We love the company of our dogs – and sometimes that can mean that saying goodbye (even if it is for a little while) can be really difficult. But many people simply don’t travel with their dogs due to the fact that finding a dog-friendly hotel can be frustrating – and represent a real inconvenience. This finding was based on a survey in Nature’s Recipe, revealed that this was the opinion of 50% of the respondents.
Overnighting at a Hotel with your Dog
it’s true that overnighting with your dog can present a number of challenges. In order to make planning an overnight trip that much easier, here are 8 tips that will assist you as far as hotel stays and identifying dog-friendly properties are concerned.
For instance, if you’re looking for a dog-friendly hotel near me, consider using hotel search engines and websites that specialize in finding pet-friendly lodging.
The Hotel’s Pet Policy is Important
The most effective way to make a hotel stay with your dog more pleasant is to start with the booking. Deal with the hotel directly over the phone. In this way, you can ask questions related to the hotel’s pet policy. This is a universal approach and a good idea for staying in hotels in Durham or Durban.
Some questions to ask include whether or not there is a ‘pet fee’ – and if the fee is per night or a flat rate covering the stay. Also, ensure that if they have weight or breed restrictions you are satisfied your dog falls into the allowable category. Also, ensure that you ask whether the entire hotel is pet friendly or is there an allocated floor? Ask about dog sitting (and walking) services, if you can leave your dog in the room – and whether you are responsible for any damage done by your dog.
TOP TIP: A fee of $25 – $50 is a standard charge for dogs (hotel dependant), but always make sure to check for specials. Many of the big chains that are dog-friendly may have winter specials. If you are intent on staying at a boutique hotel then phone ahead to enquire whether they run off-season pet specials.
Be Very Familiar with Your Dog’s Behavior
Traveling with your dog is going to be a new experience for both of you. And it’s something that every pet owner should try at least once. But the decision to overnight in a pet-friendly hotel is only going to be a good one if you understand how your dog will behave in various situations. It may require some creative thinking to make the stay more pleasant. Such as, if your dog has a habit of barking at passers-by or out of windows – then ask for a higher floor. If your dog is scared of heights, make sure you get a room on the Ground floor or one that is easily accessible via stairs. Learn to put the TV on when you leave the room – it’ll muffle the sounds of people coming and going outside the door, which could cause anxiety.
TOP TIP: Spend the night at a local pet-friendly hotel with your dog. You are only a short distance from home (if need be).
Plan ahead in case you Can’t Leave Your Dog Alone
If the hotel’s pet regulation stipulates that you cannot leave your dog in the room then plan ahead. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies before setting out to a no-dog’s-allow’ environment. Ask if the hotel has a walker or a dog sitter available. Remember – pet-friendly hotels may even have a complimentary pet-walking service (with some staff members not scheduled often happy to lend a hand). Just remember to let them know as far ahead as possible. Otherwise, treat Fido to a day at the doggy spa – or let them relax at the kennels or the groomer for the day.
TOP TIP: If you are staying at a hotel and they do allow dogs to be left in the room always remember to notify the front desk that you are going out and are the person to call if there are noise complaints or any other issues.
Look into Local pet-friendly Dining Spots
If you aren’t allowed to leave your pet alone in the hotel room then finding restaurants that welcome both canine and human diners is going to be a priority. Most front desks will be able to make recommendations about dog-friendly restaurants in the area. Also, remember that if the hotel is pet friendly, then at least a portion of the lobby bar or hotel restaurant will welcome dogs.
It’s also true that most restaurants with an ‘al fresco’ option will allow dogs at the outside seating as long as they are leashed and stay in that area. But, sometimes the weather has alternative plans – so it’s always best to have a list of ‘real’ pet-friendly establishments on hand. Or there’s always room service or take-out.
TOP TIP: BringFido is a great online resource of pet-friendly dining spots that are sorted by region or city.
Make Sure you have the Right Gear and Food
Doggie-packing is both an art and a science – but your pet’s needs will depend on the length of time away from home and how you are getting to and from your destination. You need to phone ahead to your pet-friendly hotel of choice to find out what sort of items come standard. Items such as dog beds, a selection of treats, and a bowl are usually included in the ‘pet fee’ you will be charged. Make sure you find out so that you don’t end up carrying unnecessary items. Save on suitcase space by buying dog food at your destination.
If you find yourself traveling with your canine companion on a regular basis it may be useful to spend some money on a collapsable water bowl, pee pads, a travel bed, a spare leash, and many, many treats. You can also save enormous amounts of time and energy if you measure out your bog food by serving – and put it in Ziplock bags.
TOP TIP: One indispensable hint for making your time away from home with your four-legged friend even more special (and stress-free) is to include the familiar. Make sure to take along a favorite toy or any other item. The scent of the item provides reassurance and a more comfy stay in a hotel room.
Always remember that dogs are very much creatures of habit. A good idea is to stick to the schedule that worked at home. Make each experience stress-free for your dog by sticking to feeding schedules, placing the dog bed in a place similar to home, and possibly one of the most important hints – giving them as much exercise as possible. In order to ensure that another source of stress is removed one of the first tasks you have when arriving at the hotel is to locate a green space for your dog’s bathroom needs.
TOP TIP: If your four-legged friend is used to a life of socializing with other dogs or running free without a leash, locate the nearest dog park to the hotel.
Make the Right Choice when it Comes to ‘Pet-Friendly’ Hotels
It’s always good to remind yourself that not every hotel with ‘pet-friendly’ on its website is what you may regard as really ‘pet-friendly. For example, they might be willing to provide a room – but they will not be providing any doggy-centric treats or perks or even have information on dog-friendly attractions or dining spots.
While traveling with a smaller breed of dog makes finding n accommodating hotel that much easier. These miniatures also do not require a lot of open space for exercising. A larger dog can provide some challenges as a traveling companion. Many larger breeds require a lot of attention, and those traveling within a budget are also limited. There are many factors that will influence the final choice (and great choices are out there). The key is research – and lots of patience.
TOP TIP: Boutique hotels should be your first choice when it comes o accommodation – if you want your dog to be the star of the show – and pampered night and day. The owners usually pride themselves on their love of dogs – and the staff will really go that extra mile. Some incredible choices include The Colonnade Hotel in Boston, The Hotel Vermont in Burlington, and the Topnotch Resort in Stowe.
One of the best options for those in search of a chain hotel for you and your dog is Kimpton. They don’t levy extra fees for the company of your pet, and they are dog lovers. Your canine companion will receive a special invitation to the complementary wine reception that has become so synonymous with the brand.
There are many great recreational opportunities when you holiday with your dog. These include hiking and or simply exploring a bike path at a sedate pace, visiting a local brewery Make sure they’re pet-friendly with a quick call before leaving), and even breakfasting on a deck taking in the view. There are also markets to explore, beaches made for long walks and exploring, and a wonderful array of outdoor monuments and public spaces. The more active physically and mentally your do has been the more ‘happy-tired’ they’ll be – and that means they get a wonderful night’s rest.