Whenever I am traveling anywhere, the first thing I look for are reviews on pet friendly hotels! I mean, I obviously can’t go anywhere without bringing my chocolate Lab Coco, right? Correct! So, that means I need to make sure I am considering her needs (and my own) when selecting the best place to stay for a few nights away!
In this article, I’m going to take you through my tips and tricks for choosing the best pet friendly hotels for you and your furry friend. Not all hotels are the same and it’s important to understand what to look for and how to plan ahead to make the most of your trip with your pooch.
Understand the Hotel’s Policies
Every hotel has different operating policies and that’s no different for pet friendly hotels. Before you select the hotel you’re going to stay at, it’s important to take the time to read through the specific policies they have related to pets (particularly dogs).
Many hotels have a pet fee (either per night or flat rate). This accounts for the deep clean the hotel staff does after you leave and may go towards any potential damages associated with the pets that stay at the hotel. Make sure you ask the hotel if there are any other fees associated to you bringing your pooch along for the trip.
I’ve stayed at a variety of these pet friendly hotels and I’ve seen some interesting (and amazing) policies depending on the hotel. One hotel I stayed at in Toronto, Ontario actually had a VIP program (Very Important Pet) and they provided a dog bed, dog bowls and could even set you up for a photo shoot with your pooch!
Other hotels have dog walkers or sitters for hire to allow you to have more freedom to go and explore non-dog friendly attractions and leave your pup safely in the hotel. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, there are some hotels that only allow you to be on designated floors or do not allow you to leave your pooch in the room alone. Do your homework before you book!
Plan Ahead
Once you know where you are going to stay, it’s important to plan ahead for other aspects of your trip. Depending on how far you are traveling and how long you are staying, make sure you check out local pet stores so you know where to find your dog’s favorite food brand (you don’t want to try out a new food and potentially cause some tummy issues for your pooch).
You can also research where local dog parks or pet friendly attractions are located so you know what you can and cannot bring your pup to while you are traveling. For example, there are many restaurants that are now pet friendly (especially those with patios during the warmer seasons). Knowing where those restaurants are located can help you make easy decisions on where to dine during the day so you aren’t forced to leave your pup alone at the hotel.
If you are staying in a hotel that does not allow your pooch to be left alone, you’d want to research pet sitters or doggy day cares that your dog can attend while you are out and cannot bring them with you. That way your pup can still get the attention and exercise they deserve while you aren’t stuck in or around the hotel for your entire trip.
What to Pack
The next thing to consider is what to pack for your pup. Traveling already creates a lot of baggage (literal luggage, not emotional baggage) so you don’t want to bring too much more for your dog but you do want to make sure they are comfortable. Keep in mind that dogs are routine animals so they may be a bit anxious staying somewhere they aren’t used to. Make sure you bring a familiar blanket or toy from home. The familiar smell will help them feel safe and cozy in the hotel room.
Here are some of my recommendations of what necessities you want to bring when going to pet friendly hotels.
Food and water bowls
Bed
Extra leash and harness
Treats
Chew toys
Pro tip: I always measure out dog food in advance for each meal and put them in a separate plastic bag. That way I don’t have to worry about figuring out how to measure Coco’s dog food while I’m at the hotel!
Dog Etiquette at Pet Friendly Hotels
Perhaps the most important consideration when travelling to pet friendly hotels is how well behaved your pooch is going to be. It’s important that your dog is able to be polite, well-mannered and obedient while at the hotel. The last thing you want to have happen is to get kicked out of the hotel because your pooch is not acting appropriately!
If you’ve never taken your dog to a hotel before, there are some things you need to make sure your pooch can do before taking off on your next adventure.
- Be left alone for a few hours at a time
- Can hold their bladders for 3-5 hours at a time
- Can handle being in new environments
- Will not bark when left alone
- Are friendly to strange people and strange dogs
If you feel your pooch needs some practice, consider a short hotel stay nearby where you can test your pup out in the environment of a hotel. That way, if it doesn’t work well, you can get home quickly and easily and make other arrangements for your pup the next time you have to travel.
Dog Training and Obedience
And, if you have time to work with your dog on their obedience, I would also recommend checking out Brain Training For Dogs, a course that helps you train your dog on basic commands but also provides them with more mentally stimulating tasks that can enhance their confidence and obedience overall. I’ve gone through Brain Training For Dogs with my own dog and noticed a huge difference in her ability to cope with new situations, listen and be well-mannered (particularly in hotels!). Check out my detailed and honest review of Brain Training for Dogs to find out more!
Trusted House Sitters
If all else fails and you feel that your pooch is not ready to join you on your next overnight hotel trip, I highly recommend you check out Trusted House Sitters.
For a minimal annual subscription, you can have trusted and qualified individuals who will look after your home and your pets, provide you with updates and photos, and make sure you can feel confident when you’re away from your furry friend.
For me, if I cannot bring Coco along with me, Trusted House Sitters is my next best option. I know she’ll be looked after by people who love dogs just as much as I do and she will be wagging her tail like crazy when I get home to see her!
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
