Ready to Leave for a Vacation? Take Me With You!

For some of us the end of summer means the end of vacation time.  But it can also be  a great season to travel if your time is flexible.

For the pet owner, as soon as you start to plan your vacation the guilt will surely rear its ugly head. Thoughts of leaving behind your beloved pet will arise as images of your pet’s adoring eyes look at you as if to say “take me with you”. Lo and behold, you are plagued with the task of trying to find pet friendly hotels. Luckily, there are some wonderful pet hotels that you can choose to enjoy with your dog.
While searching for a pet friendly hotel, it is good to keep in mind that most hotel websites usually do not state if they are pet friendly. I suggest you call the hotel of your choice to confirm that they are indeed pet friendly and ask about their hotel policy regarding rules of canine customers.

Be advised that most hotels have strict rules pertaining to overnight four pawed guests. Most rules are stated on the waiver which you will be required to sign at check in. Such rules may include that the hotel will only take dogs 40 lbs and under and restrict areas that your pet can visit. Your pet’s vacation may end up only including the sights of the hotel lobby and your guest room.

Most hotels will not allow a dog to stay alone in the room. That will limit you to enjoying the sights that only your pets are only allowed to enjoy. If your dog is a barker, a roused hotel guest may make complaints which can put an abrupt end to your trip. Take notice if your pet is fearful of elevators, hotel staff, or other vacationers. Bringing favorite treats, toys or their own pet bed may offer a sense of calmness to your pet.

On a more positive note, there is nothing greater than having your dog with you on vacation. There are hotels that have dog walking areas or parks on premises. You will be thankful for it since most waivers will leave you responsible for any cleaning of your pets’ waste or for the damage it may cause.

Ask the concierge to recommend pet friendly local areas that you can enjoy with your dog. They may suggest outdoor eateries that will accommodate the two as well as four pawed diners. Other suggestions may include some local campgrounds, hiking trails, pet friendly beaches, etc.. It may just be just a hop, skip or jump away from your hotel for some hot dogging fun.

Ways of traveling should be taken into consideration. Some pets were only meant to get around on four paws not four tires or airplane cargo areas for that matter. Make sure your pet is comfortable in their means of transportation. Shorter trips may be more accommodating for the carsick four legged traveler. Pet passengers may want to consider being more comfortable catered to on a pet only airline.

Denise Zelikson is Owner and Pet Photographer of Canine Camera.

Canine Camera photographs pets to be immortalized in beautiful, cherished photographs where they have been captured romping outside, napping on the couch, sitting on their owner’s laps or wherever they enjoy being the most.
Canine Camera captures the qualities and personalities and images that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Tags: travelling with your dog