Driving to FL with our dog (GSD) & need advice

[jaminmd]

Good morning,

We're going to drive to FL from MD for our next trip because I want to take my dog. We're staying at HRH for the first half & can keep him in the hotel. We'll put him in a kennel for the few days we stay at the CR since Disney doesn't allow dogs.

Can anyone recommend dog friendly places to stop along the way (including any hotels that allow large breeds in case we need to stop for some reason) or safe, comfortable kennels in the Disney area? Also, any dog travel tips are welcome.

Thank you!

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Disney has their own kennels - at each of the parks, plus one at Fort Wilderness ... you can find out more info here - http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/guestServicesDetail?id=GuestServicesKennelsDetailPage. We've never used them though so can't offer any opinion as to how safe or comfortable they are.

 

[disneybride96]

The kennels at WDW were put under the managment of Best Friends Pet Care awhile back. I don't know if they have changed since then, but the kennels never used to be anything special. They were strictly a kennel, no doggie daycare or play areas. You are also responsible for walking your dog 2x per day, which tells me that no one else is! Here is a link:
http://www.allears.net/tp/kennels.htm

I am sure there is a nicer kennel/daycare somewhere in Orlando.
Try searching at:
www.pettravel.com
www.petswelcome.com

 

[mickey2000]

Last year I did a walk through of the kennels. IMO they are just fair. My dog would not stay there from what I saw .... Sorry he gets better care at home and doesn't stress with the heat !

 

[jaminmd]

Thanks for the responses. I think we'll just stay at Universal for the whole trip so that we don't have to worry about him. I may just use the Disney kennels for during the day. We're going in the winter so he won't have the heat issues.

 

[Luvchefmic]

When I used to drive from NY with one of my dogs the 1/2 way point for me was NC...for years I stayed at Motel 6 Beautiful clean ...nice break from the driving
He wears 75 lbs but no limit to dog size there and no charge for him either


Motel 6 - Fayetteville #1075
I-95 at Cedar Creek Road, Exit #49
2076 Cedar Creek Road
Fayetteville, NC 28312
(910) 485-8122


as far as the kennels at WDW I haven't used them since it was outsourced
had used them for years when it was Purina run and the staff was WDW CMs
so can't comment on that

 

[GreatDaneMom]

http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/

http://www.petsonthego.com/

Some sites I've used in the past to find places. I hope your GSD has a good trip! My DD just put a deposit on a GSD puppy this afternoon.

 

[buzz5985]

My dog Bonnie traveled with us. Her last trip was during Hurricane Charlie - and she stayed at the Bass Pet Hotel - Disney recommended offsite kennel. At the time she was 14 yo, and needed eye drops twice daily, plus a daily medication for her thyroid. She was there during a horrendous time - and we would board with them again. If they had missed just one of the daily eye drops - her eyes would gunk up very quickly. That never happened - so even with all the damage etc they suffered - Bonnie still received excellent care. I just did a search and looks like they moved to a new location.

We stayed at a Best Western in Fayetteville that allowed pets. Very clean, convenient to the highway, Super Walmart next door, all kinds of chain restaurants. Bonnie weighed around 20 pounds. I can't remember if there was a weight limit on the dog at the Best Western.

Bonnie also stayed at the kennels at AK. We would go in several times a day to walk her. It was really cool being at AK at midnight to walk the dog. Security would let you in, they kept an eye on the dogs. While we were there we would make sure all the dogs had water, etc.

I just wanted to add - we were staying at SSR last week, on the way to MK, there is a new Best Friends Kennel being built - I think the road was Vista Blvd. You may want to look into that.


While staying on Hilton Head Island - I can highly recommend - Evergreen Pet Lodge - wonderful people. Also recommended by Disney