Travelling with your dog? These sunny destinations make it easier

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Pets are more than furry companions. They are alarm clocks with kisses, endless games of fetch and fitness trainers obsessed with “walkies”. Above all, they are loyal family members who love being included, and while that isn’t always possible on vacation, more destinations are leaning into pet-friendly programs and itineraries. 

And it’s easy to understand why. According to a 2024 study from the University of Surrey in the U.K., the dog-friendly travel sector will be worth nearly C$75 billion by 2030. 

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From guided tours that invite pets to tag along, to resorts with dog butlers and pet-friendly dining, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect vacation paradise for you and Fido.  

Here are some of the pet-friendly destinations that make it easy to bring your pooch along for a tropical adventure. 

St. Kitts and Nevis

Golden and black-sand beaches provide endless natural beauty and outdoor adventure on St. Kitts, the larger of two islands that make up the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. With clear entry requirements and a supportive tourism industry, the Caribbean destination has many resorts, excursions and dining options that embrace pets.

Koi Resort St. Kitts, Curio Collection by Hilton, Park Hyatt Christophe Harbour and Royal St. Kitts all welcome four-legged guests. The Park Hyatt even provides a pet bed, bowls and treats in the room, with advance registration and specific weight limits. 

Meanwhile, Greg’s Safaris allows visitors to explore everything St. Kitts has to offer including breathtaking viewpoints of other Caribbean islands, all with your beloved pet along for the ride. 

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Vacation St. Kitts also offers SeaCycle excursions on pedal-powered waterbikes for visitors who want to explore the coastline with their pooch. And pet-friendly dining on the island includes Michael’s Burgers, Monkey Bar, Reggae Beach Bar and Grill, Spice Mill, The Bistro and more. 

Imagine a morning stroll on pristine white sand watching sparkling waves with Fido at Grapetree Beach. Or a morning hike along the Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve Trail. (Dogs must be leashed while on the trail.)

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Known for beautiful beaches, St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands is another pet-welcoming destination. No quarantine is needed, just up-to-date vaccinations and standard health paperwork issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of arrival.  

The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, one of the longest-running family resorts in the Caribbean, welcomes small pre-approved dog (no cats) during your stay.  

Dining in St. Croix also includes lots of relaxed pet-friendly options including waterfront dining in Christiansted or Duffy’s Love Shack — where you and Fido can enjoy ocean air, live music and cocktails.

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Or, if you’re looking to stay on the island of St. John, pet-friendly options include boutique-style St. John Cottage and St. John Inn, or go off-grid with a stay at Coral Bay Eco Retreat.  

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 

With Pacific Ocean views, chill vibes and pleasant winter temperatures, it’s easy to understand how Los Cabos, Mexico and specifically, Cabo San Lucas, attracts so many visitors every year. 

Fido’s ears might perk up when they hear about the Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort nearby. The resort has a dedicated team of dog butlers who make sure four-legged visitors are sufficiently pampered with morning and evening walks, massages and private dog yoga classes. Your pet will also receive a portable pet cabana to keep them shaded and cool while they lounge on the beaches. Swimmable beaches and high-energy nightlife make it a great getaway option for two-legged and four-legged family members alike.

Nassau, The Bahamas 

A popular year-round destination with stunning dog-friendly beaches, The Bahamas is an accommodating choice for people with pets. Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island, for example, has palms for shade while you listen to the waves. Dogs are allowed off-leash if they have good recall. Hillside House has outdoor tables for pet-friendly dining. If you and your pet want to be right in the middle of all the action, consider a stay at The Colony Club Inn and Suites, located in the heart of Nassau.

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Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 

If your four-legged sidekick prefers to snooze rather than fetch, the Dominican Republic is the perfect destination. Small dogs are welcome at Eden Roc in Cap Cana, an exclusive gated community that’s a ten-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport. Offering a Pampered Pet package of services, their private suites and private pool invite you and your pooch to enjoy the height of luxury. Private white-sand beaches, shaded cabanas and the resort’s private golf course allow for lazy days in the sun. Eden Roc’s “Bone Appetit” menu has options that will have Fido smacking his lips. 

San Juan, Puerto Rico 

The colourful vibe of Puerto Rico’s capital city is captivating. For dogs who like a game of fetch while getting sand between their toes or splashing in some waves, there’s the pet-friendly Hobie Cat Beach. One of the island’s historic fortresses, El Morro, has green space for Fido to run and play.

And for accommodation, the Verdanza Hotel ensures your pup has all the necessities, providing a pet bed, water bowls, a toy and a welcome treat. The hotel even boasts its own outdoor park complete with an agility course.  

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Other pet-friendly travel tips 

Wherever you and Fido decide to soak up the sun, make sure to verify the requirements of your destination country. Most locations will require that your pet has a current rabies vaccination certificate and be microchipped. Some may also require a clean bill of health from your vet within 10 to 30 days before departure. As well, some locations will require a processing fee. You can find travel documents for your pets from the Government of Canada website.  

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