Dog travel is a bone-afide trend. One industry poll shows that almost 80 percent of vacationing animals are canines, with cats coming in a distant second at 15 percent. Here’s what I’ve learned about traveling with my slobbering best friend …
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Sniffing out lodgings that welcome canine guests is easy. These days, hotel chains ranging from Holiday Inn to upscale Fairmont accept animals, and countless Web sites are dedicated solely to pet-friendly accommodations. (One of my top picks, lists some 25,000 of them both here and abroad). Even standard booking sites, such as Orbitz, now have “pets allowed” search capabilities. Nevertheless, it’s wise to plan ahead.
Like airlines, hotels often restrict the number of spaces open to animals and may only accept ones that meet specific age or size requirements, which means advance reservations are necessary. Since policies can change quickly, reconfirm your booking a few days prior to departure and double-check related charges (including cleaning costs and damage fees). If a deposit is required, remember to inspect your room at check-in time; then notify management about any pre-existing problems.
Obviously mistresses must make sure their own beloved pup doesn’t run amok in rented digs. Common sense dictates that you don’t bring a flea-infested varmint with raptor-like, upholstery-shredding nails into a hotel room. Common courtesy demands more. So pack paper towels to wipe off muddy paws (I’ve found baby wipes work even better with small breeds); plus a lint brush to pick up hair; and, for pooches prone to bed-hopping, an old sheet to serve as a slipcover. A stain remover is also handy in case Spot leaves spots.
Who Let The Dawgs Out?
Well, hopefully you … Hotels frown on unattended dogs as they can startle maids, disrupt guests, and generally wreck havoc. And while day boarding may be convenient, relying on it for extended periods defeats the purpose. After all, the point of vacationing with your furry friend is to enjoy time together. With that said, you should try to lie relatively low in public. Animals make many folks anxious and even fellow pet-lovers may not find Fido’s sloppy kisses or—Flopsy’s signature yodel—particularly appealing.
