Planning Your Pet-Friendly Vacation to Michigan
Bringing your best furry friend on vacation is a gift that keeps on giving. You get quality time, memories for a lifetime and absolutely priceless photos. When it comes to picking your next vacation spot, Michigan should top your list for our devotion to four-legged companions.
Pure Michigan is perfect for the pooch (and owners, too). We’ve got pet-friendly beaches, microbreweries, wineries and waterfall trails. Just bring along your best friend and hit the road — be it paved, water or a long stretch of sandy beach.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, beaches and other top dog spots in Michigan.
How to Pick Your Stay
As you start to plan, your first topic is probably where to plant yourselves. Take a look at our Hotels and Motels page and click on “pet-friendly” to start your search. Once you find your top picks, give them a call or send an email to confirm the pet policies: Are there size or breed restrictions? What is the pet fee or deposit? Do they provide amenities like doggie beds, bowls or treats?
There are pet-friendly hotels up and down the whole state, but here are a few standout hotels that we love to brag about. On dog-obsessed Mackinac Island, you’re welcome to bring up to two dogs to Mission Point Resort where you’ll be directed to a special dog-friendly room. The Pooch at the Point package includes dining credit, a welcome amenity for your pet and free admission to select activities.
Shinola Hotel in Detroit will set you up with a special bandana and collar, a toy for your pup, and a dog bed and bowls in your room. A pet terrace on the fourth floor gives you easy outdoor access, and you’ll get free access to Barkside, a local off-leash dog park, bar and coffee shop. Don’t forget to look for big brands that are known to be pet-friendly across the nation, like Homewood Suites and Residence Inn.
Understanding the Outdoors
With endless outdoor activities for everyone, it’s no wonder Michigan is such a popular place for pups. From beaches to parks, pets are invited to romp and play in areas around the state. However, it’s essential that you pay attention to the signs and stick to the boundaries. Not only is it a safety issue for your dog, but there might also be environmental impacts. For example, in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, most hiking trails and select beaches are open to pets, but some areas are critical habitats for the lakeshore’s population of Great Lakes piping plover. Endangered plovers consider pets to be predators, which can disrupt their normal breeding behavior.
Pets are widely welcomed in Michigan state parks and campgrounds, state forest campgrounds, harbors, trails, and boating access sites, but there are restrictions on some swim beaches, endangered species habitats and other posted areas. Dogs should always be on a 6-foot leash (even in the water), but leash laws don’t apply to hunting.
Check out the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ list of pet-friendly shorelines and state park cabins and Pure Michigan’s guide to pet-friendly beaches.
The Rules Behind Pet-Friendly Patios
Only service dogs are allowed indoors, but thankfully here in Michigan we love being outside. The general rule of thumb is that pups aren’t allowed on patios where waitstaff is actively taking orders and serving food; but if you’re getting your own food, your dog can join you!
And in a state that’s known for its beer, you’d better believe there are dog lovers behind the bar. Check out the Michigan Brewery Map of breweries, cideries and meaderies, and filter your search by “dog friendly” to get a map of recommendations.
Be Prepared
Michigan weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly. Depending on your pet’s breed and preferences, you might need a lightweight raincoat, cooling vests for summer, or sweaters and blankets for cooler evenings.
Terrain like sand and asphalt can heat up quickly in summer, hot enough to burn paw pads, so check the ground when you’re walking or hiking.
Always have a water bowl on hand with plenty of water to keep your pup well-hydrated.
When you’re on the road, it’s helpful to have a dog-specific first aid kit — most items can be found in the human aisle also, but you’ll want to make sure that topical ointments are safe for animals. Make sure their ID tags have the most updated information.
The same Leave No Trace philosophy for humans applies to pets as well: Always carry bags and clean up after your pet, never let pets interact with wildlife, and do not leave them unattended.
Ready to roll? Get more planning tips in our free Pure Michigan Travel Guide.