7 Key Tips for traveling with your pets
When it comes to pet friendly lodging, it pays to find the right place. Sure, a lot of hotels say they’re pet friendly, but when you show up with your canine or feline family member – does the front desk actually give you a warm welcome? With just a little up-front effort (mostly, asking the right questions), you can select a hotel that is truly pet friendly.
1. Know that you have more chain options than ever
Luxury trends in pet friendly lodging and hotels have trickled down into chain establishments. There are many hotel chains across the nation – from economy to upscale – that are pet friendly and worry free.
2. Non-chain? Look for a proprietor who’s also a pet owner
Your best bet here is a bed-and-breakfast where it’s made explicit that the owner loves pets. If treats are provided, the owners show photos of their cats, or mention is made of “fenced acreage for your dog to run,” you’ve hit gold.
3. Check the number of pets allowed
Some pet friendly hotels will only allow you to bring one pet inside – but what if you’re traveling with two? “Pet friendly” doesn’t always means “friendly to multiple pets.”
4. “Pet friendly” is a variable term
Dogs are the pets most often welcomed, but only under certain weight limits. Some hotels aren’t quite as happy to host cats, rabbits and other small animals.
5. “Pet friendly” may actually mean “a few rooms only”
Some hotels only dedicate a few rooms, or smoking rooms, to people traveling with pets. This is why it’s so important to find a sincerely pet friendly hotel!
6. Ask if there’s a pet fee, and how it works
Some places will allow your pet to stay for free, but others will charge a per-night, per-pet or per-stay basis. Is it a fee, or a refundable deposit?
7. Double-check all policies and fees before checking in
The rates or rules may have changed since you booked the reservation. Perhaps there’s a cleaning fee, or a deposit. Make sure that everything is mutually understood.
Here is a great resource for Pet Travel if you are interested in reading more!
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7 Responses
Great post! very uaeful info
Debo Hobo, thanks for visiting our blog! Let me know what other things you think the blogosphere needs in terms of travel tips and advice since you’ve been doing this for a while!
Well written! We have 5 dogs and travel with three of them. (2 teacup chihuahua’s and a toy poodle)
I own a vacation rental business near Hot Springs Arkansas so of course it is pet friendly! Our guests are more than happy to pay the pet fee since pet friendly accommodations are hard to come by out here. We offer 5 wooded acres for their dogs to roam, and a 3×5 kennel is kept in the house in case they want to crate their pet while they are out and about. Proof of up-to-date shots and flea and tick treatment is needed in order to assure that everyone has a great stay. For more info. on our property, check out the website listed above. Thanks again.
Thanks Connie for your comment. Sounds like you have a wonderful dog-friendly place. I like the requirement of owners to show that they are responsible owners!
Cool, i think the concept of pet friendly travel is a good thing, my family and i had to leave our dog behind on so many trips, now its good to know that we can’t bring him along without pissing off the hotel manager. This concept would make family trips more complete. good stuff
Anyone know of any dog friendly beaches in Ormond Beach area FL. ?
I love my pet and spending time away from my pet would not be a vacation….thanks for posting key tips to traveling with your pet.