Checking In with a Furry Friend

Summer time is a period of adventure, traveling, and having fun, but that can be difficult if you have a pet that needs to be taken care of. As responsible pet owners we’re often stuck questioning what to do with our furry friend. Beg a friend, hire a pet-sitter, consider a kennel, or just stay home.

But consider this: In America alone, there are over 25,000 hotels that allow pets. There are a few steps you need to take before taking your furry family member on your trip. You need to do things like making a reservation for your dog and choosing the perfect room to stay in. As long as you follow a few simple tips, you and your dog will have a successful stay.

• Before you leave, make sure you plan ahead. Your dog needs to have an identification tag(s) that are tightly fastened on their collar. You can even go a step further by getting a microchip in your pet in case you get separated. Make sure you pack an extra collar and leash, plenty of food, chew toys, and anything else you think he or she may need. A small blanket that smells like home is an easy way to make a dog comfortable in an unknown environment.
• Make a reservation for the dog. Don’t wait until last minute to mention to the hotel that you have a dog with you because not all rooms confirm the pet policy. Pet policies vary from hotel to hotel. Hotels that allow pets will usually require a deposit. Typically it’s between $50 and $100 per animal, but that’s much cheaper than the average kennel. There are many websites online that can help you find the perfect hotel to stay in.
• Choose an appropriate room for your dog. The ground floor is your best bet for several reasons. You’ll have extra luggage to the carry due to the dog so you won’t have to walk as far. Being closer to outside also helps the dog when they have to use the bathroom. Lastly getting a ground floor room is good because if your dog isn’t use to an elevator, having to ride in one can cause unnecessary stress. If your dog is known for getting a little noisy at times, try to get a room away from an elevator so they won’t be barking at the noise. A mini fridge in the room can also go a long way to help keep their food fresh.
• Search the room before you let your dog roam around. A previous guest could’ve left something dangerous that could hurt your animal if it was to eat it, such as pills, razors, or any choking hazard objects. Also be sure to examine the room for anything that they could get into that they shouldn’t, like wires.
• Make a comfortable living space for your dog. Many hotels require that your dog is in a crate if you go out or leave the room. Even if the hotel doesn’t enforce this rule, it’s still good to follow. It will keep them out of trouble. Putting a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door is an added insurance that no one will come in and upset your dog. Turning on television when you leave them in a crate could be very comforting, especially if they’re used to it back home. Try to keep the time away from your pet to be as short as possible.
• Before your dog comes back inside, make sure they’re clean. It’s the polite thing to do. Muddy paws are not something you want to bring inside. Just carry a towel with you to clean them. Outside you also have to clean up your dog’s mess. Make sure you have bags with you to pick up poop and have an appropriate place to throw them away at.

As long as you properly plan ahead, you and your pet will have an amazing and stress-free time on your vacation. Follow a few tricks and tips and you shouldn’t have too many problems on your trip away. There are many popular hotels that will be suitable to all of you and your canines needs. Just be sure you properly plan, make a reservation, hand pick the room, create a home like environment for your dog, and to clean up after them.

Remember that the most important part of your vacation with your furry friend is to have fun!