Let's start with a little choose your own adventure quiz:
A) You want to hike tons of trails in Yosemite National Park.
B) You want to bring your lovable four-legged friend with you to Yosemite National Park.

Sorry, but you can't choose both (always my first choice). If you're die-hard for A, you may be better off leaving your dog at home with a friend and a good toy (there is a day-use kennel in Yosemite, but it is very bare bones - think nothin' but cage- and not a good choice for active or anxious dogs). But, if you're like me, and your dog is almost always right by your side, there are plenty of ways to make a short trip to Yosemite (and nearby additional amazing spots) exciting and fulfilling for 4 and 2-legged creatures alike.

Here's the short of it: As implied by our little quiz, in Yosemite, you can't have your cake (dog) and eat it (hike it) too. It's a national park and they don't let dogs go hiking in there. Take a deep breath. Yes, I know this seemingly makes no sense: "You're telling me my dog is banned from outside?" (I was asking this question myself). But, my level-headed husband (and park information) reminded me, there are serious wildlife hazards that do prohibit pups from roaming safely (bears, cougars, and rattlesnakes are no joke), and, unfortunately, not all dog-owners are responsible people (Shame on you! Pick up that poop, take your puppies to training classes, socialize them, and get a non-retractable leash already!).

Knowing these restrictions, I was a little worried when planning our first trip to Yosemite that we'd miss out on everything good the park has to offer. But this was a first-pass trip for us, and we planned our 3-day weekend trip to be a taste of Yosemite, Mammoth, and Stanislaus- I'll get to those later. I did, however, collect as much information as I could on what can be done with dogs in this amazing natural wonder we call Yosemite.

First, stop worrying that you’ll miss EVERYTHING. As a first time traveler to Yosemite, I was awestruck by all that I saw (yes, with my dog at my side)- even in one day. It is simply an amazing place, and any way you can see it - Fido in tow or not- you will doubtless be astounded & appreciative.

Second, let’s get down to details. There aren’t many on the National Park website. While the Yosemite National Park website does have an entire page of information on pets, for a first-time traveler to Yosemite, it seems too vague. The information that is there basically tells you that pets can be in developed areas and on paved roads or trails, unless there's a sign that says no pets. Umm.... thanks, that's helpful. If you’ve never been, that really doesn’t mean much. (To be fair, the site does a little better than that, listing specific campsites that are not pet-friendly, and 4 roads that are.) Other than that, though, when looking up trails in Yosemite, if the description doesn't mention pets, assume it's not pet friendly. I looked through 4 or 5 different hiking area trail maps for the Park, and the only one that even mentioned pets was one hike in Wawona (the Meadow loop- an easy hike). I naively kept looking for little paw symbols by trail descriptions, hoping for the familiar dog-friendly designation. I’ll save you the time: don’t bother. But don’t dismay either! Here’s a quick introduction for taking Fido to Yosemite . . . and beyond!

• You can do any of the following walks with your dog: Yosemite Valley’s 4 mile loop (for views of Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, Cathedral Beach, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and meadows); Wawona Meadow Loop and Wawona 4 mile fire road (for BIG TREES!), Carlon Road (near Hodgen Meadow), and Old Big Oak Flat Road (between Hogden Meadow and Hazel Green Creek- a stretch of road to the Northwest of Yosemite Valley). No bones about it: these are not secluded trail walks or heart-pumping hikes- all are paved paths or roads, dogs must always be on leash, and many of these are not covered by trees- ie, the path gets very hot in the summer time. But you will see beautiful spots. In addition, Bridalveil Falls, has a nice, short (maybe 5 min), paved trail through the woods up to the falls, and the path runs along a stream (which, unofficially, we have just let our pup cool off in!)
• Olmstead Point, along the Tioga Road/120, has gorgeous views of the valley, and a giant rock face area for stretching Fido’s legs.
• Weather permitting (the road is mainly closed Nov-May), you can drive up to Glacier Point for astounding views of Yosemite. Think Ansel Adams.
• Many campsites are dog-friendly, but call ahead.
• Unfortunately Hetch Hetchy, Mirror Lake, and Vernal Fall are all spots you’ll have to save for a Fido-free trip - since these spots are only accessible by trails, you can’t see them with your dog.
• If there’s a road (and it’s not closed due to weather-related factors), you can do the lazy-man’s drive-by tour of many sites. For a first-time visitor with only 1 or 2 days, this will actually keep you not only very happy with all you get to see, but also very busy! It's also not so bad to be a little bit of a princess when the temperatures get up to nearly 100 in the summer time. A good itinerary for one busy day in Yosemite with the dog would be to drive around the valley (or walk the loop if it’s not too hot and you have time) and drive to Glacier Point and Olmstead Point for views. You’ll be satisfied, I swear. But Fido may need some more time to run around after all that driving.

Speaking of which, while you’re in the area, the following spots are not more than a few hours drive from Yosemite, and are far less restrictive about dog rules:

• Mammoth Lakes - Including Lake Mary, Twin Lakes, Lake George, and more, with dog-friendly trails and spots to swim (just watch out for fishers!). Also, catch killer views from the Mammoth Vista atop Mammoth Mountain, and spots in the Inyo National Forest, including Devil’s Postpile, Rainbow Falls, and Minaret Lake. (An important note: from 7am- 7pm, the only access to these spots if you don’t have a hiking permit is to board a shuttle- it is dog-friendly, but they must be wearing a muzzle while on board. Muzzles are available for purchase, or bring your own from home). There are trails ‘a plenty, all of them dog-friendly (and often off-leash). Also, Mammoth is a very cute (and very dog-friendly) town, with plenty of outdoor seating and Fido-friendly store owners.
• Mono Lake - A lake saltier than the ocean! Dogs need to be on leash, but there are some beautiful and interesting walks along the lake, including the South Toufa loop.
• Stanislaus National Forest - With the exception of the beach/day use area at Pinecrest Lake, you’ll be hard pressed to find a “No Dogs Allowed” sign.  Here you can fulfill your desire to hike with your dog, on pretty much any trail you can find. This forest is vast, beautiful, and wild and rugged looking. There are TONS of hiking trails, spots to climb rocks, camping sites, places to swim in streams, and plenty of opportunities to test out your driving skills up and down curvy and wide-open roads. While Yosemite Valley is crowded with tourists and cars, Stanislaus seems undiscovered in comparison. Dogs are welcome, and for the most part can be off-leash (as far as we saw!). Ahhh, a sigh of relief for active dogs and their owners everywhere
  

As for lodging, there are many dog-friendly campsites in Yosemite (with the exception of a few listed on the pet page) and in Stanislaus. Or, if you prefer not to ruff (har har) it, there's the (very expensive) Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite, Mammoth Mountain Inn or Tamarack Lodge on Mammoth Mountain, or the following pet-friendly chains with locations in neighboring towns: Shilo Inns (Oakhurst, Mammoth), Comfort/Quality Inn (Oakhurst, Mammoth, Mariposa), or the Westin (Mammoth), to name a few. As always, check Fido Factor for more local information, and to add your own reviews!

This information is by no means exhaustive, and I certainly can't claim to be an expert on Yosemite! But, we did have a blast on our 3-day tour of these areas, and hopefully you will too!

Guest Post by: Kristen D. Like what you see? Check out more of Captain the Vizsla and all of his adventures on It's a Vizsla Thing.

But there are three times when life with a pet adds stress -- for you and for the pet. The first time is during the adoption itself, when a pet and its family are still getting to know each other and feel safe around each other. The second time is when pets themselves are ill or injured. And the third time is during a move. Still, there are ways to reduce that stress -- again, for you AND your dog. Try these tips:

1. Don't pass your worry on to your dog. Your dog will be able to tell if you are stressed out or irritated. If you can't help feeling that way, then take extra time to spend time with and reassure your dog. Try to convey the message that even though your dog may not understand what is going on, you've got everything under control.




2. Plan carefully for your trip. Prepare by taking the following steps:
   • Take your dog to the vet before the move, and get caught up on any needed vaccinations. Ask your vet's advice about the moving process, while you are at it.
   • If your dog will be traveling in a travel kennel, make sure that the kennel is big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around. Attach your contact information (preferably including your cell phone number) to the kennel, along with copies of vaccination records and your veterinarian's certificate that your dog is healthy enough to travel. Attach a plastic bag of extra food as well. Also, make sure that your dog is comfortable with the kennel ahead of time -- keep the kennel into your living room for a few weeks before the trip, putting treats inside it every so often. You might want to put an old unwashed shirt or other article of clothing that smells like you inside the kennel as well.
   • Make sure your dog is wearing a collar that has vaccination tags and identification (with your cell phone number) attached.
3. Choose carefully whether to travel by car or by air. Don't travel by air if you can avoid it -- unless your dog is very small and meets highly specific airline standards for in-cabin travel, you will be separated during a plane trip, with your dog having to travel in the cargo hold. But if you absolutely MUST travel by air, choose a dog-friendly airline, one that has climate-controlled cargo areas for pets and, if possible, one that has a hub you can route through, with kennel facilities that can handle animal care during long layovers or delays. (Not all airlines have kennel facilities at their hubs, but some do.) But if you can manage to travel by car, do it even if that means that your trip is several hours longer than it otherwise would have been. Sometimes the shortest trip is not the least stressful. In the car, take your time, make frequent stops, and don't try to go to fast -- and take your dog on a few practice car trips before the big day.




4. Please don't try to sedate your dog for a trip, UNLESS your vet strongly urges you to do so AND you will be traveling with your dog the whole time in order to monitor reactions to the sedation. Some breeds of dog have trouble breathing when they are under a lot of stress or are very excited -- and for some dogs, sedation carries a risk of suppressing respiration. Airlines will not generally allow sedated dogs to travel in their cargo holds, because of these risks. Some pet owners swear by flower essences -- these may provide you with a safer alternative to sedation. Check with your vet to make sure, while you are at that pre-move vet visit.




5. Take care of yourself. I can't say this too many times -- your dog will pick up on your stress levels, so do whatever you need to do to keep those stress levels as low as possible. Moving can be a difficult experience even without pets, and you may have other things on your mind. So take care of yourself, eat well, exercise, drink lots of water, and take breaks to do whatever activity will help to keep you on an even keel. And remember: most animals adjust to moves without any difficulty. Statistically speaking, the chances of a pet-related snafu occurring during your move are less than one percent. In other words, chances are that everything will be just fine.

In his role in the self storage industry, Tim Eyre helps customers care for their cherished belongings that must be put in storage. Tim regularly visits his facilities including a Orlando self storage center. He was also recently meeting customers and staff at the Las Vegas self storage center.

Every Dog Needs a Job

To misquote Will Rogers, can you honestly say, "I never met a dog I didn't like?" Owners, of course are a different matter, but behind every cool nose and beneath every scruffy coat there beats the heart of a loyal companion and boundless love. And in this time of economic upheaval, dog lovers are finding the chance to pursue their passion for these lovable mutts while simultaneously paying the bills. You don't have to be a trained veterinarian or vet tech to follow a career you will love either. Here are five areas worth investigating, most with minimal training or short internships to gather the necessary skills.

Pet Product Sales Rep

This can be either commission based or salaried. Reps are needed to visit veterinarian offices, dog shows and other events, and sales to pet stores. Direct selling can be done as an independent by networking locally and selling at farmer's markets and pet parks. As an independent, you are free to go where the dogs are to demonstrate toys, and pass out sample treats. With a product line you believe in and your natural love of dogs, this can be quite lucrative.

Dog Maintenance

This is a catch-all for several jobs and many can be combined in an area with low demand to make a real independent business.

Pooper scooper and on-site grooming - busy pet owners soon find the chore of cleaning yards becomes overwhelming and there is little time to transport their little darling to a groomer. By combining services and keying on customer schedules, a clientele of happy pet owners creates a stable, long-term income stream.

Vacation and temporary boarding - either as a formal kennel or an informal word-of- mouth arrangement. Many dog owners struggle to find inexpensive, overnight or over- weekend accommodations for their mutts.

Walking/dog park services - these can include transportation for vet appointments and a range of other ideas revolving around a dog's need for exercise and the owner's need for convenience.

Training - Every dog needs to know the basics of "come, sit, stay" and how to behave on a leash. Combining baseline training with other services adds value.

In-House Services

Besides mobile grooming (which can also be set up at dog events) dogs with special needs benefit from massage and behavioral training at home. Certifications are available, and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers is a good place to learn more. An internship or volunteer work also adds credibility when offering your services. Areas of specialization include Dog Behavior Consultant and Certified Dog Trainer. Other programs exist and can be taken online; Animal Behavior College is one.

Show Dogs and Talent Promoters

Ever wonder how that beautiful dog got on your calendar? Well, when a photographer or casting agent needs a dog, they go to a talent agent. Dogs do not necessarily have to be highly trained but by having a network of four-footed talent and by managing things like transportation, you become a valuable resource in the commercial community.

Professional Dog Handler

Someone who not only trots along with a dog in the ring, but manages all aspects of presenting a show-dog at an event. There are also private working dogs handlers. This is a newer area, and a growing one! Sniffer dogs of all kinds are in great demand, both in private security and to meet the needs of the public at large. One example can be found at K-9 Solutions (a company that does private drug sweeps with their dogs). You can get your animal police-dog certified and act as a local affiliate for the company.

Get Creative and Do What You Love

In most cases, job seekers don't see the opportunities available to work with man's best friend. It starts with networking - talk up your interest at pet shops, dog parks and whenever you go to a vet's office. For sales work in the pet industry, you will have to get a solid resume (with dog pictures included) and apply as you would for a “regular” job. Otherwise, look for a way to get your foot in the door by volunteering at your local animal shelter or interning with someone you trust. The best bet for interning to start your own business is to find someone who isn't local enough to become your competition later - they will be happy to have the help and won't be reluctant to train you.

Brendan Cruickshank is the Vice President of Client Services for Job Search Engine. He has been in the online job search and recruiting industry for the past 8 years. He is regularly quoted on topics in employment and jobs trends in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and US News & World Report.

There is a variety of different ways to train the recall which will be discussed further in a follow-on article.  This article is meant solely to stress the importance of the perfected recall. Perfected recall means that regardless of reasonable distance and distractions your dog returns without fail.  If your dog is not up to this level, then below, are some reasons that will open your eyes as to why it should immediately become the focal point of all your training sessions:

Dog Emergencies

Realistically anything that occurs unexpectedly and represents a threat to your dog would fall into this category: cars coming from seemingly nowhere, children running around corners, other very aggressive dogs suddenly appearing.  Also an untrained dog is much more inclined to run off leaving you desperately chasing your dog down the street (which only makes the situation worse).  You name it – if it is unexpected – and it represents an immediate threat to your dog’s life you must be sure he or she will return instantly.  Thinking it “can’t happen” or “won’t happen” is simply tempting fate and may end quite tragically. Such results can easily be prevented if the owner takes the time to conduct some basic training.

Equipment Failure

Equipment fails.  While proper preventative maintenance and care and even checking the equipment thoroughly every time prior to use (a habit I suggest every owner get into – especially with the leash and collar) will certainly help prevent this it still does happen. Solidifying the recall command to the extent to which you know that your dog will return to you, even if equipment were to fail at the most inopportune time, ensures you will at least be able to gain immediate control of your dog and proceed accordingly.

An example of this happening to me occurred in Fallujah, Iraq in 2007 and could have ended terribly had I not taken the time to build the required rapport and well defined recall command.  While conducting a dismounted patrol in the heart of the city, a decent sized group of children was waving at our patrol.  One of the children started to approach me and my dog (a fully trained and very aggressive bitework dog) and looked as though she was going to try to pet my dog.  Of course, I was waving frantically at her telling her to get away from my dog, who by this point is snarling and barking.  She continued forward to about a 10-foot distance when the clasp on the leash unhooked from the choke chain and my dog took off at a full sprint towards the child.  I instantly screamed my recall command and my dog returned, without hesitation, to my side.  Learn from my lessons: prepare for the unexpected and don’t count on anything to save you and your dog besides that verbal recall.

Handler/Owner Error

You left the door open by accident.  Forgot to latch the kennel.  Didn’t realize the garage was still open.  Or the children didn’t latch the backyard gate after bringing in the trash cans.  We all make mistakes; the important part is recognizing that when those mistakes are made, your dog is not taking off to the races never to come back.  Simply put, your anxiety of not knowing if your dog will ultimately come back can easily be alleviated by making the recall command a priority in your daily training sessions.

Off-Leash

I train every dog up to the off-leash standard, it’s that simple.  I know some people feel strongly against the idea of dogs being off-leash and they believe that dogs should be on-leash at all times.  Personally, it is a pleasure to have a dog off-leash and have full confidence in knowing it will listen to my every command and not represent a threat to anyone else or any other dogs.  If you are likeminded to my thoughts of it being much more simple and pleasurable to have your dog off-leash you do not have a choice – first and foremost you better be sure that recall command is perfected.  Period.  End of discussion.  Until it is, then do yourself, your dog, and your community a favor and keep the dog on-leash.

Exceptions

There is one exception to the recall and that is when your dog is already involved in a dogfight.  You will never get your dog to come back to you with a simple recall command while actively engaged in a dogfight.  In a perfect world, you will be able to recall your dog before it ever gets to that point – preventing the dogfight entirely – but “life” happens.  Off-leash you got distracted for a minute and look up to see your dog in a dog fight already, another dog appears from seemingly nowhere, or attacks your dog right next to you.  Whatever the reason of the dogfight one thing is for certain – the recall isn’t going to knock that dog out of drive and you need to properly break up that dog fight immediately and without even attempting to use the recall command.

In closing, the recall is the most important command because ultimately it is the only one that matters if your dog’s life is on the line.  Forget sit, down, or stay (all great commands indeed) -- but being able to get your dog back to you 10 out of 10 times from 50 yards away or more as an unexpected threat or situation arises regardless of the level of “noise” or distractions present is a must.   Never count on your leash, never count on your collar, never count on what I hear all the time – “oh yeah, he usually comes back”.  Provided you do this and value your dog’s life and your emotional sanity, make sure you perfect this command. Knowing you have full confidence that your dog will return regardless of the situation will in itself relieve a lot of anxiety that can arise from everything from taking your dog outside for a break to that life-or-death unexpected situation.

About the Author

TJ is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Trainer of San Diego K9 Training Inc., a dog training company serving all of San Diego County.  TJ is a certified trainer and handler through the Department of Defense and served five years in the United States Marine Corps where he held billets ranging from explosives and narcotics dog handler to Chief Trainer.  TJ has successfully trained hundreds of dogs in the private sector for everything ranging from basic obedience to advanced behavioral modification to full-fledged personal protection work.

Dogs playing at Blind Beach

Trax and his ball on Blind Beach

After Blind Beach we headed to dog friendly Wrights Beach.

Captain Enjoying Wrights Beach

Finally, we stopped at Carmet Beach before heading to Bodega Bay.

Captain at Carmet Beach

You can see all the dog friendly beaches in Marin and Sonoma on Fido Factor.  The beaches we visited are part of the Sonoma Coast State Park although their website doesn't offer detailed directions.  We've geotagged all the locations on Fido Factor.  The ones mentioned above can all be found on Highway 1 between Bodega Bay and Jenner, CA.  You can also see more of our photos from the weekend in the Fido Factor Flickr set.

After days weeks of not blogging, we felt pretty bad about neglecting the fans. So we hit the pavement pretty hard today in search of new material. And by that we mean the kick off of a new series: The NYC Dog Park Big Bark: a thorough review of the best and worst places to shed the leash and run like a Great Dane is chasing you. Today, we saw six parks in one day. For future reference: NOT recommended. But we love you readers, and seeing as how we can’t jump through hoops for your affections, we decided to run through some wood chips. So here is the first post, a review of the Hillside Park in Brooklyn.

The basic verdict is that if you are in Brooklyn and cannot get to the pre-9 am off leash hours, this is your best option for open-all-day dog runs. Don’t let the proximity to the BQE scare you, this is one scenic hillside near both the Brooklyn Promenade and DUMBO.

This is one of the rare dog runs that actually has room for running. Other perks include a water fountain, multiple entrances, benches and some pretty shady trees.

This hill has been a dog park since 2000 and boasts over two acres of space. That is nothing to sneeze at in this real eastate crazy city. It’s open 24/7, so if you are up right now and need a place to run. Get over there!

Everyone lined up nicely to get their piece of cake.  And then proceeded to eat it up faster than you could say Dogtoberfest!

We think Saylor takes the cake (so to speak) for the best picture of the day:

You can view all the pictures from this event here.

Happy Halloween! Don't forget to upload your favorite doggie Halloween pictures to Fido Factor's Pooch Pics, or connect to us on Flickr.

Make your next vacation dog friendly by flying one of these airlines!

At Fido Factor we’re all about checking out great local spots with your dog, but we also appreciate a great dog friendly vacation! Whether your idea of a dog friendly trip involves, surf, snow, or exploring one of the country’s great cities, our mission is to make your getaway one that your dog can be a part of. Luckily traveling with your dog is easier than ever thanks to more and more hotels opening their doors to our four legged family members; but traveling by plane with your dog can still be difficult. Few industry standards exist for dog friendly air travel, leaving dog accompanied travelers guessing which airline provides their pooch with the best travel accommodations. To help tackle this issue we’ve gone ahead and researched the dog airline policies for six of the largest carriers and crowned one, the most dog friendly airline.

To come up with our rankings we looked at each airline's dog safety policy, dog travel options, dog specific programs, price, and general dog friendliness.

Southwest - 6th Place

In-Cabin: Yes ($75/each way)

Checked Baggage/Cargo: No

For an airline that touts itself as the low cost alternative, it shouldn’t be surprising that Southwest offers one of the lowest cost options for traveling with your dog. If your dog is small enough to fit under the seat, just $75 will buy a one way ticket. Travelers with large dogs will need to look for other alternatives; Southwest does not offer a checked baggage option for dogs traveling with their owners. What we found particular concerning, and the reason Southwest ranks at the bottom of the list despite their bargain pricing, the airline goes out of its way to note first aid and oxygen will not be administered to dogs that become ill during flight.

Delta - 5th Place

In-Cabin: Yes ($125 per container/each way)

Checked Baggage/Cargo: Yes ($200 per container/each way)

Delta offers what we would consider the bare minimum when it comes to dog friendly travel accommodations. Not only are their fees higher than industry average but they’re based on one way travel, charging an additional fee on round trip flights. Dogs who can comfortably fit under the seat are permitted to ride in-cabin, all other dogs must travel as checked baggage.

American Airlines - 4th Place

In-Cabin: Yes ($100 per container/each way)

Checked Baggage/Cargo: Yes ($150 per container/each way)

American Airlines offers the standard dog transportation options we’ve come to see from most major airline carriers. If your dog is small enough they can ride in the cabin with you, otherwise you’ll have to fork over an extra $50 to have them ride as checked baggage – just make sure they’re not over 100lbs. American Airlines does distinguish themselves from other dog friendly carriers with their list of “Animal Relief Areas”  - assuring dog owners can easily find a place to take their dog for a quick squat in any airport.

United - 3rd Place

In-Cabin: Yes ($125-175 varies on the time of year)

Checked Baggage/Cargo: Yes ($175-250 varies on the time of year and crate size)

United knows their dogs. We know this because United is one of the few airlines that restrict short-nosed breeds from traveling as checked baggage from May 1st to September 30th do to the likelihood of warm weather. Restricted breeds include Boxer, English Bulldog, and Pug. If your dog happens to be a small short nosed breed you are welcome to carry your dog on year round, assuming they can fit comfortably in a carrier and placed below the seat. Before flying make sure to check United’s website to see if your travel window is limited by the type of dog you have.

JetBlue - 2nd Place

In-Cabin: Yes ($100)

Checked Baggage/Cargo: No

As a relatively young airline, JetBlue continues to use free drinks, free snacks, in-flight television, and outstanding customer service (minus the JFK runway fiasco), to achieve one of the most customer friendly reputations in the business. The airline is now employing the same strategy to attract customers flying with their dog. Their “JetPaws” program provides dog owners with a free pet carrier bag tag, a pet travel etiquette guide, and 300 TrueBlue points for traveling with your dog. JetBlue also provides its dog loving customers with a free pet travel guide – something near and dear to our hearts – that lists pet friendly hotels, restaurants, parks, and veterinarians. So why did JetBlue finish second? Your dog will need to be small enough to fit comfortably under the in-cabin seat, there is no checked luggage option.

Continental - 1st Place

In-Cabin: Yes ($125 each way)

Checked Baggage/Cargo: Yes (Call for rates, 1-800.575.3335)

Continental is unique in that they offer a travel option for large dogs, but do not allow dogs to travel as checked baggage. Instead, if you are planning to head out on a dog friendly vacation and your dog is too large to ride in the cabin, you’ll have to transport them as cargo. The good news, Continental has the most dog friendly cargo option in the business. Their PetSafe program offers confirmed booking prior to departure, a dedicated 24-hour animal support team to monitor weather conditions, the ability to track and trace your dog from origin to destination, and transportation in climate-controlled vehicles between connecting planes. Continental also has a mileage reward program through the PetSafe program. Continental OnePass members earn one (1) OnePass mile for every dollar spent when transporting their dog.

Captain had a great time playing with Trax, Keoni, Ziggy, and the rest of the SOMA Dogs. He also met a few new Vizsla friends. After all the fun it was time for a bath at Point Isabel's Mudpuppy's Tub & Scrub. We love the fact that this dog park has its own cafe, dog store, and dog wash.

Check out some of the photos from Point Isabel below or our full set of photos on Flickr.