Staying in a Hotel with Your Pup: Essential Tips
Planning a trip can be stressful, especially when you add your furry friend into the mix. When it comes to picking a sleeping accommodation, many dog owners are apprehensive about bringing their pup to a hotel because of the non-furry guests that will be staying nearby. However, bringing your pup along on your next trip doesn’t have to be anxiety-inducing. Below are six tips to make sure you and your pup, as well as the other hotel guests, all have a good hotel stay.
Ensure the hotel is Pet friendly
Checking with the hotel staff ahead of time to make sure they allow pets is a crucial step in planning a vacation that includes your pup since each hotel has different rules. Some hotels clearly advertise being pet-friendly on their website, while others have less direct policies. It’s a good idea to call or email the hotel directly before booking a hotel room to make sure they’ll be on board with your furry friend staying there.
Familiarize yourself with the rules
After you’ve confirmed that a hotel is pet-friendly, it’s important to research or ask about any specific restrictions and regulations the hotel may have for furry guests. For example, some hotels have weight restrictions for pets that may be important for you to know. Certain hotels may be advertised as being “pet-friendly” but will charge you a pet fee. Being aware of your hotel’s pet policies will help avoid any unwanted surprises during your trip.
Pack your pup’s bag
Just as it’s important to have all of your belongings when going on a trip, it’s also important to have everything your pooch may need while staying at a hotel. Bringing things from home can help your dog feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar place. Items such as your dog’s bed, favorite toy, the food bowl they’re used to, and an article of clothing that smells like you are all good things to leave in your hotel room.
Do a test run before you leave
One of the most common worries of dog owners on vacation is that their pups will bark when left alone and disturb the hotel patrons. To avoid getting noise complaints when your dog barks while waiting for your return, it’s a good idea to make sure your dog knows that you won’t be leaving them alone permanently. Instead of rushing off to another location shortly after checking into the hotel, try to make time in your schedule for a short test-run departure before you leave for longer. Allowing your dog to adjust to the new space while you’re present and showing them that your absence is temporary will make this adjustment easier for them.
Prepare the room
Before you leave your dog at a hotel, it’s important to check the room for anything that’s not pet-friendly, especially if your dog is known to get into things. Any food or provided toiletries that the hotel staff may have put in the room should be kept out of paw’s reach. Putting a “do not disturb” sign on the door to keep housekeeping from interrupting your dog is another way to pet-proof your hotel room. Make sure all doors and windows are securely locked, and consider leaving the TV on to distract your dog from outside noises. The fewer opportunities your pooch has to get into trouble, the better!
Wear them out
With the exception of very low-activity pups, most dogs will find it difficult to be alone in a more confined space than they’re used to for long periods of time. Taking your dog for a walk or playing with them until they begin to tire will help them have less mischievous or nervous energy when you leave. By getting your dog’s energy out before leaving, you can lower the time they spend awake, which may also lower their opportunities to create noise and messes.