4 Top Tips for A Dog-Friendly Hotel Stay

For many dog owners, it’s not a vacation if they leave their canine companions at home. Fortunately, the options to include them keep increasing. Today, nearly three in four hotels in the US offer dog-friendly rooms, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Here are some tips to help make your hotel stay with your doggie seem like a walk in the park.

1. MAKE SURE YOUR DOG ISN’T ALL BARK OR BITE
Before booking a vacation with your pup, think about whether they are a good candidate for a hotel stay. Just like humans, some dogs do best at home and may not adapt to new surroundings. A middle-aged or senior dog may love lounging all day in your comfy guest room, while a high-energy puppy may act out if they don’t get their usual attention. Similarly, a suburban pooch may react poorly to a big city hotel, and a small dog that barks at the mailman, delivery driver and sanitation crew at home may not fare well in a bustling resort.

2. KNOW THE PET COMMANDS
Many hotel chains and independent properties promote themselves as being dog-friendly, but the proof is in the policies. First, never assume you can just bring your dog. Even if the parent chain is dog-friendly, an individual property may not allow them. (Websites like BringFido.com can help you do the research.) Next, make sure that your dog meets any size and/or breed restrictions. Finally, check the hotel’s in-room rules; some may stipulate that a dog can’t be left alone or must be crated when their humans aren’t present. There also may be restrictions on accessing public spaces such as restaurants and pool areas.

3. BE PREPARED TO PAY EXTRA
While some hotel brands, including Westin, Aloft and Kimpton, allow four-legged guests to stay for free (policies may vary), many others impose fees, typically ranging from $25 to $100, that might apply to the entire stay or on a daily basis and could also include an additional cleaning fee.

4. CREATE A SENSE OF HOME AWAY FROM HOME FOR YOUR PET
Consider taking steps to help make the hotel experience feel familiar for your pup. You can BYOBs (bring your own blankets, beds and bowls), spend time acclimating your pet to the room when you check in, and turn on the TV when you’re out. (Some brands will provide complimentary bowls, beds and toys.) A concierge can also connect you with local dog-walking services and doggie daycares so that your time away will feel like a treat for you and your pet.