2009.07.22
Traveling with pets and fewer rest areas
iStock photo
Mine is a family of road warriors. For us, car trips are all about the destination and we want the journey to be as short and efficient as possible. We are the pack-up-the-vehicle-bring-a-few-snacks-and-stop-only-when-absolutely-necessary types.
So having fewer rest areas due to state budget cuts will be a drag for us when it's just us humans in the car. It's really going to be a drag if we travel any distance with our pooches and will not have those convenient areas for potty breaks.
Will having fewer rest areas dampen your plans to travel with your pets for summer fun? Will you feel as welcome walking your dog at a fast food restaurant or gas station as you did at the pet-friendly interstate rest stops?
Nona - we are the same as you when it comes to travel. We try to hit rest areas whenever possible because they are more convenient to walk the dog around and let her do her business. However, her bladder (and mine) don't always coincide with a rest area so we will stop at an exit that has gas station/convenience store. Most of them have an area with some grass for her to potty but sometimes they don't and we have to drive until we find an area suitable to let her out. After all these years I know every exit between South Carolina and Ohio on I-77 and I-81 so I know which ones are good for stopping and which aren't. For those travelers that are passing through VA for the first time I feel bad for them and their pets. Not all exits are suitable for dogs or people!
As for the welcome part, I have never had an issue walking Cali on store property. I make sure we stay well away from any areas with a lot of foot traffic in case she has to do more than pee. I also avoid restaurants if at all possible because I just don't feel right letting her potty on restaurant property.
Comment by Kim — July 22, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
Hubby has already seen affects of one of the rest stops closing on the first day. An out of state traveler was stopped just by one of the rest areas that had just been closed with his doggie that had to potty. I know from traveling with our 2 babies that when they have to go we best find somewhere quick so they can go. We will be traveling with them in October to the Outer Banks and as always will be mapping out our spots for them to potty. Such a shame not we now welcome our fellow travelers with closed rest areas. We can well afford to keep them open!!!!!
Comment by Sharon — July 23, 2009 @ 7:58 am
We travel back to our hometown in the Chicago area twice a year, and we do 11 hours with 3 stops.
Becuase we usually need gas and food, we go off the highway. My husband drops me and the kids off to get food, he circles over to get gas, and gets the dog out while filling the tank. Meanwhile the kids and I are going to the bathroom. Then he circles back, and runs in to use the bathroom, and we're on our way!
In writing this, I realize how silly it is to be in such a rush all the time. The fun should be in the journey, not the destination! Oh well, maybe next time!
Comment by Lisa — July 23, 2009 @ 8:39 am
Hmm, maybe some small towns along the highway will develop some empty lots into doggie rest areas, complete with mowed lawns and plastic baggie dispensers. Do you think signs would be put up on 81 depicting fire hydrants? Might be a good draw for the towns needing tourism money, and a good way to pull in the travellers who are also looking for a stop over themselves.
Comment by Heather Froeschl — July 23, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
Concerning the closing of the rest stops:
Needed: A chain of stops called Pets Stay and Play at major interstate exits. Owners could choose either the miniature park area for social play with other dogs or a private runner with water and shelter. An attendant(s) would be in charge of care of your pet while the owner could eat, shop, and/or rest. Lots of legal issues would have to be ironed out, but look how successful the airline flights for "pets only" has worked. Unfortunately you only have to visit restaurants at interstate exchanges to see dogs locked in hot cars while owners are dining. The closing of the interstate rest areas may only escalate the problem. Someone with the proper funding could really profit on the idea..just another way to ensure our pets are properly treated while traveling.
Comment by Beth — July 28, 2009 @ 5:35 pm