Once upon a time, human travel plans meant lonely hours or unpleasant kennel stays for dogs but today they can go on vacations right alongside their non-canine companions.
Here are your pooch's top vacation picks for this summer: Pooch Pick #1: Portland, Oregon Portland may not be a hotspot for human summer travelers, but dogs adore its friendly atmosphere.
For starters, they can enjoy the sighs and smells of a pub at the Lucky Lab Brewing Company.
It's not just a clever name - dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating areas with their human companions.
To avoid getting a "beer gut" after the pub, your dog can enjoy any of the whopping 20 off-leash dog parks found throughout the city.
And that's just for starters - your dog can also take in many of the most popular Portland attractions right along with you, including hiking by the river, the Hoyt Arboretum, the Rose Gardens, and more.
Pooch Pick #2: Chicago, Illinois Chicago is one of the hottest cities in the world for travel and fun, but it's also one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States.
If your dog is an active traveler who loves the outdoors, Chicago offers ten off-leash parks and three beaches where your canine can mingle, enjoy outdoor activities, and have an incredibly good time.
If your dog prefers a more relaxing vacation, then Chicago is perfect for him, too.
You can take a boat ride from Navy Pier together, enjoy a horse and carriage ride around the city, or play in air-conditioned comfort at Of Mutts and Men, an indoor off-leash "playground" for pets and humans.
Pooch Pick #3: Washington D.
C.
Is your dog a retriever of American history? Does he enjoy a squeaky toy shaped like Mount Rushmore? Well, then he will love Washington D.
C.
You can start off your trip with a walk along the National Mall where all of those famous monuments.
Your dog can even enjoy a look at the monument of Franklin Roosevelt's beloved pooch.
After a stroll, the two of you can rent a boat for a sail down the Potomac or enjoy a meal together at one of the eight dog-friendly restaurants throughout the city.
Pooch Pick #4: Vancouver, British Columbia Maybe your dog wants to head a little further north and get a glimpse of how the Canadians treat their favorite canines.
The bad news is your puppy may never want to leave! Vancouver offers seven off-leash beaches and over two dozen off-leash dog parks so there is a lot to do outdoors with your dog.
You can also enjoy more than 15 different restaurants with your pet, but that's not all.
The two of you can also enjoy some of the city's most popular attractions, including the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park, as well as the Hell's Gate Airtram (which is a lot more fun than the name suggests).
Pooch Pick #5: New York City New York City is definitely THE spot for dogs who want to spend their vacation in luxury.
Some of the grandest hotels in the city not only allow dogs but go the extra mile to make sure they are just as happy as their human guests.
The fabulous W hotels offer pet bowls, a special dog menu for room service, pet treats, and dog walking services by the concierge.
The Soho Grand is another similar hotel: they provide pet amenities upon request and even the bellboys have treats available for your dog.
If you wan to do some upscale shopping with your pet, then many of the best shopping boutiques are also dog-friendly, including Bloomingdale's, Tiffany's, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Enjoy your vacation with your favorite canine!