OkcPets Magazine March 2023

March / April 2023 • OKC Pets 17 Pet-Friendly Travel, Oklahoma City Style! Destinations Welcome Fur Babies by Heide Brandes I t’s not exactly a surprise that pet-friendly travel is one of the hottest trends, and the good news is that the hospitality industry and destinations are catching on. A new survey from Hilton showed that 55 percent of respondents who were pet owners planned to take their fur babies along on trips. The company’s No. 3 book- ing filter in 2021 was “pet friendly,” so the surge in pet-related travel shows that hu- man travelers want their pets to join them in adventures, vacations, and getaways. With nearly 23 million Americans acquiring a dog or cat since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the desire and demand for pet-friendly hotels, hangouts, resorts, and destinations means more choice locally and regionally for Oklahoma City residents who book vacations for spring break or summer. Get Out of Town If you and Scout are seeking an adventure a little farther away — let’s say someplace within a day’s drive — these regional desti- nations are putting out the welcome mat for human and animal guests. The Canebrake, Wagoner. The Cane- brake is within a couple of hours’ drive from Oklahoma City, but it feels a world away. A tucked-away, intimate resort and spa that promises luxury and fine dining, the Canebrake is a pet-friendly place to unwind among 300 acres of rolling hills with lake views just outside Wagoner. The Canebrake is touted as welcoming pets, and dogs are allowed to roam with their families on the miles of hiking trails, to tag along for fishing at the five ponds on the property, and to join in Sunset Guided Hikes on Saturday nights. But the Canebrake has a lot of fun stuff just for humans too, such as Zumba and yoga classes, saunas, and an art gallery that showcases quality local art. For more information, visit https://cane- brake.net. Shangri-La Resort & Marina, Afton. Shangri-La Resort, on Monkey Island, offers a luxurious mix of indulgence and adventure, with premium amenities and attractions such an activity park, fine din- ing, a spa, stunning golf courses, pickleball courts, and plush accommodations. In addition to the Grand Lake golf courses, the resort also features TrackMan golf simulators that use state-of-the-art technol- ogy so you can play golf no matter what the weather is outside. Shangri-La is now pet friendly too. Pets are permitted in designated guest rooms for a $100 nonrefundable fee per room per stay or $150 for two pets. Only dogs weighing 50 pounds or less are allowed, however. Dogs can join the fun on the Grand Lawn north of the hotel and surrounding walking trails. Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur. If outdoor adventure is on tap for you and your pup, then a short trip south on Interstate 35 to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur takes you to one of the state’s most beautiful parks. With miles of hiking trails weaving through Oklahoma forests and wildlands, you and your dog can enjoy swimming in spring-fed waters, canoeing, and camping. All dogs must remain leashed, but the park allows you and your canine to explore the unique landscape and ecology of Oklahoma freely. Camping is also available. Gathering Place, Tulsa. This 66-acre public-space park was built in 2018 and