inns and Residence Inns which allow pets. If you run a search on their Web sites, you can see which ones allow pets. I always line up a kennel in the area ahead of time, so if we have a long day planned he can visit the kennel for the day if needed, and we pick him up before supper (be sure to take your dog's shot records with you; also, he needs to have a "kennel cough" shot before you board him even for the day). As for the meal question: we haven't taken a trip during hot weather, so typically we leave him in the car (remember that the car will be much hotter or colder than the outside temperature) - we find a parking spot close to the restaurant windows so we can keep an eye on things - and then during dinner we check on him about every 15 minutes (I keep the doors locked so nobody gets any ideas about dognapping). I keep a little blanket and a rawhide for him in the backseat and he's usually fine. I also keep a bottle of water in the car so I can give him some when we are done dining (if your pet is nervous in the car he'll become thirstier). Have a great time!!

Joanne - Also forgot to mention to try this web site for hotels that accept dogs: www.dogfriendly.com.

I just did a search here, simply typing in "Dogs" and got a whole slew of threads - some with dog in the title, many not. So if you haven't done that, you might want to try it. <BR><BR>Also, if you've been a Gatlinburg visitor for more than 25 years, I know you know that even in April, you could hit temps in the mid-80s or above...pretty tricky weather for doggie-traveling - it would mean picnics, rather than restaurant meals, etc. Good luck!

Here is another website:<BR>petswelcome.com

Thanks everyone for your wonderful responses. I have decided to stay at the Microtel on Airport Road. Good central location for Gatlinburg. Since we walk to almost everything, including restaurants, leaving Mandy in the car isn't even a consideration and I just wouldn't feel comfortable doing so. Looks like picnics are the best solution and the weather (if it doesn't rain) should be nice. I know it's hard to predict what the weather will be like in Gatlinburg. We have had snow in April and 90 degrees in February. We are always prepared for anything. Thanks again for all your help. I will let you know how we make out.

Just wanted to thank everyone again for all your help.<BR><BR>We went to Gatlinburg last week with our dog Mandy. We stayed at the Microtel in Pigeon Forge, the one in Gatlinburg was booked. It was very nice. We got carry-out and ate in the parks. The weather was beautiful...the way I like it, a little cool. We walked and walked, even took Mandy on the Gatlinburg trail. I think I am beginning to enjoy traveling with our "furkid". Thanks again everyone.