Activities For Dogs In American Samoa National Park
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
American Samoa National Park isn't your typical United States Park. There aren't the usual facilities like campsites or even lodges in this park. Instead, you will find secluded villages and beautiful seashores along with interesting plant and animal life. The biggest question you may have is can your dog visit this area with you and, if so, what can you both do in the American Samoa National Park? Well, let's find out! Time to take a look at the American Samoa National Park through the eyes of your dog.
Paperwork
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Treats
Documents
Activity description
Before visiting the American Samoa National Park, you need to make sure your dog has all the valid paperwork needed to get on to the island. If you are traveling from the United States, the process will be much simpler as your pup is already a citizen. However, if you are coming to the American Samoa National Park from a different country, you will have a long list of things to get together in order for your dog to be allowed in the area. So, grab your dog, take a seat in your home office and start going through papers to make sure you have everything in line for your trip!
Step
1
Health certificate
All dogs, no matter where they are traveling from, are required to have a certified health certificate signed by a veterinarian and translated into English. This certificate will have the dates, expiration and manufacturer of all the vaccines your pup has received. If you don't have this on hand, call your vet and have them get a copy ready for you (toss your dog a treat while you're on the phone!).
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2
All breeds welcome
While a few countries do not allow certain breeds of dogs to enter, the American Samoa National Park allows any and all breeds to come and visit. How great is that! However, of course, you as your dog's owner are responsible for their behavior while visiting the country. Yet, it is so nice that American Samoa does not discriminate breeds because as we all know, every individual dog is so different!
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3
Extras
When traveling to American Samoa, there are a few things you may want to do to ensure the safety of your dog. These things are not required by law but just a good idea in general. You can opt to microchip your dog and give your dog a rabies vaccine as well. Both of these safety measures will make you feel more secure and relaxed when visiting with your dog as you will be assured they won't get lost and won't get a life-threatening illness! Grab your pup and head to your vet for both quick procedures.
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Car Ride
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Park Map
Treats
Car
Activity description
When visiting the American Samoa National Park, you may be surprised to find that dogs are not allowed on park trails or in national park buildings. That means your dog is confined to roaming the uninhabited areas (which can be dangerous for your pup) or sticking to the inside of the car with you. Why not keep your pup safe and in the car by your side as you explore the park via roadway? Put some tunes on the radio and get ready to see incredible things with your dog as you drive from one fantastic view to the next. This is especially great as it is inexpensive and also can be done in any weather - the views are there rain or shine!
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1
Pago Pago
Many roads throughout the American Samoa National Park will give you fantastic views of the Pago Pago islands. This group of islands boasts beautiful jungle scenery, perfect coral reefs and, the occasional passing humpback whale makes for an amazing site to see. You can stop at the parks visitors center while you are there but remember, you'll have to leave your dog in the car so make sure to toss them some extra treats and not take too long!
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2
Pola Island
Another perfect view you can take in with your pup while visiting the American Samoa National Park is from the road looking out at Pola Island. While you can't get to Pola Island with your dog, it is quite the site to see the rocky island pop straight up out of the water. Your dog may want to run out to the island to get a better look but it is inaccessible, even for pups!
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3
Vatia
The small village town of Vatia is a place you should definitely drive to with your dog. The quaint village has been intact for centuries and has remained much unchanged despite the modern world pushing technology on the area. With a population of about 600 people, the small town is an idyllic place to see. Keep your pup in the car as wild dogs roam the area and are not so friendly.
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Boat Tour
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Expensive
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Fresh Water
Collar
Leash
Boat
Activity description
Since the island of American Samoa can be a tricky place to bring a dog, it may be your preference to view the island by boat. If you are out on the clear blue water, there is no way to run into stray dogs that may be wild. Since the actual American Samoa National Park has so many pet restrictions, by opting to view the park from the shore, you won't need to worry about all the rules and regulations - there are none! Sounds like a boat trip is the way to go. In addition to this being an easy way to visit with your dog, the almost always sunny weather of the park grants you many days to take a boating trip!Â
Step
1
Find a boat
There are plenty of places where you can book a boat tour in the American Samoas. Find one that fits your budget, your schedule and, most importantly, will allow your dog to come along on the ride. Book your trip and make sure to bring some cash to tip your captain as well (this will ensure you get an extra good boat tour!). If you are having a hard time picking which company to use, ask a few locals - on a small island like this one, you are sure to get some quality recommendations as everyone knows each other!
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2
All aboard!
Jump on the boat with your dog and get ready to set sail! Make sure your dog is comfortable and provide them with some fresh water, a shady place to lie and a nice blanket to lie on. Some dogs will not be phased by being on the water and have their sea legs immediately. Others may be wary of walking around as it takes a little getting used to walking on a boat. Just be sure your pup is comfy and safe and they will warm up to the idea of being on a boat soon!
Step
3
Take in the view
Grab that camera and take lots of pictures of the beautiful American Samoa National Park and be sure to get your pup in some of the frames. While out on the water, you will see some exotic fish, a whale or two and the jungle back on land. Ask your tour guide to take you around some of the most popular park areas like Pago Pago or Pola Island. Also, ask your boat captain for any extra special spots you must see - experts know best!
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More Fun Ideas...
Photo Shoot
Take your dog around the American Samoa National Park and take as many pictures of your photogenic pup as possible! You want to remember your incredible visit to the park and all the things you and your pup saw!
Donations
While visiting the American Samoa National Park, you may want to consider donating to one of the local animal shelters. Dogs in the area are mainly feral and wild and any donations will help control the pup population. Make a donation in your dog's name- dogs helping dogs is the best!
Conclusion
Visiting the American Samoa National Park can be tricky with your dog especially if you do not plan ahead. Luckily, you are now well versed in what you and your dog can do while in this area. From a driving tour to a boating tour to just getting all your documents in order before your trip, you and your dog have a lot to do! Snap those photos of the whole trip and you will remember the great time you had forever!