If you’re planning an upcoming trip to Asheville, NC, you may already be aware of just how pet-friendly Asheville surrounding Western North Carolina can be! In Asheville, the mountains meet southern charm, and your furry friends are always welcome to join in on the adventure. Whether you’re a pet owner seeking a getaway that includes your beloved companion or a family looking for a pet-friendly destination, Asheville offers a plethora of options to ensure a memorable vacation for both you and your four-legged friend. In this guide, we’ll delve into the top 10 essential tips for planning a pet-friendly vacation in Asheville, covering everything from accommodations to outdoor activities and more.
About Asheville, NC & Weaverville, NC
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville boasts a vibrant arts scene, rich history, and breathtaking natural landscapes. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views awaiting exploration. But what sets Asheville and surrounding WNC apart from other vacation destinations in the South is the area’s welcoming attitude towards pets. From pet-friendly hotels and restaurants to numerous parks and outdoor attractions, Asheville goes above and beyond to accommodate furry travelers.
Just 10 minutes North of Downtown Asheville is the quaint town of Weaverville, NC. If you’re looking for a balance of proximity to all that Asheville has to offer with the solitude and slower pace of a historic Southern town, Weaverville is the perfect location for your getaway. Our
Why Choose Asheville or Weaverville for a Pet-Friendly Vacation?
Asheville’s commitment to pet-friendliness makes it an ideal destination for travelers who prefer not to leave their pets behind. With an abundance of pet-friendly accommodations, dining options, and outdoor activities, you can enjoy all the city has to offer without worrying about leaving your furry companion at home.
In fact, Asheville is so pet-friendly, that Explore Asheville (our local tourism and visitor’s bureau) has an entire section of their website, dedicated to all-things pet-friendly in our area.
Choosing the Best Time to Visit Asheville with Your Pet
Asheville is heralded for it’s four unique Seasons, and the largely temperate climate. Each season has it’s own benefits and considerations when traveling with a pet.
Spring: Mid to Late Spring may be one of the best time to visit Asheville with a pet. The temperatures are warm but not hot, and most outdoor activities which may have closed during the Winter are accessible again. We can’t mention Spring in Asheville without mentioning Spring at Biltmore, where an amazing show of Spring blooms can be found throughout the beautiful Estate (and your pets are welcome!).
Summer: Summer is a beautiful time to visit Asheville, and the cooler mountain air can be a respite from the stifling heat elsewhere throughout the Country. Asheville is heralded for its temperate climate and cool mountain Summers, but even here the Summer temperatures can be overly warm for your pets if you plan to include them in outdoor activities. As a good rule of thumb: if you plan to do more town and city exploring, consider visiting in the Spring and Fall, when temperatures are more mild. If you plan to do more outdoor adventuring, especially high in the mountains – temperatures may be as much as 10-15 degrees cooler the higher you trek into the mountains – your pet will likely still be comfortable (and perhaps enjoy a paddle in a cool mountain stream).
Fall: Fall is perhaps one of the most beautiful and most-sought after time to visit Asheville throughout the year. With the leaves putting on a dazzling show of yellow, orange, and red, the outdoor activities are beautiful and limitless, and the temperatures are likely to be near-perfect. Asheville and the surrounding WNC towns also host lots of Fall-time outdoor festivals where pets are often welcome. One thing to keep in mind if you’re traveling to Asheville in the Fall: it may be a bit more crowded, so if you want to include your pet in your activities and they’re easily overwhelmed by crowds or noise, plan ahead!
Winter: Winter in Asheville is always a Season of surprises. Early Winter tends to be mild, while some of WNC’s largest snows tend to take place in the very late Winter or Early Spring. When traveling with a pet, you’ll want to factor your location in, depending on the type of trip you’re looking for. If you’re looking for snowy-getaway, look North into the Tennessee border counties, where they’re likely to see accumulating snow regularly throughout the Season. If you’re hoping to explore the city of Asheville or the surrounding quaint towns like Weaverville, you’re likely to see mild temperatures, along with a fewer tourists.
Researching Pet-Friendly Accommodations & Travel
Before booking your accommodations, research pet-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds in Asheville. Look for places that offer pet amenities such as designated pet areas, pet beds, and bowls.
Ideally, you want to find a location that doesn’t just tolerate your pet, but instead welcomes them as a wholistic part of your stay. That’s our philosophy here at Well-Bred Luxury Lodgings – all of our properties are pet-friendly, and designed with pet accommodations in mind. For your pets, we have all of the basic essentials, plus unique play areas, tasty doggie treats, and warm puppy blankets. And for you, we include everything you expect, such as high-speed internet, smart TVs, and well-appointed kitchens.
Check out our Pet-Friendly Asheville and Weaverville Accommodations Here!
Here are a few things to keep in mind, while you plan for your pet-friendly accommodations:
- Budgeting
Some properties may require additional pet fees. When you’re looking at properties, always ask to be sure you understand their pet policies and whether any pet fees may apply. At Well-Bred Luxury Lodgings, pet fees are discounted for smaller dogs and weekly stays. For repeat guests who book directly with us, pet fees may be reduced or waived.
Aside from pet fees, be sure to factor in expenses for pet supplies, food, and any veterinary care your pet may need while on vacation. - Planning Transportation for Your Pet:
If traveling by car, ensure your pet is safely secured in a crate or with a seatbelt harness. If flying, familiarize yourself with airline pet policies and requirements well in advance. - Preparing Your Pet for Travel:
Visit your veterinarian before traveling to ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and is healthy enough for travel. Pack familiar items such as toys, blankets, and treats to help your pet feel more comfortable during the journey. In the event of an emergency, Asheville has wonderful veterinarians available 24/7 at MedVet, and VEG. Many of our lodgings are located in Weaverville, which also has wonderful urgent care for dogs available Monday through Thursday from 12PM – 10PM at Appalachian Animal Hospital.
Exploring Asheville with Your Pet
- Pet-Friendly Activities and Attractions in Asheville
Asheville offers a variety of pet-friendly attractions, including the Biltmore Estate, Asheville Urban Trail, and botanical gardens. There are numerous exhaustive lists of pet-friendly attractions in Asheville -start with Explore Asheville’s Guide, and this list by Romantic Asheville.
Asheville is more pet-friendly than not – and most places try to share their pet accommodations clearly online. If you’re thinking of visiting a location in Asheville, check their website first, and you’ll likely find their pet policy. - Hiking Trails and Parks That Allow Pets:
Hit the trails with your furry companion and explore the countless hiking trails and parks in and around Asheville. Popular pet-friendly hiking spots include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and Chimney Rock State Park.
For a more complete list of pet-friendly trails and parks, visit this guide. - Dog-Friendly Breweries and Restaurants:
Visit any brewery or restaurant in Asheville, and you’re likely to see a collection of parties dining outdoors, with their furry friends relaxing by their tables. Many breweries and restaurants in Asheville welcome pets on their outdoor patios, making it easy to take in Asheville’s acclaimed food and beverage scene, without leaving your pets at home.
Check out this guide to see a running list of pet-friendly restaurants and this guide for pet-friendly breweries. - Pet-Friendly Shopping Options:
Explore Asheville’s eclectic shops and boutiques with your pet in tow. Many stores allow well-behaved pets to accompany their owners while browsing.
Check out this guide for a list of the known pet-friendly stores in Asheville. - Tips for Exploring Asheville with Your Pet:
Be mindful of your pet’s comfort and well-being during your adventures. Keep them hydrated, watch for signs of overheating, and always come prepared with clean up bags. Most shops, restaurants and breweries will have water bowls for pets, but we recommend carrying a water bottle of cool, clean water and a collapsible folding bowl, so your pet can have a drink anytime they may need. If you haven’t traveled extensively with your pet before your visit to Asheville, do a “test-run” at home to see how they react to being in crowds, and in close proximity to other pets.
There are numerous doggy daycares throughout Asheville and Weaverville that may be the perfect solution if your pet isn’t comfortable in crowded spaces, or if you’re adventuring to a location or event that doesn’t allow pets. In Weaverville, Appalachian Animal Hospital offers both doggy daycare and overnight boarding.
Keeping Your Pet Safe and Comfortable
- Finding Pet-Friendly Emergency Services in Asheville:
Familiarize yourself with local veterinary clinics and emergency services in case your pet requires medical attention during your stay. Asheville has innumerable amazing veterinarians, but not all of them are able to take appointments on weekends or evenings, or with non-established patients. Yelp has a helpful list of the best emergency vets in Asheville – all of whom should be available in the event of an emergency. Many of our lodgings are located in Weaverville, which also has wonderful urgent care for dogs available Monday through Thursday from 12PM – 10PM at Appalachian Animal Hospital. - Packing Essential Items for Your Pet:
Don’t forget to pack essentials such as food, water, medications, leashes, and waste disposal bags for your pet’s comfort and safety. Keep in mind that, just like you, your dog may be partaking in activities outside of their normal routine while you’re in Asheville – like exercising more, swimming, and perhaps being exposed to other pets more than usual. It’s a good idea to pack a few “just in case items”, like ear-drops, and tummy medicines, since their routine will be out of the ordinary. Your pet is likely to need additional rest from all of their adventures and just from being in an usual space, so factor in time for them recover. - Dealing with Extreme Weather Conditions:
While Asheville’s climate is notoriously temperate, it can also quickly fluctuate. In the early Spring, it’s not usual to have low 40 degree mornings, with low 80 degree afternoons. Be prepared for fluctuating weather conditions, and pack appropriate gear to keep your pet comfortable in any weather. - Tips for Keeping Your Pet Comfortable in a New Environment:
Help your pet adjust to their new surroundings by maintaining their routine as much as possible and providing familiar items from home. Never switch a dog to new dog food while they’re traveling, or immediately before you plan to travel with your pet. New food can cause stomach upset while they’re transitioning to the food, and the added excitement of travel can spell a very uncomfortable experience for them. If possible, bring the pet’s bed or crate, their own food, and a couple of toys that are familiar to them. If you walk your dog at the same time every day, try and take them for walk, even if just a brief one, to keep them in their routine. - Understanding Local Pet Laws and Regulations:
Familiarize yourself with local pet laws, such as leash ordinances and waste disposal regulations, to ensure a hassle-free experience while exploring Asheville with your pet. Because Asheville is such a pet-friendly location, you’re likely to run into lots of other travelers with their pets in tow. As such, everyone is expected to keep their pets on proper leashes, and to be aware of their own pet’s comforts and stresses, so they can quickly and appropriately address their dog’s behavior in the event of problematic dog-to-dog interaction.
As a good rule of thumb, you will see most dogs in Asheville wearing no-pull harnesses, combined with non-retractable leashes. This helps keep your pet comfortable, and closer to you while you adventure around Asheville.
Resources for Pet Owners
- Local Pet Stores and Groomers in Asheville & Weaverville:
Find pet supplies, grooming services, and expert advice at Asheville’s pet stores and grooming salons. Check out a list of excellent groomers in Asheville here, and excellent pet stores here. - Veterinary Services and Emergency Clinics:
In case of emergencies, know where to find veterinary services and 24-hour emergency clinics in Asheville. Here is a list of some of the best emergency veterinarians in WNC. - Pet-Friendly Events and Festivals in Asheville:
Check out pet-friendly events and festivals happening during your visit for even more fun with your furry friend. - Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services:
If you need pet care assistance during your vacation, consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker in Asheville. - Online Resources for Pet Owners:
Explore online resources and forums for pet owners for tips, advice, and recommendations from fellow travelers.
Asheville and Weaverville welcomes you and your furry companion with open arms, promising a pet-friendly vacation filled with adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, sampling local cuisine, or simply enjoying each other’s company, Asheville offers something for every pet owner and animal lover. So pack your bags, leash up your pet, and get ready for the ultimate pet-friendly getaway in Asheville.
If you’re looking for pet-friendly accommodations, take a look at our offerings here.
