They’re family. Sometimes you get along with them better than your blood-related family and other human beings. They get you and they complete you. I’m talking about our beloved pets! Let’s be honest, if you’re reading this blog, you know that travel is best enjoyed with the whole pack. We couldn’t agree more and that’s why every Rosen hotel is a pet-friendly hotel. We don’t discriminate by breed. All we ask is that your pets are current on vaccinations.

Now that we’ve got those technical points out of the way, there’s something else you should know. It’s the best holiday ever: National Pet Day! On April 11 we pet lovers and caretakers take special time to spoil our furry babies. Since we already established travel is best enjoyed with the pack, let’s plan a vacation with our furry friends and see how much fun we can have together.

Play Time!

Dr. P. Phillips Community Dog Park features a good dog run in this massive park. There are different playgrounds for the kids too, including a splash park.

Barber Dog Park isn’t more than a big fenced-in field great for getting the zoomies out. This off-leash dog park has obstacles to challenge our canines’ minds and agility. It also has separate small dog and large dog areas, so everyone can play.

Baldwin Park is not on International Drive but an incredible gem that’s not too far away. Dogs truly have the run of the land here in this massive off-leash dog park. There’s a lake, great hiking trails, picnic tables, and a wash station.

Want to take your water-loving dog on a paddle board adventure? Buena Vista Watersports welcomes owners and their dogs.

Pampering Our Pets

Balance fun activities with proper R&R. Head over to Runway Pet Grooming & Store for top-notch dog and cat grooming services. Dog spa services include what you expect to find: bathing, blow dry, detangling, nail grinding or clipping, and also include some fun options such as a blueberry facials and pawdicures.

Woof Gang Bakery is another fun store to visit with our dogs. This franchise store does its best to offer our four-legged friends a boutique shopping experience. It also has grooming services available in the store.

If by chance you’re looking for an economical and quick place to wash your dog but have no shampoo or towels, stop by most Pet Supermarket locations. $10 gives you full access to their dog washing station stocked with all the supplies you’ll need to bathe and dry your pup as well as keep yourself dry.

Giving Back to the Less Fortunate Animals

Another reason for celebrating National Pet Day is to raise awareness for all the animals in shelters, in foster care, and on the streets waiting for a place to call home. Rosen Hotels & Resorts works with and knows a lot of great organizations that would love a little extra support. If it’s in your budget and heart, consider looking into any of these or other fine animal rescue missions.

LoveyLoaves Special Needs Rescue & Sanctuary, a 501(c)3 dog rescue, focuses their love and attention on dogs with special medical issues and those that have suffered injury, disease, and amputation.

The Pixel Fund is an animal rescue organization headquartered in Maine with satellite locations in Georgia and Florida. Everyone at Pixel, including the board members, are volunteers. This organization depends heavily on volunteerism and community support to pull animals out of high-kill shelters and into foster or forever homes.

Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando and Rosen Hotels & Resorts go back some years but not as far back as this organization, which started in 1937. Pet Alliance staff and vets focus mainly on rehabilitating and rehoming homeless and surrendered pets.