Activities For Dogs In Rhode Island On Hot Days
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Rhode Island, more officially known as The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, may not be an island itself but has enough of them to justify its name anyway. In the depths of summer, it may also feel like one, as average highs jump up and over 80 degrees with relative ease during the dog days. But just because it's so hot you may start panting yourself, doesn't mean you can't find fun and entertaining ways to stay cool. Whether that means staying in air conditioning, venturing forth to find somewhere cooler or even just toughing it out, there are tons of ways to avoid or enjoy the rays on those endless sunny days in The Ocean State.
Block Island
Popular
0 Votes
Hot Day
Moderate
Normal
1 - 8 hrs
Items needed
Sunscreen
Water
Leash
Dog bags
Towel
Activity description
If you're in Rhode Island and it's hot, you might as well be on an actual island! But lucky for you, they're not hard to get to. Our best suggestion is to check out Block Island, which is about 14 miles from the tip of Montauk and just over 10 from the Rhode Island shoreline. Although it's only just under 10 square miles, it is inhabited by just over 1,000 people and offers plenty to do for you and your pooch, such as combing the shores or taking photos by the gorgeous bluffs. It does have its own airport, but it's far cheaper taking the dog-friendly ferry. The adventure, on the whole, should help you stay cool even when it's hot thanks to the ocean breeze and cool waters.
Step
1
Getting there
The first step is as the title to this step suggests: getting there. There are several different ways to go from chartering a boat to taking a flight but the easiest and cheapest way is just to buy a ferry ticket. If you're looking to save money and have time to spare, a round trip ticket for the "slow" ride over (which is only an hour one way) is nearly half the price of the "fast" version (which is still 30 minutes). Almost all ferries are dog-friendly but each has their own requirements as far as where the dogs are allowed, so make sure to double check before and after boarding to verify. Also, make sure to give your dog a bathroom break before you leave to save any potential mess.
Step
2
Arrive and explore
Once you arrive, there are several options for getting around from renting a bicycle to a car or even taking a taxi (if they're dog-friendly, of course) but if you're able-bodied, we recommend walking since the island is only about 6 miles long by 3.5 miles wide, much of which is covered by walkable terrain, which will give you both some exercise, give you more to do and see, and save you money in the process.
Step
3
Further exploration
If you plan to walk the Mohegan Bluffs, which we highly recommend, it's less than two miles south of where the ferry drops off its passengers. When you finally arrive, you can walk your dog on or around the beach, as long as they are leashed (but it's still best to check any regulations and ask locals if you have any questions). Oh yeah, and have some fun! Your adventure already gave you lots to see but there's still quite a bit left all over the island for you to look at, stop in, and take pictures of. If you're still too hot, just take your dog for a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
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Bow to the Wow Town
Popular
0 Votes
Hot Day
Cheap
Easy
20 - 120 min
Items needed
Internet-accessible device
Money
Dog vaccination records
Leash
Activity description
Sometimes when it's hot, it's just TOO hot, which sometimes means it's better to just stay inside. But for owners with active dogs, that's much easier said than done. Luckily, there's a big, open indoor space you can take them to with little hassle: Bow chika Wow Town, an all-in-one daycare, dog hotel, training facility, and most importantly, play space! The cost is reasonable for a day pass at only $10 ($2 per extra dog) but monthly passes are as cheap as $55 so you can use it for too-hot and too-cold days alike. It's less than an hour away from every state border so it's easily accessible and it also provides entertainment, socialization, and an escape from the oven outside.
Step
1
Organize the paperwork
While it's as easy as paying the daily or monthly fee down the line, the first step is making sure that you have all your dog's paperwork in order. You will need to have proof of up-to-date Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations and any dogs over seven months old will need be to be spayed or neutered to enter and play. This paperwork can be done in person but to save time, it's better to call ahead to get an email, fax, or other method of sending the information over so you get approval beforehand. Then, make sure to double check their open hours, as they change both days and times depending on the season. Once you've got all that squared away, you can grab a leash (to get them inside, as most of the space is off-leash) and your dog and hit the road!
Step
2
Play away!
Once you arrive, you'll need to get checked in and pay the appropriate daily or monthly (or 5-day) fees. Someone at the front will give you an idea of where each play area is, as there are a few, from the big dog area, to the small dog area, to a small space outside. Take your dog to the appropriate area, let them in and let them go! There is 13,000 square feet of play space including some obstacles (although you should bring your own toys just like any other dog park), which should give you more than enough space to run, play fetch, or any other games that might spark your dog's (or others dogs') interest. The day pass will cover you for all open hours and there are even dog bags provided. Feel free to play to your heart's desire or socialize with other dog owners in a nice, cool environment.
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Cool Cruiser
Popular
0 Votes
Hot Day
Moderate
Easy
60 - 180 min
Items needed
Sun screen
Leash
Dog bags
Activity description
While the state may be a bit particular about when dogs are allowed on the beaches, those on the water seem to be a bit less picky, like those at Gansett Cruises. This small company provides several different tours of the Rhode Island shoreline, many of which are dog-friendly for those who are well-behaved, take cruisers past both gorgeous and historical locations, and offer drinks and commentary on the history and culture of the surrounding area. They're only modestly expensive, easy to book, and are the perfect way to spend a hot day, especially since you're able to stay in the shade or bask in the sun with the water and breeze keeping you cool.
Step
1
Plan your cruise
Gansett offers several different cruise options depending on when you want to go and what you want to see. They generally offer between four and five different departure times throughout the day and two different types of tours, so you'll need to pick what best suits your schedule. Once you've picked a time, you can book online, but it may be better to call ahead to let them know you plan to bring your (hopefully) well-behaved dog so they can plan accordingly. Once you have everything in place, you'll want to pack your sunscreen, a leash, and dog bags (you may also want to pick up a doggy life vest if your pup is not strong a strong swimmer).
Step
2
Cruise on
When the day arrives and the time approaches, make sure to give yourself a bit of extra time beforehand so you can get your dog a healthy bathroom break before boarding as well as get them acclimated to the boat if you're allowed on before other passengers. You should also ask the captain where it's best to keep your dog so as not to disrupt the other passengers or cause any safety issues, then make sure you're seated nearby to monitor them.
Step
3
Enjoy the view
When you finally depart, it's time to have fun. The boat does have both a cash and complimentary bar depending on the package you booked, but make sure you stay responsible enough to keep a close eye on your dog in case they get uncomfortable or have any other issues (though most accounts entail dogs with their heads high, ears flapping in the wind, and much enjoyment). Other than that, enjoy the drinks, breeze, company, commentary and the view! And don't forget to give your dog lots of love (and encourage others to do the same if they and your dog are comfortable) for being such a great adventure partner.
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More Fun Ideas...
Get Spooky (or Enchanted)
Tucked away in the woods of Hopkinton is an abandoned children's amusement park with an enchanted theme. If you know where to look, it's a neat place to explore and take photos and with any luck, either the woods or the creepy chills will help keep you cooler than you might be otherwise.
Walking Tour
It might not be super easy to stay cool depending on when you leave, but the Providence Preservation Society offers leashed dog-friendly walking tours, as does the Providence Ghost Tour, which is perfect for hot days because they only tour at night, which means it will be considerably cooler.
Woof Some Books
If you're in or near Providence, stop into Books on the Square. They're dog-friendly and even regularly put out a bowl of cold water for dogs stuck in the summer heat. While they lap up some refreshments, you can lap up some new reading material.
Conclusion
While Rhode Island may not be the PERFECT place to stay cool in summer, it's certainly one of the better options given the massive expanse of water that sits next to it (you know, the Atlantic) that keeps things cooler just by existing, and it's certainly better than being landlocked into a sauna-like oblivion. And better yet, it's full of gorgeous beaches, bluffs, islands, rivers, lakes, and inlets just waiting for you and your dog to explore. If nothing else, you can always keep reminding yourself that you're on an island (because you kind of are, in a semantic kind of way) - and if you're still not convinced then let the seafood do the talking.