You've decided that this vacation you're taking your best friend along. No, not a human friend, but one with four legs, a fur coat and a wet nose. After all, he's better behaved than some people's kids. But traveling with dogs and cats has its own challenges and pitfalls. Not all hotels allow pets, and those that do often give size and species restrictions. Some hotels charge a damage deposit and a daily pet fee, both of which are often non-refundable.
Before you even think about hitting the road, ask yourself if your pet will be a good traveler -- and more importantly -- a good hotel pet. Some pets make poor traveling companions, especially those who are nervous or destructive. Pets who chew or claw things, urinate or defecate in rooms, or make a lot of noise can quickly cause the hotel staff to hang up a "no pets" sign in the future. You'll be charged for the damages and extra cleanup, and you may not be welcomed back again. To avoid this scenario, decide whether your pet can handle the stress of a hotel. That means your pet will have to be housetrained and calm enough to not cause damage or make noise while you're there or when you're out of the room. Rethink bringing your pet if your trip requires your pet to be cooped up in the room most of the time while you're out doing things. Your dog or cat may decide that the strange place is too strange and may have anxiety issues that may lead to crying or destroying things.
One of the disadvantages to bringing a pet is that you can't stay everywhere. Many hotels don't allow pets and enforce that rule stringently. Plan to stay in hotels that allow pets and be sure to call up the hotel and make sure its policy hasn't changed. Inform the hotel before you arrive that you'll be bringing a pet and ask what its policies and charges are. Whatever you do, don't try to sneak a pet into a hotel that doesn't allow pets. Hotel staff are pretty savvy people and can tell if you're harboring a pet. You won't fool anyone and may find yourself evicted with a big charge for cleaning.
When staying at a hotel, be sure to have your dog's or cat's travel carrier or crate and bring it inside with you when you stay. The crate or carrier provides a safe haven for your pet and a bit of familiarity in unfamiliar surroundings. It also gives you a safe place to put your pet when room service delivers, when the maids come by or when you go to the restaurant to pick up your food.
Be sure to put all food and water bowls in the bathroom or kitchenette, if there is one. That way, if water or food spills, it's easy to clean up. Likewise, situate your cat's litter box in the bathroom so that if the litter gets spilled, it's simple to clean up.
When checking into the hotel, ask the staff where you can walk and exercise your dog. Nobody likes dog feces all over, which is why the hotel usually has a designated place for dogs to go. When you get there, be sure to bring plastic bags and pick up after your dog defecates.
If you enjoy having your dog or cat sleep on the bed with you, it would be wise to bring a towel or extra blanket for your pet. While you may not mind pet hair on the bed or couch, the room's next occupant may and you may incur a charge for extra cleaning if you don't.
