Animals are easy to love, but they are not always easy to travel with. This is especially true for pretty much any non-dog animal. With that in mind, we have compiled some destinations for animal lovers.
Whether you go to these destinations specifically for furry friends or they are just stops along the way, these places are worth a visit. Traveling to Canada for Woofstock may seem silly to your friends, but your pup won’t judge. Bring him or her along to be a part of the fun. For the equestrian enthusiasts out there, see the beauty and splendor of the untamed herds of mustangs in North Carolina.
Don’t worry cat-lovers; we have you covered as well with an island in Japan that has more felines than humans. And who wouldn’t want that? Get ready to pack your bags…and don’t forget a lint roller!
Outer Banks Of North Carolina
Southlake is home to plenty of horse lovers, so whether you are one or know one, keep reading for one of the best equine-centered vacations in America. In the Outer Banks of North Carolina, wild mustangs, believed to have descended from Spanish mustangs brought over by early explorers, freely roam.
Although they are a coveted sight for tourists, it is illegal to pet, feed or come within 50 feet of the majestic creatures. However, you are free to admire from a distance, and there are plenty of tour companies that will take you within photo range, all while giving a history lesson of the area and its resident untamed herds. The horses tend to stick to areas requiring four-wheel drive, so if you’d rather stay on the beaten path, the Wild Horse Museum in Historic Corolla Village will educate you on everything you ever wanted to know about wild Spanish Mustangs.
It is free and open year-round, so bring the whole family whenever! During the summer, the museum also sponsors children’s activities, including live visits and rides with tamed mustangs. VisitCurrituck.com
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Self-proclaimed as the largest outdoor festival for dogs in North America, Woofstock should be on every dog-lover’s bucket list. This year will mark 16 years since the festival’s beginning at Toronto’s Distillery District. In that time, it has outgrown two locations and is now celebrating five years at Woodbrine Park.
Typically held at the end of May to early June, Woofstock is the perfect excuse to see if your pup has what it takes to win the crown of Ms. or Mr. Canine Canada. The event also features speaker series, the Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show, plenty of vendors to shop at, doga (dog-yoga), a fashion show and so much more. The Doggie Play Zone allows your furry friends to play off-leash to their heart’s content.
Expect to see some familiar faces, too. Last year, social media famous dogs such as Doug the Pug and Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund were among the attendees of Woofstock. Schedules haven’t been released for the upcoming Woofstock yet, but star power is not uncommon among the festival-going pups. It’s a pooch paradise to say the least. Woofstock.ca
Tashirojima Island, Ishinomaki, Japan
Originally brought to the island as pest control around silkworm farms, cats have now laid claim to the Japanese island of Tashirojima, outnumbering humans four to one. It may surprise non-cat lovers to find that despite their overwhelming numbers, the cats are cared for and revered by the island’s human residents.
A centuries old belief that cats would bring the island’s fishermen good luck resulted in a small, cat-sized Cat Shrine located at the center of the island. To get to the cat-haven, tourists must take a one-hour ferry ride from central Ishinomaki. Once there, be advised there is not much in place to accommodate tourists.
There are no restaurants and there are very few shops and public bathrooms. It may be in your best interests to make a day trip out of it and enjoy the rest that Japan has to offer once you’ve had your fill of feline fun. Japan-Guide.com