Upgraded Points Latest Data Study Highlights The Most And Least Pet-Friendly U.S. Vacation Spots

https://upgradedpoints.com/most-and-least-pet-friendly-vacation-spots-study/) has recently unveiled the results of their latest data study -- this one rating the degree of pet-friendliness for 50 of the most popular U.S. vacation destinations.

Analysis Methodology

For this study, data was compiled on the following 8 criteria:

1. Number of dog parks per 100K population
2. Number of pet stores
3. Number of pet-friendly hotels
4. Number of vacation rentals that will accommodate pets
5. Number/extent of pet-friendly restaurants
6. Availability of veterinarians per 100K population
7. Total miles of hiking trails available
8. Total number of hiking trails per 100K persons

The 8 criteria, when summed, gave each location a possible maximum value of 50. Each city rated was then ranked numerically according to their calculated score.

For a fuller discussion of the weighting and details of the various ratings, as well as detailed graphics and interactive charts, please visit the full report HERE. Upgraded Points also provides useful tips for traveling with your pet and a list of pet-friendly airports.

Cities with the Highest Pet-Friendly Ratings

The clear winner in this data study was the city of Asheville, North Carolina. It topped the list with a total score of 47.5 out of 50 points. In fact, Asheville received maximum positive ratings for 6 of the 8 total criteria. Critically, two of those maxed-out positive ratings were for the number of pet-friendly hotels and also the number of vacation rentals available that were considered pet-friendly. The city also has a large number of hiking trails, which would be important to any pet owner desiring to take their pet outside.

The number two city was determined to be Santa Fe, New Mexico. This city also had top-flight rankings for pet-friendly accommodations, pet-friendly vacation rental units and hotels.

Cities with the Lowest Ratings for Pet-Friendliness

Unfortunately, this study uncovered a few cities that have room to improve their experience for travelers with pets. With the lowest score was Maui, Hawaii, which only scored a 2.3 rating out of 50 possible points. It did get some rating for their hiking opportunities, but failed to secure any points for accommodations that were pet-friendly, nor did they receive any points for pet-friendly activities (such as restaurants that were pet-friendly).

Alex Miller, founder of Upgraded Points, speaking about a major finding of this study, noted that "A big surprise to us was to find the shocking number of major metropolitan U. S. cities that did not score well at all. A number of these cities have very few pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals for their population size, which is a big drawback for those traveling with pets, and most struggle to provide enough -- or any -- amenities like dog parks and hiking trails. Until this situation changes, we would strongly recommend that travelers avoid traveling to those cites with their pets."

The major U. S. cities with poor pet-friendliness ratings were Los Angeles (ranked 14th out of 15), Chicago (ranked 11th), New York City (ranked 2nd poorest) and Philadelphia (ranked 8th out of 15).

About Upgraded Points LLC

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is a travel company that provides insider strategies on maximizing travel points and rewards. Launched in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses targeted research efforts and in-depth studies to give travelers, as well as those looking to travel a real understanding of how to maximize their points and miles. Learn more at: UpgradedPoints.com.

Canine Comforts: Study Reveals The Locations Of The Most Pampered Pooches

• Comparethemarket.com reveals the best locations for your four-legged furry pooch to be pampered.
• The research analyses the number of dog salons training centres, kennels, vets and parks relative to the population of the city.
• Nottingham tops the UK list while across the pond in the US, Long Beach, California ranks the highest.

Given the growing trend of dog owners treating their pets as VIPs (very important pooches), it’s apparent that some cities are more accommodating for four-legged furry friends than others. From hydrotherapy to dog scootering, as well as the number of parks, vets and dog salons in major UK towns and cities, the new study by comparethemarket.com reveals the best locations to pamper your pooch.

Best US cities to make a fuss of your four-legged friend

1. Long Beach, California - The coastal city in southern California takes the top spot for the best cities to treat your dog to some pampering. With 985 dog training centres, over 445 kennels and a staggering 259 dog grooming salons, you can treat your canine to some well-deserved comfort.
2. Mesa, Arizona - Coming in at second, the city of Mesa is a hub for pampering your furry friend, with over 619 vets, 546 dog training centres and 337 kennels.
3. Atlanta, Georgia - The state capital of Georgia ranks third in the list thanks to its 65 great open parks, 661 vets and 139 dog salons.
4. Sacramento, California - Sacramento comes in fourth in the rank of pampered pooch capitals. It boasts 88 large parks, 471 dog training facilities and an impressive 439 vets located across the city.
5. Seattle, Washington - Surrounded by mountains, forest and parkland, Seattle is a great city for your canine. It is also home to a staggering 96 parks, 673 vets, 663 dog training centres, and 152 dog salons.

Top UK locations for pooch-pampering

1. Nottingham - Famed for its legends of Robin Hood, Nottingham is also the capital for indulging your dog. With over 16 large parks and 14 dog salons across the city, and with the third highest number of dog-training facilities (totalling 71), Nottingham takes the top spot.
2. Liverpool - Liverpool ranks second in the list for the best city to treat your furry friend with 11 dog grooming salons, 261 kennels, and a whopping 107 parks for your dog to stretch its legs and roam.
3. Hull - The East Yorkshire city of Hull is in third place when it comes to pampered pooch capitals thanks to its 26 dog training centres, 116 kennels situated across the city, and 46 parks.
4. Birmingham - Birmingham takes fourth place with 26 dog salons, 84 dog training facilities and an impressive 205 vets scattered across the city.
5. Edinburgh - The Scottish capital takes fifth place on the list with 26 dog training centres, 25 vets, and 155 parks.

Pampered Pooch Capitals

For more information on the pampered pooch capitals or to see the full list here.

8 Travelore Tips for Going On A Road Trip With Your Pets

Embrace Pet Insurance compiled a list of tips to make it a comfortable and safe journey for everyone. Here are some cat- and dog-friendly travel tips for when you decide to pack up your furry family member.

1. Keeping Them Safe and Secure

As you’re making a list of everything you need for your trip, add a well-ventilated pet carrier or crate. Whichever type you choose, make sure your pet will be able to move around, stand, and sit in it. If you can’t find a crate or carrier to meet your needs, a pet safety belt is the next best option.

2. Bring Something Familiar

Does your pet have a favorite blanket, toy, or bed? It’s ideal to bring cat and dog travel items with you as they can ease some anxiety and provide a sense of familiarity.

3. Make Sure Your Pet is Comfortable with Car Rides

If your pet is used to car rides, you likely won’t have any issues. However, if your pet isn’t used to rides, you should start by taking them on short car rides around the block and then lengthen the ride a bit to get them used to the car. If your pet isn’t used to the car, don’t just assume they will be fine. Dogs, and even cats, can experience a great deal of anxiety about something new like traveling.

4. A Quick Vet Check Can’t Hurt

Make sure your pet is physically healthy and ready for the trip with a quick check-up at the vet. Talk the trip over with your veterinarian to ensure your pet has the right temperament and health status to take on a lengthy trip and new surroundings.

5. Think About Microchipping

Losing your pet would be a devastating experience. Thankfully, technology has come a long way. At your pre-trip check-up, talk to your vet about microchipping your pet. A microchip is about the size of a piece of rice and injected under the skin. The microchip comes with a registration number that can be read by using a scanning tool, which will then link to your information.

If your pet is already microchipped, make sure all your information is current. Check their tags to make sure everything is up-to-date as well.

6. Stop for Breaks

If your pet is used to a normal potty break and feeding routine, make sure to schedule your trip in such a way that will allow for the same breaks. It’s not ideal to feed your pet in a moving vehicle, so make it a point to stop during regular feeding times.

Before you venture out on your road trip, check online and see which rest stops along the way have dog walking areas. This will give your pup a break to stretch his legs.

7. Make Sure Your Pet Keeps His Head Inside

While it’s cute to see your dog stick his head out the window and take in all the fresh air, it’s not safe. Oncoming traffic or flying objects could injure him. It’s best for your dog to sit in a pet seat belt or a crate.

8. Protect them with Pet Insurance

Unexpected accidents and illnesses can happen at any time – and our dogs and cats aren’t exempt from this. Having pet insurance is like having a safety net for unexpected veterinary bills. It provides you with peace of mind that if the unexpected happens, you’re covered. Pet insurance has no networks, so you can seek treatment at any licensed veterinarian during your trip.