Dogs on Martha's Vineyard

Pets are like family and traveling with them is just another part of our lives. It has been recorded that nearly 85 million households in the United States own pets and the American Pet Products Association projected that in 2018, pet ownership will cost Americans over $72 billion. Incurring in costs is never an issue when we are talking about your four-legged best friend, so we decided we needed to share as much information about the island and how dog-friendly it is. Below, we’ve listed everything from dog-friendly transportation to the best trails to explore with your dog on Martha’s Vineyard. ​

The American Kennel Club has a few recommendations for traveling with your dog, which we think are great ideas:

• Health Checks. Bring your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup before going on an extended trip. Make sure all his vaccinations are up-to-date; take shot records with you. Health certifications are required for airline travel.
• To keep your dog healthy as you travel, bring along a supply of his regular food. Don’t forget bottled water and be sure to bring any medications he needs.
• Be prepared for an emergency. Find the number of the nearest 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital and program it into your cell phone, along with the office and emergency number for your regular veterinarian (in case the veterinarians need to speak with each other). That way, if there’s a situation where your dog needs medical attention, you are prepared with the necessary information on hand.

​Dog Friendly Transportation All of our ferries welcome pets, as do the buses and taxis. However, the buses have a policy that if a passenger who is already on the bus objects to the animal (because of allergies or other reasons), the animal and owner are asked to take the next bus. If the animal and owner are already on the bus, they may remain and the objecting passenger is asked to take another bus. The SSA’s Oak Bluffs terminal usually has a water bowl out front and the staff stocks dog treats at the ticket counter. For taxis, mention that you  are bringing a dog with you, in case there is an added fee for the dog.
Dog-Friendly Hotels on Martha’s Vineyard  Hotels on island have policies in regards to bringing pets (mostly dogs) into their premises, so always call to ask what the current policy is. The list below is current to May 2019 and depicts a list of hotels that will welcome and treat your dog as the king or queen she is. Some hotels offer special dog-friendly packages with goodies included, while others will have a dog bed and water bowl awaiting your arrival. Most reservations should be made via phone when bringing a dog.
 
Hob Knob Inn, has a package called Your Very Important Pet (V.I.P.) Package that includes a customized Crate Cushion, Nauti Knot chew toy, Red Sailor Stripe Collar, Hob Knob Water Pail and Hob Knob Food Bowl, and a V.I.P. Canvas Tote bag.
 
The hotel listed here also have pet-friendly rooms: Harbor View Hotel, Mansion House, and the Vineyard Square Hotel.  

​Dog-Friendly Restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard Per the health  code, restaurants aren’t allowed to have dogs inside the premises, but island restaurants will work around that and serve you and your dog outside on the porch or any patio area. This varies from restaurant to restaurant, but more than half of the do have water bowls for your furry fellow to quench its thirst on a hot summer day. Spots like La Choza has the usual water and treats, but also fresh  beef scraps if you ask nicely. Other spots like Rosewater Market in Edgartown, will have “dog parking” for your dog to wait for you, as well as water and treats.
 
Dog-Friendly Shops on Martha’s Vineyard So many shops on island welcome dogs to shop with them, or wait with treats and water outside, so a full list is almost impossible as more and more shops become dog-friendly on Martha’s Vineyard. Below is just a quick list of shops that either welcome dogs to shop with you and/or will have treats and water for your pup to rest and relax while you shop!
 
Good Dog Goods
Rockland Trust
Heidi White Gallery
Edgartown Paper Store
Backwater Trading Company
Leslie’s Pharmacy
Boys and Girls Second Hand Store
Craftworks
Lilly Pulitzer
Island Outfitters
Past and Presents
SBS Grain Store
Lululemon
Among the Flowers
Phillips Hardware
Lenox and Harvey
Rosewater Market
Rosewater Spirits
Fat Face Edgartown

Dog-Friendly Outdoors on Martha’s Vineyard (beach, parks, trails) Exploring the marvelous Mother Nature while on island is one of the best things about bringing your dog here! Below we’ve detailed some rules and regulations, so follow along. Essentially, most Sheriff's Meadow Foundation trails are open to dogs when leashed. The important rules are that all dogs must be leashed at all times, and that people must clean up after their dogs. Also, we have seasonal dog prohibitions due to nesting birds at the trails at Quansoo Farm, and on the beaches at Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary and Little Beach.
 
Pets are permitted on many of the beaches with restricted hours during the Summer season. Please contact the individual towns for specific information. The West Tisbury Farmers Market also permits dogs on leashes. Most of the Land Bank properties allow dogs but consult the Land Bank map for details about each location. Their Trade Wind Fields Preserve in Oak Bluffs is a 71-acre area where many dog owners meet for playtime with their pets. Leashed dogs are permitted in the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, a 5,143-acre preserve located in the middle of the Island. Please remember to watch for poison ivy and check your pet (and yourself) for ticks after a walk! 

Thanks to our dog model, Bauer, and to his mom Leah Fraumeni, for all the great photos!