5 fun things you must do on vacation with your pet this summer

Pets are now as much a part of the American family as anybody and, like us, sometimes they need a break from the everyday. Fortunately, there are plenty of attractions (and hotels) that cater to a vacation with your pet, offering proof “paws”-itive that dogs and cats officially rule.

Related: Does your pet need a passport?

Unleashed by Petco Surfdog Competition, San Diego
There’s a tidal woof (we couldn’t resist) of enthusiasm building for this event, as evidenced by the countdown clock on the event’s homepage. Now in its tenth year, Unleashed brings canine companions and their admirers to suburban San Diego (Imperial Beach to be exact) for an actual surf competition in which the most adorable—and hardy—dogs ride the waves to surf stardom. For less sporty pups, the event also includes a full dog-day afternoon of food trucks, adoptions, kids activities, photo booths and off-leash play areas .

The Blessing of the Animals, New York City
Forgive me father, for I have scratched the side of the sofa … Okay, so it’s not actually confession but we can only imagine the reverence companion animals (and exotics) feel when on the feast day of Sunday (the Sunday closest to October 4), New York‘s revered Cathedral of St. John throws open its gargantuan doors for an all-day Blessing of the Animals in which visitors begin lining up as early as 7am for a chance to have Fido blessed. According to Bark, more unusual visitors have included a bald eagle and a giraffe.

Paradise Ranch Pet Resort, Los Angeles
Okay, so L.A. is by no means the exclusive home to the luxurious dog hotel, but how many other cities boast an expansive, year-around outdoor pet paradise and water park surrounded by foothills? Located just a bone’s throw north of Burbank, this originator of the cage-free boarding experience also boasts a ton of amenities including a waterfall-fed lagoon, air-conditioned suites (outfitted with TVs of course), private playtime and walks, birthday parties, grooming, transportation and nighttime companionship. Um, we’re totally jealous.

Millie Bush Dog Park, Houston
Named for the former president’s Springer Spaniel, this expansive off-leash park definitely proves that everything is in fact bigger in Texas. Spread out over 13 acres of canine heaven west of downtown Houston, Millie Bush allows dogs the chance to escape the Lone Star State heat with their choice of three ponds, areas for large and small dogs (featuring appropriately-sized hydrants), doggies showers for clean up afterward, plus picnic tables, water fountains, trees, benches and, importantly in Texas, a parking lot.

The Amazing Acro-Cats, Chicago
This one is technically for people, not pets (although Chicago is home to many dog-friendly attractions like Fido to Go food truck for dogs, the upscale Fur Ball and Montrose Beach Dog Park). The Amazing Acro-Cats are a combination rock band and circus act who tour the country playing sold out “purr”-formances. Chicago-based animal trainer Samantha Martin is the handler behind this gang of felines who charm audiences with their uncanny ability to perform a combination of circus feats while also banging out some mean rock jams (and wait until you get a load of their bus; these cats travel in style).

Tagged: Midwest, New York