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For many people, pets are an integral part of the family, and it’s hard to decide who will care for them when planning a vacation. Many pet owners choose to bring their pets, and the tourism industry is beginning to open its doors to accommodate them. As a result, it’s much easier to find a wide variety of pet-friendly vacation rentals, both domestically and internationally.
However, before you decide to bring your pet, think carefully about this decision. If your pet gets anxious or dizzy when you go to the vet, as much as you miss it, you’re probably not a good candidate to take with you on vacation. If your pet is misbehaving in public, be sure to do some obedience training before you leave. The last thing you want is for your partner to start off and run away to an unknown city; you could end up spending your entire vacation looking for it! Make sure he understands the basic commands and stays with you on a leash. You’ll also need to make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and that their microchip or ID tag has your current contact information.
Now, to find some accommodations that accept pets! You may be surprised to learn that many of the major hotel chains are pet friendly. Some LaQuinta Inns & Suites, Red Roof Inn, Quality Inn, Best Western and Motel 6 locations welcome four-legged guests, but you’ll need to confirm that the location closest to your destination is a participating location. Since each hotel is different, please speak with a representative about your particular pet and understand all hotel policies before reserving a room. Some hotels only accept pets up to a certain weight, or only allow one pet per room, no matter how small. Some may charge a refundable room deposit, while others will charge a room cleaning fee, even if the room is left spotless. Other hotels charge an additional fee for each night of stay, either per pet or per room. You should also find out if your pet will be able to accompany you to the restaurant, pool and beach areas of the hotel.
If hotels in your destination don’t allow pets, or if you prefer more freedom for you and your pet during your vacation, consider renting a pet-friendly condo, townhome, or private home. Many are available for short- and long-term rentals, and owners will have individual pet policies. You are more likely to find an owner who is understanding of your pet’s needs than to find a hotel chain that caters to all of your pet’s needs. And renting a condo or house for more than 3 days is likely to be cheaper than staying in a hotel for the same amount of time.
Pet-friendly vacation rentals are also great resources for finding out where to take your pet in the city. Ask for a list of local pet-friendly restaurants and find out if there’s a dog park or nature reserve nearby for them to play. Be sure to research plenty of activities that include pets ahead of time, or you could end up all sitting in a hotel room together! With a little planning ahead, vacations can be a very special experience for both you and your pet.
