Being able to share your family vacation with your entire family, including your furry family members is important! As pet owners who have traveled with their pets know, traveling with pets can be both rewarding and challenging. Being prepared can help reduce any challenges you might face so that you can maximize the rewarding part of sharing your adventures with your favorite four legged friends! 

The Best BnB Host has compiled a short list of resources for you to help you plan your trip.

Finding lodging that will accommodate your pets is the first step! Whether or not to allow pets is always at the discretion of property owners so be sure to read the fine print about pets and associated parameters and fees. Stargazer Glamping Village is a pet friendly option that is centrally located and features a wide open area for walking your dog, crates you can use if you need to leave your dog at home while you visit any places that don’t allow dogs, and even dog treats! If you prefer a dog friendly Airbnb vacation, Stargazer Stays features pet friendly properties in the Smokies. Also consider a stay at a pet friendly pool cabin, Splashing Bear Lodge.

Enjoying The Smokies With Your Pet

Your plan to visit The Smokies likely includes spending time in the  Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, but must be kept on a leash at all times. If you are interested in hiking with your dogs, you need to know that they are only allowed on two walking paths: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains Pet Page for more details about enjoying the Great Smoky Mountains with your pets. 

Outside of the park, pet owners have plenty of options for their dogs to get some exercise while you enjoy the fresh air of the Smokies. Sevierville’s PetSafe Unleashed Dog Park has separate areas for small and large dogs, agility courses, shade, and wifi connectivity. Located along Old Mill Square in PIgeon Forge, Patriot Park offers a walking path, which takes you along the Little Pigeon River. Dogs are also welcome at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, home to the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America, the SkyLift, and their newest attraction, the SkyTrail.

If you are looking for a wet adventure with your pet, Smoky Mountain River Rat has  dog friendly policies for tubing! Visit their FAQ page for information about where and how you can give your dog the adventure of a lifetime! 

Planning a trip to Dollywood? While pets are not allowed at Dollywood, they do offer accommodations for dogs at Doggywood. Reservations are highly recommended and will guarantee that your dog enjoys his day while the rest of your family enjoys Dollywood. 

Looking to get a bite to eat while you are out enjoying the Smokies with your furry friend?

Sevierville has plenty of options for pet friendly vacation dining.

  • Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
  • Wear’s Valley Food Trucks
  • Buddy’s Bar-B-Q
  • The Casual Pint
  • Graze Burgers
  • To find a list of more restaurants, download the “Bring Fido” app

Pet Care in The Smokies

 As much as you prepare for your trip in advance, you may find yourself in need of some pet supplies or grooming. Here are a couple of options in Sevierville and Gatlinburg. 

104 Church St Sevierville, TN 37862

(865) 774-0170

  • Holly and Willow’s Pet Barn

170 Glades Rd Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 277-7712

  • Pet Sense

            699 Parkway

            Sevierville, TN 37862

            (865) 908-4800

  •  Pet Smart

             713 Winnfield Dunn Pkwy #1

             Sevierville, TN 37862

             (865) 868-3420        

If you should find yourself in need of veterinary services, there are two emergency veterinarians located in Sevierville. 

Address: 302 Middle Creek Road, Sevierville, TN 37862

Telephone: (865) 453-9346

Address: 104 South Boulevard, Sevierville, TN  37862

Telephone: (865) 428-0190

Visiting the Smokies can be the perfect family vacation for your entire family! Start by booking the perfect dog friendly Airbnb or glamping site and make a list of the adventures your pet can join you on. Make memories, enjoy the great outdoors, and be sure your furry family members are in all of the pictures!