Pet-Friendly Travel

By Wendy Harman

The Island of Nantucket is a great place to get away with your pet. On top of the many enjoyable activities and beaches, the Island has a wonderfully casual and dog lovin' vibe.

Traveling With Your Pet
If you're planning to travel to Nantucket by ferry, you'll be glad to know that all of the ferry companies will allow you to bring your pet on board provided that it is leashed at all times and in designated areas only. What's more, pets travel for free!

Cape Air
This regional airline will allow you to bring your pet on board for just a $10.00 fee. Cape Air offers flights to Nantucket from Boston, New Bedford, Hyannis and Martha's Vineyard -- as well as Providence, Rhode Island. Advance reservations and arrangements are necessary for traveling with your pet on Cape Air.

Pet-Friendly Lodging
There are a myriad of pet-friendly accommodations on Nantucket ranging from hotels and inns to private vacation homes and cottages. Destination Insider - Nantucket includes an overview of Nantucket pet-friendly hotels and inns on their website. You can also contact their Travel Office (508.696.3900) for assistance if you are looking for private vacation homes or cottages that will accommodate your pet.

Pet-Friendly Outdoor Restaurants

Espresso To Go
1 Toombs Court, Nantucket * (508)228.6930
This great cafe serves a variety of basked goodslike muffins, cookies and coffee cakes. In addition, they offer an extensive array of deli sandwiches, salads, pasta and pizza.

Henry's Sandwich Shop
2 Broad Street, Nantucket * (508) 228.012
This favorite Island establishment is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables.

Something Natural
50 Cliff Road, Nantucket
This restaurant serves healthy food. Dogs are allowed at the outdoor tables.

Pet-Friendly Shopping
Here are some favorite pet-friendly or related shops and markets which may be fun to visit during your stay:

Cold Noses This exclusive Nantuckt boutique, located on Straight Wharf, features a variety of apparel, gifts and more for dogs and cats.

Sandy Paws Of Nantucket (20 Centre Street, Nantucket) You'll find a treaure of "must have" dog treats at Sandy Paws. Some island dog favorites are red lobster-shaped dog biscuits and other nautical-inspired creations.

The Black Dog General Store
A visit to the Black Dog General Store on Nantucket is the ideal place to outfit yourself and canine companion with a classic Black Dog print bandanna or an iconc t-shirt.

Pet-Friendly Nantucket Beaches
Dogs are allowed on Nantucket beaches that have lifeguards before 9:00 a.m. and/or after 5:00 p.m. daily in season. If there is no lifeguard stationed at a beach, dogs are welcome any time of day. During the off-season, dogs are allowed all day on beaches. Please note the pets are required to be leashed at all times and owners are responsible to remove all pet waste from the beach.

Pet-Friendly Walking & Hiking Trails
Nantucket offers dozens of walking and hiking opportunities most of which can be enjoyed with your pet (leashed). Some of my favorites are Sanford Farm (off Madaket Road with 15 miles of trails over 1,000 acres). Sandord Farm is adjacent to two other properties: Squam Farm (off Quidney Road) and Squam Swamp (off Wauwinet Road).

NOTE: The Trustees of Reservations properties are wildlife refuges and are therefore NOT pet-friendly (this includes Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge).