Discover pet-friendly IHG® Army Hotels near scenic walking areas, plus travel tips, pet perks, and local supply stores for your next road trip.
It's summertime! At IHG® Army Hotels, we love all seasons, but summer is especially fun for us. Our treasured guests are on the move, exploring our great country. From the majestic beauty of our national parks to the thrills of roller coasters and barbeques on the beach, we love it all.
As you travel around the country, we know many families can't go anywhere without their pets. Your furry friends and service animals are always welcome at our hotels (with a few rules, of course), so planning your stay is as stress-free as a summer breeze.
We’ll share some tips on traveling with pets as well as a few pet perks when staying with IHG Army Hotels.
Travel Tips for Long Drives with Pets
Car trips with pets can be challenging. Here are a few things to consider before you hit the road.
First, plan to make frequent stops. Unlike other members of your family who can ask you to pull over for food and bathroom breaks, your pets need you to plan for these in advance. Every pet is different, but in general, plan to stop for bathroom breaks and do a little exercise every 2-3 hours. Parks and rest stops with grassy areas are the best. These breaks are a good time for everyone to stretch, drink water, and go to the bathroom.
Pack a pet travel kit. The best kits include food, water, waste bags, a bowl for food and drinking, a harness or leash, and any medications your pet may need.
Depending on the size of your vehicle, it may also be a good idea to invest in a crash-tested travel crate. Pets moving around the vehicle freely can be a distraction and even cause an accident. Crates can also keep pets out of the way of airbags should an accident occur.
Don't forget to look for signs of stress, including heavy panting, drooling, whining, or restlessness. Soft music, calming sprays, and window shades can all help relieve stress in your pet and make the journey that much more enjoyable for everyone.
IHG Army Hotels Near Pet-Friendly Walking Areas
With over 70 IHG Army Hotels, there is no limit to the adventures you and your pets can have on and near our properties. Here are a few suggestions when staying at five of our properties:
Fort Belvoir, VA – Holiday Inn Express Knadle Hall
Joint Base San Antonio, TX – Candlewood Suites Building 2426
Fort Carson, CO – Candlewood Suites Building 7306
Fort Leavenworth, KS – Holiday Inn Express Hoge Hall
Fort Riley, KS – Candlewood Suites Building 6956
Holiday Inn Express Knadle Hall is just south of Washington, DC, and near the Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge. This 1,200-acre space offers numerous well-maintained trails through the forest that descend into the bay below. As you and your four-legged friend walk through the refuge, you'll see shorebirds, waterfowl, and nesting ospreys. It's the perfect place to relax and escape.
Candlewood Suites Building 2426 is perfectly located for quick access to Brackenridge Park. This beautiful park is a favorite of San Antonio natives. The park embraces a section of the San Antonio River, the Japanese Tea Garden, the Sunken Garden Theater, the San Antonio Zoo, Lambert Beach, and Tony "Skipper" Martinez ball fields. There are pet-friendly green spaces, picnic areas, and open lawns. The park is perfect for early morning walks when temperatures are ideal for you and your pet.
With over 2,700 acres, 100 bird species, 61 campsites, and 29 miles of trails, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is just a stone's throw from Candlewood Suites Building 7306 on Fort Carson, CO. There is plenty of open space for dogs to explore on a leash. The park features breathtaking mountain views, and trails vary from flat to moderate inclines, perfect for a light walk or a more intense hike.
If your travels find you and your pets in Fort Leavenworth, KS, the historic waters of the mighty Missouri River will be close by. Near Holiday Inn Express Hoge Hall, one of the best places to bring your furry friend is Riverfront Park and the surrounding historic district. Sidewalks in the park are wide and level, with plenty of trees providing shade. Older pets will love the calm nature of the park while enjoying slow walks along the water.
If your four-legged friend craves a mix of wooded paths and lakeside views, look no further than Milford State Park near Candlewood Suites Building 6965 on Fort Riley. The park offers many trails that are perfect for nature-loving dogs who want to explore wooded areas, grasslands, and the shoreline. There is a fee to enter the park, and some rules associated with walking pets, but with so much terrain for your pet to investigate, it's well worth the effort.
Nearby Pet Supply Stores and Groomers
In addition to exploring great walking trails and picturesque scenery with your pets, you'll probably need to find pet stores and groomers. From a new squeaker toy to a fresh bath and teeth brushing, IHG Army Hotels are often very close to everything your pet may need. Here are a few suggestions for the properties we have discussed so far. Don't forget, you can always ask our helpful staff for suggestions no matter where you stay.
Fort Belvoir, VA: PetSmart in Alexandria offers everything from pet food to grooming services. You can also check out WoofGang Bakery & Grooming if you are looking for a special snack for your fur baby.
Joint Base San Antonio, TX: The Petco on Austin Highway is close to the hotel and has everything you need. If you are looking to give your pet the full spa experience, check out Lucy's Doggy Daycare and Spa. If you need boarding and daycare, service members and first responders get 10% off.
Fort Carson, CO: Not too far from Fort Carson is Wag N' Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming. With a wide selection of natural foods, it's a great place to spoil your pets with drool-worthy treats and the posh spa experience.
Fort Leavenworth, KS: The Kansas Country Store is a great place to stop for all your pet supply needs. They feature a wide selection of food, toys, treats, grooming supplies, and medications. You might also want to try their famous fudge, a specialty in the area.
Fort Riley, KS: It's a little bit of a drive, but your best bet is PetSmart in Manhattan, KS. While this store is around 15 miles from the hotel, it has great reviews and offers all the supplies you'll need and grooming services, with appointments starting at 7 am.
Pet Perks at IHG Army Hotels
With so much to explore with your pets and so many great stores to help take care of them, you have everything you need to make your summer travels pet-friendly. Don't forget, our hotels also offer several perks for your four-legged friends, including:
- On-Site Pet Waste Stations
- Designated Pet Relief Areas
Summer is a special time of the year for IHG Army Hotels. We look forward to helping you make your summer travels as relaxing and worry-free as possible for you and your pets. Hopefully, our list has given you a few ideas on how to plan for pet-friendly travel. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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