Before you set out on a trip with your dog, you should gather all the information you can about possible hotels, motels, or bed and breakfasts at your destination. Currently there are 65 million dog owners in the US and approximately 19% take their pets with them when they travel. According to AAA, more than 13,000 hotels nationwide are now pet friendly.
Some hotels require the owner to sign an agreement to pay for any damage that the dog may do, while others require a refundable damage deposit. The larger hotel chains won't charge extra for the pets stay, while others charge $10.00 to $50.00 extra per pet per day, so it pays to shop around. Most of the hotels surveyed prefer smaller dogs, (less than 30 pounds), but many have no weight limit, so again, do your homework before you go.
The list of amenities for pets is growing, especially in the larger hotel chains. A short list includes, "doggie daycare", walking services, pet play areas, grooming services including "pawdicures", and even special pet menus that include foods prepared by the hotels chef, served in a special doggie bowl, placemat, bottled water, and a complimentary chew toy.
You can do much to make your dog popular with the management. Inquire at the time you register where you can take him for a walk and all pet policies that apply. The following tips can make the difference between being invited back and being asked to leave:
-Be respectful toward other guests and always keep your pet on a leash when you leave your hotel room -Keep identification on your pet, and some hotels require proof of vaccinations. -After walking your pet always clean up after him -Keep your pet contained in the bathroom or in a crate if he is left alone in the room -Always take your pets personal items such as his food bowl, chew toys, bed or blanket to help him in strange surroundings -Avoid messes on the carpet by having your pet eat in the bathroom
Most dogs are excellent travelers, better behaved than some children. The strange environments and experiences will make your pet feel more dependent on you. He will stick closer to you and obey you more promptly than he does at home. So the responsibility for his good behavior rests on your shoulders. You will have no problems if you simply anticipate your dog's needs and provide for them.
1. After checking in, take your dog for a short walk around the grounds, going back to your room several times. Your dog will leave a scent trail and feel more comfortable in the strange surroundings. Go down the hall, up the stairs, out the front entrance of the hotel and down to the pool. Go out to the parking lot and then back to your room. Your dog is curious about its environment just like you are.
2. Whenever you take your dog outside your room carry a small spray bottle of cleaner, a few paper towels and of course plastic bags for cleanup, a bottle of hand disinfectant is a good idea as well. You can pack this in a fanny pack to be less conspicuous. Always take it with you, if you don't, you can be sure that's the one time your puppy pal will go potty. If that happens don't scold your dog, just calmly clean up the mess. Dogs are trained to go outside and they don't know that the hotel landscaping is off limits for example.
3. Never leave your dog in the hotel room alone, even if it's crated, or otherwise restrained. The dog may not be able to destroy anything in the room if it's confined but it can bark and howl. And that's exactly what the dog will do when separated from its family. Dogs are pack animals and don't want to be left in a strange place without its' pack members and that's you. Most dog friendly hotels insist that dogs are not left in the room alone. Don't be tempted to run out even for five minutes. If you need ice put your dog on the leash and take him with you to get the ice.
4. Even if your dog is well trained to walk with you off leash, keep him/her on the leash at all times. Most cities have leash laws. And just as importantly it's common courtesy to the other guests. It's hard to believe but not everyone loves dogs. Small children can be easily frightened by dogs, even if your dog has the sweetest nature, the child doesn't know that. Keep in mind your dog is out of its element and may be frightened. Frightened dogs may have a tendency to defend themselves against strangers, even if they don't at home.
5. Pack an extra leash. It's a good idea to leave a leash and collar in the car's glove compartment too. If it's time for a potty break it's not the time to go frantically looking for Rover's leash. If you misplace the leash or forget it you'll always have a spare.
6. Know where the dog is when you open the hotel room door. If you're in the room but your children or your significant other is outside the room, ask them to open the door slowly and careful and block the opening with their body until they know where the dog is.
There are many great dog friendly hotels. You and your dog can have a great vacation.
Both Randy Jones & Dee Power are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Randy Jones has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Dogs and Pets. Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can shop for the latest