Undoubtedly, the worst part of any vacation—aside from its ending--is having to leave our animal friends behind. I am dreading spending a week away from my dog while I visit Florida this month. But did you know you can bring your pet to Walt Disney World? Of course, pets are not allowed in the parks, restaurants, or pool areas unless they are service animals. However, Walt Disney World has several pet-friendly options for your next trip to ensure you don’t have to go long without seeing your pet.

There are four Walt Disney World resorts that are participating in a pilot program and are currently providing pet-friendly accommodations for dog owners. Unfortunately, cats are not included at this time. These resorts include Disney’s Art of Animation, Disney’s Yacht Club, The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort, and Disney Port Orleans Resort-Riverside. At these resorts, you’ll find access to grassy areas to walk your dog and a welcome kit from Pluto upon your arrival. There is a maximum of two dogs per room, and they must be leashed (outside of your room) and up to date on all vaccines. If you are staying at one of these resorts and are allergic to dogs, don’t fret. Only certain areas are being used for these pet-friendly accommodations, so let a cast member know you would like to stay in a non-pet-friendly area.

If you can’t keep your pet at your desired hotel or are looking for a place for your pet to stay while you hit up the parks, check out Best Friends Pet Care. Best Friends Pet Care offers both overnight and daycare options. This is also a great amenity for locals who don’t want to leave their pet home for the day. Best Friends Pet Care opens one hour before the park opens and stays open one hour after the parks close.  The facility is located across from Disney's Port Orleans Resort- Riverside. You can choose to drop off and pick up your pet on the same day or have them stay overnight.

The overnight accommodations for dogs include four options. The VIP Luxury Suites are 226-square-foot suites that include 2 potty walks, 2 playgroups, a television, a webcam (so you can keep an eye on your furry friend), a bedtime story, and, if they stay longer than 3 days, a bath. The Vacation Villas are 72-square-foot suites that include one potty walk, playgroup time, a television, and a turndown biscuit. The Indoor/Outdoor Suite is a 32-to-48-square-foot suite that includes one potty walk. Finally, the Indoor Suite is a 36-square-foot suite that includes 2 potty walks. The overnight accommodations for cats consist of either a 2 or 4 level condo. You can add extra treats, playtimes, cuddle times, walks, or grooming at an additional charge. They can even watch small pets like birds, reptiles, and rodents. When it comes to small pets, you must provide their enclosure, and rates are based on the size of the enclosure. No primates or wild/venomous pets are allowed. Proof of vaccinations is also required for all pets.

Overnight and daycare accommodations aren’t the only thing Best Friends Pet Care offers. They also provide veterinary care. This includes wellness and preventative care including vaccinations. Unfortunately, you can never know when your pet may need to see a veterinarian, and if you are visiting Walt Disney World and need to seek care for your pet it is great that you have this option.

No one likes to leave their animal friends, and Walt Disney World is doing what it can to ensure your magical trip isn’t dampened by missing your pets.