Bring Your Pets to Play in Annapolis

 Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau Invites Travelers to Bring Your Pets to Play in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County during National Tourism Week

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND—The Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (AAACCVB) invites pet lovers to Bring Your Pets to Play in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County during National Tourism Week May 7-15. Recognizing the fact that 49-percent of U.S. adult leisure travelers consider pets to be a part of the family, and 18-percent of this same group usually take their pets with them when they travel, the AAACCVB will help to make traveling with four-legged friends in tow more enjoyable than ever during National Tourism Week. 

Ranked the 13th most dog-friendly city in the nation by Dog Fancy Magazine, Annapolis became even more pet friendly with the passage of the Dining Out Growth Act of 2011. The legislation allows patrons to bring their dogs with them when they dine in the outside eating areas of Maryland restaurants. 

AAACCVB President and CEO Connie Del Signore says it is fitting that Annapolis roll out the red carpet for its four-legged friends during National Tourism Week. “We welcome pets to Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay, and we’ll be spreading the word in a special way with events, contests, giveaways, and activities that thank pet owners for choosing our destination.” 

The AAACCVB will be celebrating resident and visiting furry friends throughout the month of May. Visitors to the organization’s www.VisitAnnapolis.org homepage will gain immediate access to information about accommodations, attractions, restaurants, retail outlets, parks, trails, deals, and specials that cater to pets and their humans. The site will also carry information about SPCA pet adoption options and provide details about the AAACCVB’s May 7-15 Pet Photo Contest. Individuals will be invited to upload photos of their pet to the organization’s Facebook page. Facebook friends will vote for the winner. The prize includes a Woofie Weekend overnight stay at Loews Annapolis and a Paws Pet Boutique gift basket. 

Westfield Annapolis Mall will help to officially kick off National Tourism Week with a private cocktail reception outside of the Stoney River Legendary Steaks atrium on Monday, May 9, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Maryland Speaker of the House Michael Busch, Maryland Office of Tourism Executive Director Margot Amelia, Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold, and Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen have been invited to join Westfield Annapolis General Manager Patrick Madden, AAACCVB Board Chairman James LoBosco, and Del Signore in ushering in the week before a gathering of invited guests. At the same time, an Anne Arundel County SPCA mobile unit will be stationed in the Stoney River parking lot with pets for adoption. 

Throughout National Tourism Week, pet owners are invited to stop by the AAACCVB’s 26 West Street Visitors Center to pick up doggy treats provided compliments of Paws Pet Boutique and bandanas sponsored by Peppers. 

The weeklong festivities will wrap up with a Celebration of Canines Walk organized by Paws on Sunday, May 15, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Led by three eCruisers, owners and their pets will process from the store at 64 State Circle to the Loews Annapolis Hotel at 126 West Street for a wrap up party on the patio. 

Prior to the parade, Paws will sponsor an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen testing in its back courtyard to benefit Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Paws will also host a Celebration of Canines pre-walk party benefiting the SPCA of Anne Arundel County from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Pet owners are invited to bring their pups to enjoy in-store specials and raffle prizes. Dogs will receive a complimentary bandana and their owners will receive pick-up bags for use during the walk. Individuals who want to join in the fun, but who can’t walk the distance, are invited to hop aboard a dog-friendly eCruiser. 

The U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution establishing National Tourism Week in 1983. Celebrated annually since 1984, the week is designed to draw attention to the vital role that tourism plays in the nation’s economy. 

The AAACCVB is a nonprofit, membership-based, destination marketing organization that generates revenues for the local economy by promoting Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to leisure and business travelers across the country and around the world. 

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