Cat & Dog-Friendly Hotels – Taking Pets on Trips
Pet Vacation Tips for Staying in a Hotel With Dogs or Cats
Sep 9, 2009
Dogs and cats can be stressed out by traveling to unfamiliar places. Some may whine or bark. Others may have accidents on the floor - even when they are perfectly housebroken at home. And some may become hyper and anxious, taking out their frustrations on hotel furnishings.
Hotel Pet Policies
Some hotels are more pet friendly than others, and the policies of hotels that allow pets vary, even among hotels of the same chain. A flat pet fee per stay may be one hotel's policy, while another will charge a nightly fee for each pet. And, some hotels will allow only one pet per room, while others will allow two. Pet policies are also sometimes based on pets' weight. Finding a hotel that allows one large dog is more difficult than finding one that allows two small dogs.
Calling around to ask questions and compare policies is a good idea when selecting a pet-friendly hotel. And, after locating one, making reservations is important because many hotels have only a few pet-friendly rooms to offer.
Pet Supplies for Hotel Stays
In addition to the usual pet supplies, the following items can be very useful when staying in a hotel with pets. A crate or carrier will keep pets safe and out of the way while hotel staff clean the room. .Confining pets will also prevent them from clawing the upholstery or chewing on the furniture while in the hotel room alone. Some pets may also feel more secure in their carriers rather than left alone in a strange room.
It may seem extreme, but having a portable spot cleaner that fits in the trunk of a car or suitcase can be very handy. Cleaning up accidents immediately can keep the hotel from charging extra to shampoo the results of Fido or Fluffy's nervous bladder out of the carpet. And for cats who have claws, and an appetite for destruction, a thick blanket, to protect any upholstered furniture from Kitty's wrath is a good idea.
Something else useful to have on hand when traveling with pets is an air freshener to help eliminate pet odors. Hotel rooms are small spaces with windows that usually do not open and have stale air cycling through the air conditioners,
Bringing these supplies along will eliminate the stress of running around an unfamiliar city looking for spot cleaners and air fresheners, or paying a premium to replace ruined hotel furnishings. A little preparation goes a long way in making traveling with pets more relaxing and enjoyable.
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