Pet-Friendly Lodging for a Beach Vacation in Oregon
If you’re drawn to the coast, as many of us are, it doesn’t get much better than Newport, Oregon. Newport is bordered on the west by historic Nye Beach, a place that still allows dogs, and where dogs love to chase the waves and the birds. Many beaches across the country have felt forced to prohibit dogs, mostly because of the bad behavior, not of the dogs, but the owners who don’t control their pooches, or clean up after them.
In addition to the fun you can have at Nye Beach with your pet, many visitors and locals like to walk their dogs along the historic bayfront. There, you can enjoy a view of the bay, including watching the noisy sea lions sunbathe outside the Port Dock One restaurant. Speaking of the Port Dock One, Newport residents say it is the place the go for a good meal. Also on the bayfront is the Fish Peddler’s Market if you’re looking for a quicker, more casual meal setting. Of course, Fido and Fluffy aren’t invited to dine there, but they would surely enjoy a leftover or two.
The bayfront is also lined with a variety of unique shops, including one that cat lovers are bound to find attractive. It’s called the Cat House, and features just about anything you could want for a cat or as a gift for a cat lover.
In keeping with the pet loving spirit of Nye Beach, the town of Newport boasts many pet-friendly places to stay. Here’s a great one, though it won’t be around much longer. Regrettably the Viking Cottages are scheduled to come down at the end of summer 2006, after serving the public for over 80 years. If you can get a reservation, it’s worth the trip to enjoy them before they disappear. Each cottage is very private, and features a kitchen (or semi-kitchen) and deck. No pet deposit is required, though they do ask visitors not to leave pets alone in the cottages. Behind the lodging is a wide grassy backyard and a sandbox for the kids, surrounded by a thick hedge. And from there, a stairway down to the beach. Call them at 800-480-2477 or type Viking Cottages into an Internet search engine and you’ll be able to view the cottages inside and out.
Another pet-friendly place to stay is just up the street from the Vikings, and it promises not to go away soon. It’s the Hallmark Resort Hotel. They do charge an $8 per night per pet fee, which is not bad. They truly show that they understand the needs of pet owners by making every attempt to provide ground level rooms with sliding glass doors to make Fido’s midnight potty trips easier for both of you. You can reach them at their Web site, Hallmark Inns, or by calling their toll-free number at 888-448-4449 or 800-916-6204.
Or try the La Quinta Inn, which charges neither a pet fee nor a pet deposit. Besides reasonable rates and a great pet policy, they throw in a nice breakfast as well. Call 800-916-6204.
If your budget is tight (and whose isn’t?) the Econo-Lodge offers low-cost rooms and is happy to accommodate your pets as well with no pet fee or deposit. Call them at 541- 265-7723
There is also the Valu-Inn, which allows you to stay with pets, for a per visit pet fee of $15. They can be reached at 541-265-6203 or 800-443-7777.
The Best Western Agate Beach Inn welcomes pets, though only on the 6th floor. Like the Valu-Inn, they ask for a $15 per pet per visit fee. You can call them at 541-265-9411 or go to the Best Western Web site.
Finally, if you’re looking for more somewhat more upscale arrangements, you might like the Shilo Inn. They have several buildings on the premises, some of which allow pets for a nonrefundable fee of $10 per pet per night. Call them at 541-265-7701 or go to their Web site for Shilo Inn, Newport, Oregon.
Whatever your tastes or budget, you’re bound to find a variety of choices in this friendly and beautiful beach town.
A Few Safety Tips Before You and Your Pet Leave
Micro chip: If your pet isn’t micro chipped, you might consider taking this safety step. After all, it takes only a second for a frightened or excited pet to slip away. It’s a simple process by which a chip the size of a grain of rice is inserted under your animal’s skin, containing all the information necessary to reconnect you with your pet. Little or not discomfort is involved in the insertion of the chip which may mean the difference between life and death for your cat or dog. If your pet should be lost and ends up in a shelter, technicians will check to see if the animal is micro chipped by waving a wand over its back. Most humane societies offer low-cost micro chipping, especially if you are also there for another service, like a vaccination.
Other identification: In addition, don’t travel with your pet without having it wear a collar and tags. They may hate the tags, but they’ll forgive you eventually. Be sure the tag has your cell phone number on it, or the number of your hotel. If you’re on the road for a while and change locations you can add a new phone number by writing it on a piece of masking tape on back of your pet’s regular tag. Or if you have no tags, have the pet wear a light colored collar and write your home and cell phone numbers on the tag with a laundry marker.
Poop scoop: Carrying a poop scoop can be cumbersome and… well, icky. If you’ve got a small animal, you can buy a box of disposable plastic gloves at a dollar store, and stick a couple in your pocket. After you use the glove to pick up the poop, peel the glove off so that it goes inside out and creates a baggie that you can tie off.
* Always keep your dog leashed when there is a leash law
* Always clean up after your dog by using a poop bag or pooper scooper
*Do not let your dog visit with other beach-goers or dogs, unless welcomed
*If using an official off-leash area, your dog needs to be well-behaved and must listen to your verbal commands.
*In an off-leash area, always pay attention to your dog.
(Source: dogfriendly.com)Here’s a Web site where you can read about beaches that allow dogs, all around the United States and Canada. They’ve done a lot of research. If you’re traveling to various cities, you should have their guide to dog-friendly beaches: http://www.dogfriendly.com And for a variety of travel resources involving pets, here’s a newsletter that is rich with information. Each issue focuses on a different travel destination. http://www.takeyourpet.com
