A lot of people these days when going on a friendly get-away-from-it-all type vacation actually like to pack up not only themselves but their pets. Just load the car, put your pets in those car seats or restraints (per my previous articles) and hit the road. Sometimes it is not feasible to do so if you are going on a special cruise or maybe have larger pets that do not have the passion to travel but speaking for ourselves with smaller dogs, we do not feel comfortable leaving them.
The first thing you need to do when planning a vacation is researching possible hotel stays in the area where you are going to go to visit. Check their websites and what their specifications are in regards to this issue. Most hotels will require a fee per pet, it usually minimal ($20 or so). It would cost you that much or more if you were to leave your pet at home (and at the same time, still be worried about their care and well being).
Call as many of these places as possible to get a better feeling for what their requirements are regarding pets and, though it is difficult through pictures, I would want to just how clean they are. There may be some places that allow pets and have little regard for cleanliness and the next guest. I certainly would not feel comfortable in a pet friendly hotel that has residual odors from the previous customers, fleas or any other pests left behind. Most hotels do have a rating system and customer feedback and, though you may not be able to afford the highest rated place, do not even consider the lowest. I would consider a rating of maybe 3 and above.
Make your reservations once you feel fairly comfortable with your choice. I would look into possible hotels that are along the way from your home to point of destination in case you may need to stay overnight somewhere. If you have the stamina to go all the way through, as we would, that would be ideal . . . and then you can rest when you get to your intended goal. When traveling with animals, as with children, you may have to stop often and in reality is a good thing for all concerned.
If you want a hotel to have good reputations with pet friendly status, we need to all do our part as responsible pet owners. We believe in crates and our little dogs consider them their “personal secure rooms”. They have them at home with their own beds and blankets inside, left open at all times. They love their crates when they feel the need to retreat for a quiet nap or just to rest. On vacation you will find it necessary to bring much of their comfort belongings so they feel at home wherever you lay their bed, blanket or any of their secure items. They would have fewer tendencies to be anxious or nervous if they feel safe with some of their familiar personals.
It does make things a little easier at times when your loved ones “including the pets” are with you. Of course, to make things easier for the next person in your vacation spot, please be that responsible pet owner that cares well for your pet in that hotel room, leaving no messes, stains or pet remnants behind. Just as you want to go into a clean, safe healthy environment, so does the next person and it just takes a little effort on all of us to work together to make vacation a fun experience for all.
