by Heide Brandes
It’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 booking filter in 2021 was “pet friendly,” so the surge in pet-related travel shows that human 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 mean more choice locally and regionally for Tulsans 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 destinations are putting out the welcome mat for human and animal guests.
The Canebrake, Wagoner. The Canebrake is only a 47-mile drive from Tulsa, 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://canebrake.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 dining, 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 technology 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.
Colcord Hotel, Oklahoma City. Just a 90-minute drive from Tulsa, Oklahoma City has plenty of adventurous getaways for visitors. Besides catching an Oklahoma City Thunder game or a concert at Paycom Center, you can escape to a rain forest at Myriad Botanical Gardens, take to the white water or slopes at Riversport Rapids & Adventures, or get trippy at Factory Obscura arts collective, which features avant-garde immersive installations.
For those who look for a luxurious stay with pets in tow, the Colcord Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City gladly accepts as many as two dogs per room weighing as much as 50 pounds each for a fee of $75 per stay. Originally built as Oklahoma City’s first skyscraper in 1910, the Colcord has been completely upgraded with modern amenities while preserving and showcasing unique architectural elements such as marble columns and nickel-and-bronze elevator doors.
21c Museum Hotel, Oklahoma City.
Part boutique hotel and part art gallery, the 21c Museum Hotel has become a destination spot in itself. Close to Jones Assembly, Scissortail Park, Paycom Center, and other
downtown attractions, 21c welcomes pets of any size for an additional fee of $75 per stay. Dogs and cats are allowed, and well-behaved pets may be left unattended in rooms. Treats are available. A grassy area one block from the property is available for pet relief.
Bar K, Oklahoma City. Bar K, Oklahoma City’s newest dog-friendly establishment, is a playground for humans and their furry friends, offering food, cocktails, plenty of play space, live music, special events, and more. Located in Oklahoma City’s Boathouse District, the new bar, coffeehouse, dog park, and dog-friendly establishment
offer more than two acres of outdoor play space for dogs while their humans gather over a tall pint of beer or a vodka tonic.
Tulsa Staycations
Tulsa has plenty of options to make staying local feel like an adventure. From the Gathering Place outdoor area to worldclass museums to music venues, Tulsa is a thriving city of arts, culture, and outdoor recreation.
River Parks. Along the shores of the Arkansas River in Tulsa, River Parks has more than 26 miles of walking trails filled with sculptures, natural areas, fountains, and play areas. But it’s not the only wild experience to explore in Tulsa. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area offers 45 miles of trails for rugged hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. Just remember that all dogs must remain leashed at all of Tulsa’s city parks.
Pet-friendly restaurants and breweries. Tulsa has plenty of pet-friendly patios to enjoy. Although most of those locations allow animals only on the patio, it’s easy to find a place to eat, drink, and be merry with your companion. Breweries such as Dead Armadillo Craft Brewing, Cabin Boys Brewery, and Pearl Beach Brew Pub have dog-friendly patios, as do eateries including McNellie’s Pub, R Bar & Grill, and Triangle Coffee Roasters. Gathering Place. This 66-acre public-space park was built in 2018 and was voted USA Today’s best new attraction in 2019 and best city park in 2021. Filled with art, sculpture, free classes, and events, the Gathering Place has multiple unique playgrounds, exploration areas, and stimulating artwork. Pets are allowed on leash at the Midland Valley and riverfront trails daily, but only service animals are allowed in park buildings and play areas. Ambassador Hotel Tulsa. Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the Ambassador Hotel Tulsa offers sophisticated luxury just south of the hopping downtown area. Rooms are large and luxurious. Free shuttle service take visitors to iconic places such as the BOK Center, Cain’s Ballroom, and Cox Business Convention Center. The hotel welcomes two pets who weigh as much as 35 pounds each for an additional fee of $50 per stay. Dogs and cats are accepted, but cats must be crated.
