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Are you heading out on a cross-country road trip this summer? Boarding your pets or having pet-sitters take care of them for weeks at a time often becomes expensive. In addition, when your pets are away from you for that long, it can cause quite a bit of anxiety. If your pet travels well in the car, why not bring him with you? Of course, you'll need to know how to keep him happy when you're staying in hotels.
1. Learn the Hotel's Policies
The first part of planning a hotel trip with your dog or cat is to ensure that the hotel you book meets your needs. Some hotels don't allow pets at all. Others will do so if you pay a deposit or a non-refundable nightly fee. There may be other rules in place as well, such as no aggressive breeds or no dogs over a certain weight limit. Many hotels also require that you take your pets with you any time that you leave the room. By understanding what policies you'll need to follow, you can be sure your hotel will meet your needs.
2. Consider What Calms Your Dog Down
What does your dog have that helps him to stay calm during times of change or uncertainty? Maybe he prefers to stay in a travel carrier when he's feeling anxious. Perhaps he has a favorite blanket that helps him to feel like he's still at home. Whatever it is that helps your dog to stay calm, make sure to bring it with you. This way, he is less likely to bark or whine and bother other hotel guests during your stay.
3. Research Pet-Friendly Attractions
If you can't leave your pet in the hotel room while you're checking out the local attractions, you'll need to find restaurants and other attractions that allow pets. If you do take your dog with you to a restaurant, store, or another attraction, it's important to always follow the rules. Typically, this means keeping your dog in a harness and always having him on a leash. This way, he can enjoy the day without you while keeping himself and any other pets or people safe.
4. Pack a Bag For Your Pet
When traveling with your dog, it's important to ensure that he has everything he'll need while you're on the road and staying in hotels. This means packing an overnight bag for him. In addition to leashes and a blanket or bed, you'll need plenty of other items.
Your pet's bag should have plenty of food (including extra so you don't run out when you aren't near a store), bottled water for when you're on the road, and portable food and water bowls. Depending on your dog's personality, you may also need to pack plenty of treats and a few toys.
Does your dog need medications or vitamins? Be sure to pack enough to last for your whole trip. Put an ID tag on him that includes your phone number and be sure to bring up-to-date vaccination records. Other items to consider include a brush, puppy pads, baby wipes, and waste removal bags. A first aid kit and a flashlight for night walks are important as well. Finally, if your dog is reactive to noises, you might consider bringing some type of white noise machine so he doesn't hear as many of the outside noises at a hotel.
5. Try To Stick To a Routine
It's hard to stick to your usual routine when you're on vacation, but it's important to try to stick to your dog's routine as much as possible. Do you feed him at a certain time in the morning and evening? Do your best to stick to that timeframe when you're staying in a hotel. If you take him out at a certain time of day, be sure to stick to that routine as well, as it will help you to avoid accidents. If your dog is used to going to the dog park to play with other dogs, you might even look for parks close to where your hotel is. The more you stick to your dog's routine, the happier he will be in the hotel.
6. Clean the Room When You Leave
Housekeepers do not get paid extra to clean a room that had a dog in it, so be sure to clean your room as well as possible. Make sure you don't leave food or treats laying around, ensure there aren't water spots on the floor, and take out all of your trash. If your dog had any accidents, be sure to clean them up as well as possible. You may way to bring a urine cleaning product as a precaution. A small, handheld vacuum is also excellent for ensuring you leave as little trace of your dog as possible when you check out of your hotel.
Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience for your both. Long days with the windows down and the road ahead are exciting for everyone, but when the sun starts to set and you're ready to relax for the night, it's important to do so in a hotel that loves your pet just as much as you do. By spending time researching your options first and ensuring that you bring everything your dog will need, you are more likely to experience the adventure of a lifetime.
