Booking Accommodation with a Dog
Travel can be stressful for everyone. Dog owners are no exception, especially if you are travelling with a large dog or multiple dogs. So, what do dog owners need to know to set themselves up for success? We have tips we’ve learned from years of experience and trips near and far. Learn our top tips for staying safe, cosy, and organised when finding the right accommodation for you and your dog.
Prepare Mentally for Being in a New Environment with Your Dog
You know your dog better than anyone else. If you’ve visited friends and family with your dog, you likely know how they behave in an unfamiliar environment. Keep these things in mind when preparing for your trip.
Considerations for Dogs with Unique Habits
Staying in a hotel can be a blast. Keep in mind, your experience will be as unique as your dog. To ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible for you, your dog, and the others staying with you, feel their best, set yourself up for success with these tips.
Dogs That Bark
If your dog tends to bark at every new noise, you may want to book using a service like Stayz that allows you to stay in a home where your dog won’t hear doors closing from nearby vacationers.
I stayed in a hotel with my two large dogs who barked every time someone opened or closed a nearby door. Needless to say, I didn’t get any sleep, nor did any of the people staying in the surrounding rooms.
Nervous Chewers
Some dogs express their anxiety through destructive chewing. This can be a major issue if your dog decides to shred curtains, bedding, or other items in your hotel room. If your dog is a chewer or you’re unsure, it’s best to bring along a crate for them to stay in while you’re away from the room.
Potty Problems
Puppies and senior dogs can experience the occasional accident. Some adult dogs will even lose control of their bladders when nervous or overly excited. If your dog may have an accident in your accommodation, you will want to be sure they get plenty of bathroom breaks, stay in a crate with puppy pads overnight while you’re away, or wear a doggie diaper.
Scratching at the Door
If your dog tends to scratch at the door after you leave, be sure to clip their nails before you leave home. You will also want to keep them crated while you’re out exploring the town or bring them with you.
Dogs That Become Nervous on Slippery Floors
If your dog tends to lose their footing and panic on tile floors or slippery floors, you will want to see what kind of flooring your accommodation has. If it has tile, you may want to plan accordingly by bringing a roll-up rug or something similar.
Dogs with Arthritis
For dogs with joint pain and arthritis, you will want to check to see if your accommodation can find a room for you on the first floor or if there is a convenient elevator. Just keep in mind, that some dogs get nervous when travelling in an elevator.
How to Check If an Accommodation is Right for You and Your Best Friend
While many hotels and other accommodations will say they’re dog-friendly, there may be some fine print that could turn your vacation into a disaster. When reading over your accommodation’s dog policy, always check to see if there are:
- Weight limits for dogs. Some places will not take dogs over a certain weight while others charge more for larger dogs.
- Restrictions on the number of dogs
- Dog fees
- Paperwork requirements
- Breed restrictions
- Rules related to your dog on the bed or other furniture
- Policies on where you can walk your dog near the accommodation
Check Reviews and Search for Dog Owner Experiences
There are hotels and short-term rentals that are dog-friendly and others that thoroughly enjoy dog guests and their owners. Spend some time and read reviews before you book. Look for any red flags like hidden fees. Most importantly, note if an accommodation has supremely pawsitive reviews, this is a great sign!
Other Considerations
When booking a stay for your vacation, always look up where the closest vet is to your accommodation. You will also want to note the nearest emergency vet. Additionally, you will want to travel with a copy of your vet records, just in case of emergency.
Your dog will need walks. Check the map before you book for dog-friendly parks, green spaces, and sidewalks.
Try to keep your routine. Dogs thrive on routine. While travel can knock you out of your routine, do your best to keep your dog’s meal times and walk routines the same.
Happy Travels for You and Your Dog
With a little extra planning and consideration for your furry friend's unique needs, finding dog-friendly accommodations doesn't have to be stressful. By following these tips and remaining aware of potential obstacles, you can set yourself and your pup up for a happy and successful travel adventure. Remember, a pawsitive attitude and some thoughtful preparation go a long way in ensuring a memorable and relaxing vacation for you and your canine companion.
