Pet-friendly trips in Tahoe-Truckee and Sierra Foothills

MORE PEOPLE ARE TRAVELING with their pets, on the road and in the air. Last year about 30 million people vacationed with their pets, with dogs leading the pack, according to the Travel Industry Association of America.

Dogs love summer vacation, and Tahoe-Truckee and the foothills are top choices for travelers.

They offer a wide range of pet-friendly lodging, including motels, cottages, B&Bs, hotels and deluxe resorts. The outdoor activities are ideal: from romping in the mountains to visiting a dog-friendly park to swimming in a lake, river or stream.

Some experiences are one-of-a-kind: You can ride a lift or tram to the top of the mountain at Northstar or Squaw with a leashed dog, and hike with them on the trails.

If you want to enjoy the outdoors without Fido, the area offers some top-notch doggy daycare.

We are fans of the Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge, not just for daycare but for overnight stays. It includes “all-suite” lodging, an outdoor play yard with splash pools and special treats.

In Tahoe, we like to hike or walk with our dog in Blackwood Canyon on the West Shore, about six miles south of Tahoe City; on the Tahoe City Lakeside Trail; or on the dog- friendly trails at Donner Memorial State Park.

Dog-friendly lodging includes the Cedar Glen Lodge at Tahoe Vista on the North Shore, Tahoma Meadows B&B Cottages on the West Shore and the Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee. Fifty Fifty Brewing Co. is a dog-friendly restaurant with award-winning local brew on tap.

“Nevada County offers much for dogs traveling with their families, including miles and miles of walking trails and open space,” writes DogTrekker.com.

“While on a leash, dogs love to stroll through the historic towns of Grass Valley, Nevada City and Truckee, or visit the historic state parks and friendly wineries.”

Dog-friendly lodging in western Nevada County includes the Broad Street Inn and Outside Inn in Nevada City and the Gold Miners Inn–Holiday Inn Express & Suites and Courtyard Suites, in Grass Valley, among others.

Summer Thyme’s Bakery & Deli is one our favorite dog-friendly restaurants featuring fresh, local food.

South Yuba River State Park is dog paradise, with swimming holes for Fido such as Kneebone Beach in Bridgeport. Dog-friendly hikes include the Buttermilk Bend Trail in Penn Valley.

Top Dog
• About 57 percent surveyed by PetRelocation.com said they travel at least once a year with their pets.

• Most people surveyed (84 percent) travel with dogs. About one-third travel with cats. Eleven percent travel with birds, and 9 percent travel with horses.

Our guide to Tahoe-Truckee is here.

Our lodging, inn, motel, hotel and B&B guide is here. It includes pet lodging.

READ: Dog Friendly Travel in Placer and Nevada County CA.

(Image: Honibe by Kathryn Wronski)

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