If you dream of hit the road to explore the wonders of our magnificent province with your faithful Four-legged companion, you are exactly in the right place. We know how complex it can be to planning a vacation with your dog and to find a Gaspésie lodging Who warmly welcomes animals. This is why we are extremely proud to be a destination pets allowed par excellence. With us, family vacations naturally include your dog!
To celebrate our love for animals and accompany you in the vacation planning, we recently produced an exclusive podcast titled « The perfect dog-friendly road trip in Gaspésie »We warmly invite you to listen to it to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of your future vacation and get plenty of advice! This blog post is intended to be the perfect written complement to our podcast. Whether you want to admire the unmissable Percé Rock or stroll on the infinite beaches, here is our complete guide for an unforgettable stay. Our goal is not to discourage you with strict rules, but rather to guide you step-by-step so that the experience pet-friendly Gaspésie so it's fantastic for you, your pet, and our other visitors.
1. Preparation: Car safety, pet luggage, and insurance
One epic road trip and success begins long before you turn the ignition. Safety in your vehicle is paramount, both for you and your dog. Did you know that during sudden braking or an impact, your pet's weight is multiplied by 20? According to the Society of Automobile Insurance of Quebec (SAAQ), a dog must never obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with driving, or the driver may be fined 100 $. It is therefore strongly recommended to secure the dog with a safety harness, install a barrier or net, or place it in a transport crate that is securely fastened with a seat belt. Although it may be tempting to let the dog roam freely, Never let your pet stick its head out the window ; they expose themselves to serious injury from debris, insects, or vehicles that are too close. Instead, lower the windows moderately to offer them a safe breeze.
From a logistical standpoint, prepare a dedicated suitcase for your companion. Inside, pack his bowls, his usual food, waste bags, a short leash, and a 10-meter long lead to give him more freedom in open spaces. Do not change his diet abruptly for the trip; prepare his portions in advance to avoid upsetting his digestive system. If you feed your dog raw food (BARF), bring an excellent cooler or temporarily opt for simpler alternatives like home-cooked meals steamed. Don't forget a first-aid kit including disinfectant (chlorhexidine), compresses, wipes, a tick remover, and his medication. If he suffers from motion sickness, natural options like ginger pills or medications prescribed by your veterinarian (such as Cerenia) will work wonders for his nausea.
Finally, a quick administrative reminder: check with your homeowner's insurance that the presence of your dog is declared. Although our establishment is well-meaning, an animal can sometimes have unpredictable reactions in a new environment, and your homeowner's liability insurance will protect you in case of material damage or bodily injury caused to others.
On the road to Gaspésie: comfort and managing breaks
Driving towards the Gaspé Peninsula offers breathtaking scenery, but don't forget your dog needs to stretch its legs. It is highly recommended to take breaks every two hours.. Take the opportunity to walk him for about fifteen minutes, offer him fresh water, and let him relieve himself. These frequent stops will dissipate his excess energy and make him much calmer and more relaxed during the journey.
A vital golden rule for your stops: Never leave your pet alone in the car, especially during hot summer days. The temperature can skyrocket in a car's cabin, and heatstroke can be fatal in a very short time, even if your windows are cracked open. Plan your meal stops based on dog-friendly attractions and patios, or arrange for charming picnics in nature to include your dog in every happy moment.
3. Arriving at our motel: establishing reassuring landmarks
After hours on the road, you have finally arrived at the «En Route to Infinity» Motel» As an establishment proud to display the mention pets allowed, We've thought of everything to make your stay easier. With us, you're always near the exit doors. This greatly facilitates urgent sanitary needs!
Arriving in a motel room is a big event for a dog. For him, it's not just temporary lodging, it's an environment full of unknown smells, hallway noises, and a loss of bearings. To prevent him from barking and watching every movement, it is crucial to immediately install a «safe zone». As soon as you enter, set up his cushion, familiar blanket, and water bowl in a quiet corner. Choose a spot away from the front door and window to reduce his desire to guard. The primary objective is to quickly make him understand the following equation: new place = I have a base, I can settle down, I don't need to watch everything.
Don't let him frantically explore the un-crated room for 20 minutes at the risk of overstimulating him. Keep him close to you, and as soon as he lies down or stays calm for even two seconds, gently reward him with a small treat. The first 20 minutes are crucial for establishing a trusting relationship.
4. Knowing how to live, peace and quiet in the room, and respect for other vacationers
We are delighted to welcome you, and we count on your valuable collaboration to maintain a peaceful and serene atmosphere for all our guests. The key to excellent coexistence lies in your pet's comfort. Excessive barking is often linked to novelty and anxiety. If your dog tends to react to footsteps, move its bed away from the entrance door. You can also turn on the television or radio to create a soothing background noise which will effectively mask outside sounds.
If your dog is used to it at home, a travel crate is a fantastic tool for a motel. Introduced gently and positively (and never as punishment), the crate represents a secure «den» for your dog, a true cocoon. It offers the undeniable advantage of preventing destructive behavior when your back is turned, thus saving you unexpected expenses. However, if you have to leave the room and your dog cannot tolerate being alone, Don't leave him alone. A new environment often exacerbates separation anxiety, which can push an otherwise quiet dog to bark, cry, or act destructively out of distress. If you plan on activities that are not dog-friendly, make arrangements to use a local boarding service.
To ensure a good night's sleep for everyone – you, your dog, and your neighbors – nothing beats physical exercise! Before heading back to your room for the evening, treat your companion to a nice hike around Percé to allow him to spend his surplus energy. A tired and fulfilled dog is a happy and calm dog.
Finally, help us keep our accommodation units spotless. After a day of exploring, feel free to use a towel or a tool like the MudBuster to properly clean your dog's paws before crossing the threshold. And if your companion is used to climbing on furniture or sleeping with you, we simply ask that you’bring your own sheets or blankets from home to cover and protect our beds and armchairs. It's a small, simple gesture that makes a big difference for our maintenance team and allows us to continue offering you this service.
Now it's time to... join us with your best companion!
Organize an exceptional road trip with your dog requires a bit of organization, good equipment, and a touch of kindness, but the wonderful memories you'll create with him are well worth it! With a well-thought-out suitcase, regular breaks on the road, and a little comforting routine upon arrival in your room, your stay with us will be most relaxing.
Don't forget to go listen to our podcast « The perfect dog-friendly road trip in Gaspésie » for even more travel anecdotes and tips. At the Motel « On the road to infinity«Our entire team is very eager to meet you and give you the best experience pet-friendly Gaspésie Prepare your leashes, gather your treats, buckle up, and off to infinity!
