When you are planning a trip out of town but do not want to leave your favorite four-legged best friend behind, you will most likely find yourself sharing a hotel room. Traveling with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience for you both, or it can be an absolute disaster. If you are looking forward to a trip with your best friend in tow but you are unsure of what to expect, keep reading to discover some helpful tips for planning hotel stays with your dog.

Hotel Stays with Your Dog

Before you make a reservation at a Fido-friendly hotel, there are a few things that must be taken into consideration. Every dog is different, and traveling may not be in your canine companion’s best interest.

Dogs that are sick or recovering from an injury generally should be left home to rest unless travel is absolutely necessary. Schedule an appointment with your vet before planning hotel stays with your dog. This will help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to travel. The appointment is also a good time to make sure that your pup is up-to-date on all of his vaccinations.

hotel stays with your dog

Planning a Successful Trip

A successful trip with your dog involves a bit of pre-trip planning. In addition to making sure all vaccinations are current, check that your dog’s ID tags and microchip registration are up-to-date. If your dog does not have a microchip, getting one before you head out on vacation could save you a lot of stress and heartache.

Not all hotels welcome furry travelers, so it is best to book your rooms before you hit the road rather than looking for places to stay along the way.

Even hotels that do allow pets may have drastically different rules, so it is important to check out all pet policies when planning hotel stays with your dog.

While there are some variances between hotels, a few common rules include:

  • No more than two pets per room.
  • Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier when outside of the room.
  • You can’t generally bring pets to dining or pool areas.
  • You may not be allowed to leave your pet in the room alone.
  • Hotel management reserves the right to ask you to remove pets they deem disruptive.
  • Hotels will expect you to pay for any damages your pet causes.
  • Your hotel may charge a non-refundable pet fee.
  • Many hotels have weight and breed restrictions.

Rather than booking a pet-friendly hotel online, make reservations for hotel stays with your dog over the phone. This allows you to ask any questions you may have regarding the hotel’s pet policy and address any potential issues.

If possible, request a room on the ground floor. This makes those late-night trips outside much easier. Being on the ground floor may also be less stressful for dogs who don’t like elevators.

Enjoying Hotel Stays with Your Dog

Whether you are spending one night in a hotel with your canine companion or several, there are a few things you can do to ensure an enjoyable stay.

Be sure to bring along some of your pet’s favorite things. Chew toys are must-haves as they make your dog less likely to chew up your room. Bring a familiar pet bed or even a blanket that your dog likes. If your dog is crate-trained, bring his crate along. His usual treats and favorite toys will also help keep him comfortable in the new environment.

hotel stays with your dog at pet-friendly hotel

Do not expect your dog to behave the same way in a hotel as he does at home. Travel anxiety can cause a wide variety of reactions. Your dog may seem more stressed or fearful than usual and may exhibit unwanted behaviors like barking or chewing. Also, if your dog is anxious, do not leave him in your room unattended. Furthermore, stress may upset your furry travel buddy’s stomach, so avoid overfeeding.

Remember to use your “do not disturb” sign. This prevents well-meaning housekeepers from knocking and getting your dog barking.

Do you have a service dog staying in a hotel room? Service dogs enjoy special treatment when it comes to staying a hotel room. You are not required to pay an additional fee and they are allowed to be with you at all times. Just make sure that your service dog is under your control at all times and is not disturbing other guests.

Vacationing with your dog is an unforgettable experience. Whether the hotel stays with your dog will be unforgettable for good reasons or bad is entirely up to you. With a little careful planning, you can ensure a great time for both you and your canine companion.