6 Tips We’ve Found for a Successful Hotel Stay with Your Dog
Staying at a hotel with a dog can be a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. However, it's important to do your research and plan ahead to ensure that both you and your dog have a comfortable and safe stay.
As a family we have made plenty of trips that involved an over night stay, some were a success while others certainly could have gone better. But it’s all about learning from your mistakes and that’s what we’re here for. Preparation is key, while having fun is the most important part. Before you plan your next multi-day trip, give this blog a read and you’ll be ready for anything!
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your hotel stay with your dog.
Finding a dog-friendly hotel
When planning a vacation, it can be difficult to find a hotel that welcomes dogs. However, with a little research and planning, you can ensure that you and your pup have an enjoyable stay.
Choosing the right dog-friendly hotel is essential to ensure that both you and your furry friend have a comfortable stay. First and foremost, it's important to check the hotel's pet policy before booking. Some hotels may have size or breed restrictions, while others may charge additional fees for bringing a pet. Be sure to read the fine print and ask any questions you may have about the policy before making a reservation.
One thing we do when researching places to stay is looking for hotels that offer pet-specific services, such as grooming, walking, or pet-sitting. These are the tell tale signs that the hotel is truly dog friendly. If they have taken the time to build out a staff around dog centered services, we know that we are in the right place!
Another important consideration is the location of the hotel. Look for hotels that are near pet-friendly parks or hiking trails where you can take your dog for walks and exercise. It's also a good idea to check if there are any dog-friendly restaurants or cafes nearby, so you can enjoy a meal or a snack with your pup by your side. BringFido and PetFriendlyHotels are great resources for not only for finding a place to stay, but finding things to do where you are staying.
When choosing a room, opt for a ground-floor room or a room with easy access to the outside, so that you don't have to navigate elevators or long hallways with your dog. Also, if you're planning on leaving your dog in the room while you're out, make sure to bring a comfortable bed and some familiar toys to keep them entertained.
On a recent trip from California to Oregon, we used Booking.com to find a hotel along the way that allowed dogs. Ahead of the stay we mentioned that we had a pup along for the trip and they were able to accommodate use with a ground floor room near the pet area. This simple step in the process made for an easy move in process and made going out for potty a straight forward and stress free process.
Pack the essentials
Preparing for the trip ahead of time can help ensure a smooth and stress-free stay. Before you head out, make sure you have all the essential items you'll need for your dog. This includes a leash, portable food and water bowls, and plenty of food and treats.
You'll also want to bring any medications or other supplies your dog may need, such as a crate or bedding. And if you are staying out for more than a day or two, it is a good idea to make sure you are up on your latest vaccinations and in good health with a quick checkup at the vet - as much as we dread those!
Beyond the basics, we always make sure to bring comforts from home to make our home away from home a little more familiar. Graham has a favorite blanket that he won’t sleep without. We make sure we don’t leave home overnight without it and make sure to bring a few of his toys to play with if we find ourselves with downtime in the room.
Having a few familiar items on hand put him at ease much more quickly. There are plenty of new sniffs in a strange new room, but some familiar sniffs get him acclimated, feeling safe and secure!
Follow hotel rules and regulations
When staying at a hotel with your pup, it's important to be aware of the rules and regulations to ensure a pleasant stay for both you and your dog. Here are some of the most common rules for dogs during a hotel stay:
Leash and collar: Most hotels require that dogs be kept on a leash or in a carrier while in public areas. This is for the safety and comfort of all guests, as well as to comply with local laws and regulations.
Noise control: Hotels often have strict noise policies, so it's important to keep your dog quiet and well-behaved. This means not allowing them to bark excessively or disturb other guests. If your pup is having difficulty getting acclimated to the new space, take them on a little walk around the hotel and introduce them to the area. With Graham, returning from this mini adventure helps establish the room as a home base and calms him down considerably!
Cleanliness: Hotels expect guests to clean up after their dogs, both in the room and in public areas. An obvious one, but be sure to bring along dog waste bags and dispose of them properly.
Designated areas: Some hotels have designated areas for dogs, such as dog runs or pet relief areas. Be sure to use these areas and not let your dog wander around the hotel unsupervised.
Vaccination and health documents: We have yet to run into this situation, but some hotels require proof of vaccination and health documents for dogs. Be sure to check with the hotel in advance and have these documents ready for your stay.
By following these common rules and being considerate of other guests, you and your dog can have a comfortable and enjoyable stay at a hotel. It's always best to check with the hotel before your stay to confirm their pet policy, and any additional rules they may have in place.
Knowing the rules and regulations before the trip is also a great way to understand all that the hotel has to offer. On a recent overnight trip, I made sure to inform the front desk that we had Graham with us. The hotel staff provided me with a map of the property, highlighting the designated dog walking areas and the areas of the property where he could be off leash! Simple steps like this make for a much more enjoyable stay for you and the staff.
Consider your dog's needs
Your dog's needs should be a top priority when planning your hotel stay. If your dog is prone to anxiety or separation anxiety, you may want to consider bringing a crate or bedding to help them feel more comfortable in a new environment. In this day and age, just about every hotel has plenty of pictures available online that you can review before you book your stay. You can learn a lot about a place through what they put (and don’t put) online. We’ve talked about a few of these earlier, but I wanted to make sure you had all of the considerations in one place.
Does the hotel have green space? Important for going potty and providing your dog with a place to stretch their legs, even if they are still on their leash.
Does the hotel charge fees for pets and what do those fees include? We once stayed at a “dog-friendly” hotel with a $100 pet fee, but following the stay we were charged an additional fee on top because they found dog hair in the room… well what did the pet fee cover? Of course they were going to find dog hair!
Is the hotel in a busy/loud area? The pictures might look great, but check google maps. Nothing worse than stressing out your dog with a passing train or loud highway a few feet away.
Research local dog-friendly attractions
One of the benefits of staying at a hotel with your dog is the opportunity to explore new places together. Exploring the destination with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience. Research dog-friendly activities and attractions in the area. Plan outings that are appropriate for your dog's breed, age, and energy level. Bring along plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and be prepared to take breaks as needed.
Most of our trips usually have activities dedicated to the dog of the family, which affords Graham the opportunity to burn some much needed calories, relieve some stress, and get used to being away from home. Not only is this much need exercise, it also makes the rest of our less exciting (for a dog) events more manageable.
As we are all familiar with here at Graham Friendly, there are plenty of opportunities to find dog-friendly activities just about anywhere. But when researching local dog-friendly attractions and restaurants in a new area it’s a good idea to find a few options. Locally, we always know how busy places usually are and when we might miss a crowd. But when exploring a new area, it’s a good idea to have a few options incase your pup doesn’t feel comfortable or if others don’t feel comfortable with your presence at any one given place.
Be considerate of other hotel guests
While your dog may be well-behaved, it's important to be considerate of other hotel guests who may not be as comfortable around pets. Keep your dog leashed and under control at all times, and be mindful of noise levels. If you're concerned about disturbing other guests, you may want to consider booking a room on a lower floor or in a quiet area of the hotel.
Staying at a hotel with a dog can be a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth and safe stay for both you and your dog. Just remember to follow the hotel's rules and regulations, consider your dog's needs, and be considerate of other hotel guests, and you'll have a great time together.