Pet Travel is Trendy, But Is the Caribbean Finally Dog-Friendly?
As a Grenadian American, I am certainly biased when it comes to my dynamic, powerhouse island. Despite being diminutive in size, there is no shortage of things to do, to see and to taste on the island of Grenada. The people are the most kind and welcoming. The stunning beaches and mountainous countryside will literally take your breath away. And add to that the fact that I have wonderful family members there, and you’ve got my recipe for the perfect island getaway.
Now that I’m a pet owner, visiting my relatives on the island often mean taking shorter trips so that I can get home to my pup, Ayzel. This is especially challenging during the holidays. Like so many pet moms and dads, I consider Ayzel to be a member of my family. And I want to make sure that she has opportunities to meet the rest of the fam and of course, to enjoy these special occasions with me. So I decided to take action: I did the research, booked a flight and brought my favorite pup with me to my favorite island to meet her fam.
Getting Your Dog to Grenada
The protocol for getting your pup to and from the island will vary according to your country of origin. If you live in the United States, you can go to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website to find the rules that are most applicable for you. Keep in mind that it will likely involve both an examination by a certified veterinarian and vaccination(s).
Where to Stay With Your Pup
For this article, I partnered with the True Blue Bay Boutique Resort in St. George’s, Grenada, conveniently located a short distance from the airport. The boutique hotel welcomes dogs to its beautiful and sprawling 62-room/suite/villa property. Dog owners are expected to make a refundable $150 USD pet deposit, which is returned in full if there is no damage to the room.
In our spacious room, Ayzel enjoyed a dog bed as well as a dog bowl. We also had an ample front patio with cushions and furniture that allowed us to lounge comfortably during the day or evening. Immediately across from our room was the Bayview Pool. It is the only pool on the premises that welcomes dogs to jump right in for a swim! I consider this to be incredibly unique and dog-friendly feature as most resorts — in my experience — do not even allow dogs to enter amenity spaces let alone, swim in them.
The puppy privileges do not stop there. Ayzel was also welcomed throughout the True Blue Bay Resort grounds, including the buffet breakfast in the morning, the Rum Shop for cocktails in the afternoon, and the sitting area at all of the other pools on the resort.
Beach Day With Your Pup
Dogs are allowed on beaches, which makes it an ideal way to spend quality time with your pup while soaking up the glorious Grenada sun. While beaching, be wary of the stray dogs however, that frequently roam and forage on the beach. To avoid any unnecessary drama with them, or with fellow beachgoers, I recommend keeping your dog leashed or in your arms (depending on its size). Should you decide to bring your dog into the water, I recommend bringing a doggie life vest given the powerful ocean waves on some of the larger beaches.
Where Else to Bring Your Pup on the Island
Grenada is a stunning island with so many picturesque beachfront, dining al fresco situations. There should be a myriad of dog-friendly options. But culturally speaking, Grenada is not quite ready to let the dog have its day. One of my favorite beach side eateries is Umbrellas (I mentioned it in my remote work travel article). There you can find ample outdoor tables and scenic views of the island’s world-renowned Grand Anse Beach. I headed there with my Uncle and my pup one evening for a quick bite and some catch-up time. To my surprise, we were met at the door however, with a “no dog policy” sign. After inquiring further, it was confirmed that dogs were not even permitted at the outdoor tables and this exclusion includes service animals. No dogs allowed. Period.
We had most of our meals at Dodgy Dock, the main restaurant at True Blue Bay Boutique Resort. The open, airy restaurant space allows for plenty of island breeze and gives you a front row view of the hotel’s marina. Like the hotel, the restaurant is pet friendly. In the evenings, Ayzel and I enjoyed the steel band drums with our dinner. And she was also welcome to sit with me during the breakfast buffet each morning.
We also enjoyed La Plywood Café on BBC Beach, one of my favorite beaches on the island (also located in St. George’s). While at the café, Ayzel was given a bowl of water while I enjoyed a sweet rum concoction, soca tunes, and the waves crashing mightily against the surf. It was, in a word, heavenly. Being able to enjoy the experience with my pup was a true paradise.
Family Visits and Traveling By Car
A strictly imposed no-dog policy doesn’t just extend to restaurants. If you are going to visit local family and friends, your default assumption should be that your furry friend will not be permitted inside the home. My own family members, for example, have dogs themselves but do not allow them to live inside. They do not treat guest dogs any differently. There are verandas in the front of most homes in Grenada — you can expect to position Fido there for the duration of your house visit. Bring a water bowl with you for hydration and a chew toy to keep your pup occupied. And on the veranda, find a shady spot — outside of the sun’s reach, if at all possible. Given Grenada’s proximity to the Equator, the sun can be intense and create sweltering conditions for your pup.
Another important note is that the island’s roadways are incredibly narrow and bumpy. There are steep hills and patchy roads galore. As a result, the drives were a bit traumatic for Ayzel (more so than the 4-hour plane ride to the itself). In the future, I may give her some Benadryl for the longer drives in the mountains of St. David’s to visit my family. If you have a dog who gets anxious during car travel, you may consider doing the same, for island drives.
If you love travel, style and the culture, you can follow the writer on Instagram or TikTok at @culturebykaren.
