Being a considerate guest at a pet friendly hotel

Summertime is best and most popular time for family automobile travel. Unless your pet is a poor traveler, or your accommodations will not permit it, there is no reason to leave the family pet at home or in a kennel while you are away. Traveling with your pet is like being invited to someone's home. If you want to be invited back, then you need to be a considerate guest.

Occasionally we hear from a hotel, inn or b&b that will no longer accept pets. In almost every case it is because they had a bad experience with a traveling pet owner, and now we all have to be punished for the sins of one.

Making Your Hotel Reservation

Confirm with the hotel or motel or b&b in advance the size and type of pet who is coming along with you. A hotel may state that they are pet friendly but when you show up with a 100 pound dog you may find that they limit their guests to small pets. Also, a health certificate may be required by the hotel in order to certify that your pet does not have ticks or fleas or any diseases communicable to humans.

Many pet friendly hotels often do not include cats for a couple of reasons. Cats have claws and something called cat dander which some people are allergic to. Be sure to ask first before you book.

A pet friendly hotel may also accept ferrets, birds, even snakes, but be sure to ask first.

Request a ground floor room by the exit for easy access to the outside grounds.

Groom your pet before your travel. Not good to leave fleas or ticks behind.

Checking in at a Pet Friendly Hotel

Remind the desk clerk that you will have a pet in your room, and they need to notify the housekeepers. A hotel door hanger can be useful in ensuring that the housekeeper does not knock on your door and disturb your pet.

Inquire at the desk what areas of the hotel are appropriate for your pet. Also be familiar with the hotel's pet policy.

Leaving Your Pet Alone in the Room

Don't leave your pet alone in the room unless you are just going down to the lobby or the pool for a few minutes. Put up the door hangar or the Do Not Disturb sign on the door when you go out. If your dog is not accustomed to traveling, it is best not to leave them. A barking dog can be a major disturbance for others.

If you are going out to dinner or to a place that does not accept pets for the day, then you need to hire a pet sitter. They will either sit with your pet in your room or take it back to their house while you are gone. There are also many businesses that offer doggie day care. Be sure that your pet is up to date on all vaccinations to use these services.

Caring for Hotel Furnishings

If your pet likes to sit on the couch with you to watch TV, then put down a sheet or towel for it to lie on.

If you are traveling with a cat, put their litter tray in the bathroom for easy clean up.

If your pet does have an accident, carry plenty of paper towels with you.

Taking Your Pet for a Walk

Ask the hotel front desk for a recommendation on a good place to walk your pet. Research any pet friendly dog parks nearby. Take along not one, but two litter bags, and use them.

Keep your pet leashed at all times when outside your room on the premises.

Walk your pet often and always pick up after your pet. Many hotels will furnish bags for this purpose.

Not Everyone Loves Pets

When on the street, or in the hotel's common areas make sure your pet is securely leashed, and be aware that not everyone loves animals. Keep your pet close to you and do not allow them to approach others unless you are sure that both your dog and the other person (or animal) is comfortable with the meeting.

Remember that your dog is out of its environment and may be overly protective of you during this time. Unless you have socialized your pet, it is best to keep them away from other guests.

You and your pet can have a great time on your next vacation and still be considerate of your hotel, and the other people you come in contact with. Let's keep pet friendly hotels that way!

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