The Road Warrior’s Guide to Pet Friendly Hotels

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Don’t get left without a place to stay – keep this guide to pet friendly hotels close when travelling


When you are on the road, the last thing you want to worry about is whether the hotel you’ve booked for the night will cater to your furry friend. Using the information in this article you will learn not only how to find pet friendly hotels, but also how to help make your pet’s stay as comfortable as possible.


Preparing for Your Pet’s Stay


Many people make their travel and hotel reservations online these days through sites like Expedia.com or directly through the hotel’s site. This method is quick and convenient and it allows you to find vital information (such as the hotel’s pet policy) easily without having to navigate through an automated message service. Even if the website says that the hotel has a pet friendly policy, however, you should still call the hotel to confirm. You may also want to double check about any extra fees or deposits that may be required.


Once you’ve sorted out the details regarding the hotel itself, it is time to think about what you can do to make sure that your pet’s stay is as comfortable as possible. Many pets experience anxiety at being in the car and/or being away from home. To help mitigate your pet’s stress, try bringing along a few familiar items like a favorite toy or a blanket from your bed at home. You might also want to consider bringing your pet’s cage or kennel if you think it will help him to feel more secure. Make sure you bring along enough of your dog’s food to get him through the trip as well as any medication he may need. You might also want to bring along the phone number for your veterinarian just in case something happens.


Hotel Etiquette for Pet Owners


Even if a hotel is pet-friendly, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can let your dog have free reign of the place. Not all of the hotel’s guests will be pet owners so you need to be courteous and respectful when bringing your dog to the hotel. Follow these simple etiquette tips:


  • Always keep your dog on a leash when on hotel property
  • Keep your dog’s bowls in the bathroom to make clean-up easier
  • Do not bring your dog into the hotel’s restaurant or bar
  • Keep your dog off of the furniture, even in your room
  • Make sure the staff knows you have a dog in the room so the housekeeper is aware
  • Ensure that your dog is properly vaccinated before travel


Other Tips for Travelling with Pets


Travelling with a pet can be a fun experience, but it can also be challenging if you have never done it before. Below you will find some simple tips to help make your trip a breeze:


  • Don’t feed your dog immediately before putting him in the car – an empty stomach will help to prevent car sickness (but make sure your dog has plenty of water)
  • Make frequent stops along the way to give your dog a chance to stretch his legs and do his business
  • Don’t leave your dog unattended in the car – if you have to leave him, leave the window cracked and ask another family member to stay with him
  • Always keep your dog on a leash when moving around the hotel and the hotel grounds
  • Clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste appropriately


In addition to following these tips, take the time to do a little research before you hit the road. Make sure to research pet friendly hotels along your route – especially if you don’t book your hotel stay ahead of time. Do not assume that you will be able to find pet friendly hotels just anywhere – some hotels may allow pets but might have restrictions on breed or size. Do yourself a favor and be prepared.


Some of the top hotel chains that accept pets include:


  • Extended Stay America
  • Best Western
  • Clarion Inn & Suites
  • Marriott
  • Comfort Inn & Suites
  • Motel 6
  • Holiday Inn
  • LaQuinta Inn & Suites
  • Quality Inn
  • Econo Lodge
  • Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts
  • Red Roof Inn


Whether you are travelling for work or pleasure, bringing your furry friend with you can make the trip infinitely more enjoyable. As long as you do your research and make the proper preparations, your pet will enjoy his travel time as well.

Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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