Summer Travel in Minnesota: Tips for Vacationing With (or Without) Your Pets
Summer in Minnesota means one thing: cabin season! Whether you're heading up north to a lake house or planning a family road trip, it’s important to consider what’s best for your furry family members. Should they come along for the ride? Or would they be happier staying home?
At Twin Cities Pets, we’re here to help you prepare—no matter what you choose. Here are our top tips for making summer travel smoother for both you and your pets.
If You're Bringing Your Pet Along
Bringing your dog—or in some cases, even your cat!—on vacation can be a lot of fun, but it does take extra planning. Make sure you're set up for a safe and comfortable trip:
1. Do a Test Run
If your pet isn’t used to long car rides, take a few short drives in the weeks before your trip to get them acclimated.
2. Pack Their Essentials
Bring food, water, bowls, leash, waste bags, medications, and a familiar blanket or toy. Don’t forget their ID tags—and ideally a microchip—just in case they slip away during the excitement.
3. Plan for Breaks
For dogs, stop every couple of hours to let them stretch their legs and relieve themselves. Never leave them in a parked car—even for a few minutes—as summer heat can become dangerous quickly.
4. Check the Rules
Before you leave, confirm that your destination (and anywhere you’ll stop along the way) allows pets. Not all cabins or parks are pet-friendly.
5. Be Mindful of Wildlife
Minnesota cabins can mean encounters with deer, raccoons, or porcupines—so keep dogs leashed or within a secure area, even if they’re usually good off-leash.
If Your Pets Stay Home
While some dogs love a cabin adventure, many cats do best in their home environment. Staying behind is often less stressful for them, especially for short trips.
At Twin Cities Pets, we offer professional drop-in visits for cats and other critters. Here’s why this can be a great option:
1. Cats Are Creatures of Habit
Most cats would rather nap in their own sunny window than ride in a car or explore a new cabin. Staying home keeps their routine—and their litter box—exactly how they like it.
2. Daily Check-ins Provide Comfort & Safety
We’ll make sure your cat has fresh food and water, a clean litter box, and some attention (if they want it!). We also bring in the mail, check for messes, and keep an eye on things while you’re away.
3. Updates for Peace of Mind
You’ll receive visit reports and photos through our app, so you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing your pets are well cared for.
Wherever Your Summer Takes You...
Whether your dog is riding shotgun to the lake or your cat is king of the castle back home, Twin Cities Pets is here to support your summer plans. We serve the Saint Paul area with reliable, loving care for your pets while you’re away.
Planning a trip?
Contact us now to reserve your pet sitting dates—summer gets busy fast!
Orange kitten laying on a grey cat tower