Going on holidays? Good news, you don't have to leave your dog at home. More and more hotels are welcoming four-legged guests and you can even choose from a wide variety of canine-centered vacation adventures. This article answers some of your questions about taking your dog on vacation with you.
How do I find pet-friendly hotels?
All major chains have select properties that allow you to bring your dog or cat, including:
- Hilton Hotels
- Best Western
- Comfort Inn
- Quality Inn
- Econolodge
- Marriott
- Holiday Inn
- Venture Inn
- Motel 6
- ....and many others.
Just go to the chain's main webpage and look for "pet friendly hotels;" you'll see which locations offer pet accommodations. Keep in mind, though, not all hotels in a chain have the same policies, so be sure and check carefully. And it's always worth getting confirmation in writing that your dog will be accepted.
Is there an extra cost to bring your dog to a hotel or motel?
Yes; nearly all hotels will ask you for an additional fee, ranging from $20 to $50 per stay, not per night. This charge is usually for extra clean up after you and your pet leave, including shampooing the carpet.
What if my dog barks a lot?
Most hotels reserve the right to "remove your dog from the room" if you leave him alone for long and he barks, disturbing other guests.
So if you're not comfortable leaving your dog alone in the hotel room while you're out exploring or enjoying your vacation, what to do? You could find a local doggie daycare, and check your pet in for the day or even book a grooming session locally.
How do I prepare for a long car trip with the dog?
First, ensure your dog is stowed securely in the vehicle; there are four ways to keep him from being a dangerous projectile in your car should you have an accident or even a sudden stop:
- get a special car harness for dogs - they're used in conjunction with your car's seatbelt system to keep your pet safe and secure
- if you have a sport utility type vehicle, you can buy a special barrier to keep him in the cargo area. However, this doesn't keep your dog really securely protected in case of an accident.
- use a portable dog crate in your vehicle, and attach it with your seatbelt system
- try one of the new booster seats for small dogs, with built-in seat belt or harness restraint
What should I pack for a car trip with my dog?
Lots of food and water of course. And don't forget the bowls! You'll also want to pack:
- an extra leash
- a few treats
- any medical information, your vet's name and number
- your dog's license and microchip info
- a small doggie first aid kit: gauze, antibiotic ointment, rubbing alcohol
- an old towel - in case you need to wrap him up
- a clean up kit - paper towels, disinfectant spray, plastic bags and twist ties... and wet wipes for you
- poop and scoop bags
My dog gets car-sick. What can I do?
There are some very good motion sickness medications available for your pet. Some are prescription based and you'll need to see your veterinarian. Others are all-natural or homeopathic solutions to nausea.
If your dog does tend to get sick in the car, make his pre-travel meal very light, and take plenty of rest stops.
In conclusion, with some extra planning you'll find that it's really lots of fun for everyone when you bring your dog on vacation!
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