Many people like to bring their pets with them when they travel, whether for business or pleasure, but if you don’t have friends or family in the area, that can mean having to stay at a hotel. That can make your trip more complicated because you can’t just bring your dog or cat with you to any hotel and expect them to be allowed. There aren’t pet-friendly hotels in every city either, and their policies can differ greatly. Here are a few tips for planning ahead and making the process go more smoothly.
Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel
There are many websites and apps you can use to find hotels that accept pets, and you can talk to friends and family as well. This can help you better plan your route. However, don’t just rely on what you read online. Call the hotel directly and confirm that they allow dogs and/or cats before you book your stay. Look for the nearest emergency vet or animal clinic as well, just in case.
Ask About any Policies, Restrictions, and Fees
Keep in mind that most hotels charge a fee for animals. Clarify whether this is a one-time charge or per night fee, and if there are additional costs associated with cleaning when you check out. Also ask about any restrictions as to the breed, size, or weight of your dog. If you are planning on bringing your cat, ask specifically if they are allowed, because some pet-friendly hotels will welcome dogs but not cats.
It is also a good idea to ask about their policies regarding pets. This could include things like:
- Can you leave your dog or cat unattended in your room?
- If they are unattended, do they need to be secured in a crate?
- Can the Do Not Disturb sign be used to prevent housekeeping from entering your room while you are gone and your pet is there?
Check into Available Amenities
What types of services or perks do they have for animals? Do they have a designated pet relief area outdoors, or a dog park where your pet can run and play? Do they offer complimentary toys, treats, or other supplies, especially if there is something you forgot to pack?
Pack Your Pet’s Bag
As you are packing your luggage, create a separate bag for your dog or cat. Put in all of the essentials such as:
- A collar, leash, and/or harness.
- Travel food and water bowls.
- Individually portioned bags of food for each day.
- Bottled water if they have a sensitive stomach.
- Any medications your pet takes.
- Disposable litter boxes and extra litter; waste bags.
- Your pet’s bed or soft blankets for them to lay on.
- Favorite toys to keep them entertained.
- Cleaning products.
- A small first aid kit.
Bring Important Documents with You
For your pet’s safety, and the safety of others, bring copies of their latest health records, any medications they take, and any vaccinations they have received. Some hotels may require you to show this documentation, and it is also helpful to have should your dog or cat become sick or injured, and you need to take them for care.
Make sure that they are microchipped as well and that you have registered their chip and updated your contact information online. This should be in addition to having an ID tag on their collar, which they should be wearing at all times.
Board Your Dog or Cat Instead
If you know that your pet is not a good traveler, that they become anxious, that your dog barks constantly when you are gone, or that they have the tendency to destroy things, the better choice may be to board them instead of hassling with finding a pet-friendly hotel. Lake Wylie Pet Resort has separate accommodations for dogs and cats and provides your pet with plenty of attention, free time to play, and opportunities to quietly rest. Contact us today to book your pet’s stay.