Activities For Dogs In Washington On Hot Days

While hopping onto the ferry is about as simple as it gets, getting there is a different story. Make sure you figure out which is the easiest, cheapest or most efficient way to get to the ferry, depending on your preference, as it's nestled in the heart of South Lake Union. There are several methods of travel, the easiest being by car, as there are several parking structures within walking distance, but other methods such as the bus system and water taxis do allow dogs as long as they are leashed and aren't too large for the vehicle/interior space. Make sure to check the restrictions depending on the travel method, then make sure you have all your supplies properly packed in a purse, backpack, or day bag. Oh, and don't forget to take a doggy bathroom stop before climbing on public transit or the ferry!

Once you've arrived, pay your fee and climb aboard. Depending on how hot it is, you may need to find seating that will stay out of the sun if necessary, but the water and movement should at least help you stay cooler than you were on dry land. Once the ferry departs, it tours the local houseboats, some famous places, other interesting locations, and serves ice cream in the process! Kick back and relax and share a lick or two of your cone with your dog while you two cool off on the waters of Lake Union.

Before you ever sign up and put money down, the first step should be making sure both you and your dog are flight-ready. While you may be okay with flying commercially, private flights are in considerably smaller and generally louder planes, which means you should gauge your comfort level before even stepping foot onto the dock (they are seaplanes after all). After you've done so for yourself, run through a few checks to make sure your dog will be comfortable as well. Think about their comfort with noise and traveling in other vehicles such as cars and boats before committing them to something that may scare them so bad dog bags will be a necessity. If necessary, take them to areas with frequent airplane traffic and see how well they manage the noise and movement. Once you're convinced they'll do okay, book your tickets and double check to make sure your specific air tour is dog-friendly. When the day and time arrives, grab your supplies and go!

Once you arrive, make sure to check in and get your dog ready by harnessing and leashing them up (a harness is much easier to control them with should the noise, takeoff, or landing spook them) and feeding them a few treats to make sure they see the new experience as positive if need be. Don't forget to give them a bathroom break as well, especially for longer flights. If possible, introduce your dog to others who may be sharing your flight with you so both your dog and the other passengers are comfortable with each other before boarding. Once you get strapped in, make sure your dog is securely by your side and still mostly comfortable with the process. Once the engine starts up, you should be ready to start your adventure! Enjoy the cool air and beautiful sights with your (hopefully) brave canine companion.

Before you head off into the forest, be sure to get some things in line first. Make sure you pack your bag with water (and something for your dog to drink out of), treats/snacks for energy and motivation, good hiking shoes and dog bags to help keep nature the way you found it (preferably biodegradable). You should also prep by grabbing a digital or physical map to help you navigate (unless you plan on getting one upon arrival), and potentially procuring any permits and paying any fees necessary to entering certain parts of the park, which can all act as timesavers down the road. If you so choose, you can even plan your hiking route beforehand if you're dealing with time restraints or know you'll only be able to reasonably hike so far or just want to see specific sites within the park.

Make sure to have safety measures in place as well, such as a med kit and/or bear spray, as both mountain lions and bears have been known to be in the park throughout various times of the year. And don't forget to check the weather! It may be hot now but Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Stay ahead of the game and weather. It is always a wise move as well, to inform family of your plans for the day, and of your expected return time.

Once you've arrived, check in with anyone necessary to pay final fees, get any maps you may need, and so on. Make sure your dog is properly leashed and all necessary supplies are with you. Once you're geared up, double check the weather and hit the trails! Make sure you make occasional stops to supply yourself and your dog with water. If need be, change your path based on the heat and your comfort level. Some trails are much more open than others while some may be perfectly shaded or closer to cool water. Finally, and maybe most importantly, soak up as much of nature's beauty as you can. Goodness knows your dog will be!