Vacations are the perfect time to create memories that will last a lifetime, especially with your furry friends. Dogs are known for their love of the great outdoors, making them the perfect companions while traveling and adventuring.
Unfortunately, some travel restrictions may prevent more enthusiastic pets or larger dogs from accompanying their parents, requiring their families to put them in boarding or leave them with a pet sitter instead.
Sadly, travel and stay restrictions prevent many enthusiastic pets from accompanying their parents, compelled to remain behind with a sitter. A 2024 Forbes Advisor survey found a shared pet peeve among 37% of dog owners in America: having trouble finding a sitter and being unable to take their doggo along on travels.
With more people turning to animals to alleviate the stress of modern life, the hospitality world is slowly rising to the challenge. With any luck, you should be able to find pet-friendly accommodation without breaking the bank with extra charges. The ideal place will keep the experience memorable and enjoyable for the whole family – your four-legged friends included.
Let’s make vacation planning for pet parents a little easier with these practical tips to select the right accommodation.
#1: Serious Pet-Proofing
With dogs and their boundless energy, you need a safe and secure place for them to run around during your vacation. Hotels and villas will usually have closed gates and fencing.
Booking a small hotel room without an outdoor area can be boring for your pet. Ideally, you can find a hotel or rental with a large, fenced-in area that’s dog friendly and safe. However, dogs like Beagles and German Shepherds can be extra curious. As their guardian, you should watch for dangerous plants like aloe vera and rhododendron as well as places where they could easily escape.
Another thing to check is whether the property has other pets. Some dogs like the Golden Retriever usually love to pal up with more of their kind. However, you know your pet best. A timid dog may feel traumatized during a holiday with strays, horses, or cows.
Farmhouse stays tend to be a strict no for most types of dogs who easily give in to hunting instincts. On the other hand, a quaint homestay with friendly house dogs might be the best thing your pet has ever experienced.
#2: Professional Handling of Pet Waste
A major reason many properties don’t allow dogs and other pets is the poop problem. Nobody likes cleaning it up, but no one wants to see or smell pet waste when they’re on vacation.
First and foremost, the place you book must have a designated area where your pet can do their business. If your dog is well-trained, ensuring that they relieve themselves only in this spot should not be a problem.
Many pet owners carry waste disposal bags and a scooper from home. But if you don’t want to spend your trip scooping and bagging poo, choose a place that handles it for you. Some hotels hire dedicated poop-handling services to simplify the job. Besides scooping and installing pet waste stations, these providers deodorize and sanitize to keep spaces fresh and microbe-free, states Scoop Soldiers.
Choosing a hotel that employs commercial pet waste removal can ease your mind. It also helps you do your bit as a good traveler to keep the area neat and tidy for future visitors.
#3: Availability of Food and Medical Help
Try new foods is one of the best and most exciting parts of going on vacation. While that’s true for the humans on the trip, it’s not the case for your animals. For dogs, their standard food can deliver a huge sense of comfort and satiety.
However, if you forgot to bring yours along, or if your pet eats homemade food, pet-friendly hotels should be able to provide wholesome meals like chicken, rice, and fish for your dogs and cats. Don’t forget to bring along their food and water dishes (or collapsible ones) along with their other favorite dog accessories.
Besides food, access to veterinary care will help ease your mind. It is hard to predict a sudden injury or medical issue, especially in a new environment. Check whether the property has a doctor on call or is reasonably close to a veterinary clinic or animal hospital in case of emergencies.
#4: Clarity on Rules for Rooms and Common Areas
The hotel’s swimming pool may be tempting for your pet. It is unlikely that your dog will be allowed in the water, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that all common areas are out of bounds.
Pet-friendly accommodations should be open to letting your pup play in the yard or park. As long as your furry travel companion has good manners and is on his best behavior, the hotel staff should cooperate.
What about hotel restaurants? Holidays with pets can make it tricky for a couple to go for that special candlelit dinner. A recent New York Times story reiterated how only service animals are usually allowed in a food establishment unless it is an approved pet cafe.
Some hotels prohibit pets from being alone in the room. In-house grooming spas and pet-sitting services can be the perfect solution. They keep your pet looked after while you dine. If those options are not available, it’s best to have a safe place, like a crate, to keep your dog secure while you’re out of the room.
You should also ask whether the hotel has a problem letting dogs share a bed with their owners. Some major chains offer comfy pet beds along with grooming kits, rugs, treats, and even dog walkers. But nothing will stop your dog from jumping in with you if that’s their routine.
You may want to carry plastic covers, towels, and wipes for heavy-shedding pets like Newfoundland dogs or Ragdoll cats. A lint roller (especially the extra sticky kind for removing pet hair) is a must for your suitcase, too. Be a responsible pet parent and traveler by leaving the property in good condition. You don’t want to dampen the owners’ perspective about allowing pets in their accommodations the next time.
Bringing your best pal along on your vacation is sure to make it extra special. There’s something infectious about watching a dog’s eyes light up when they feel the wind in their face and see a huge green field or a cool stream to jump in. Choosing your vacation hotel or rental wisely will ensure the trip is fun for everyone involved. Just make sure you prepare for extra licks and cuddles in their excitement.