National Pet Travel Safety Day - How to Find Pet-Friendly Accommodations

2019 has officially arrived and we are just DOGgone excited about it. To kick things off this year, we are teaming up with the good folks at Amenity Services in honor of today being National Pet Travel Safety Day. The team at Amenity Services handles all things hospitality so when it comes to traveling with your pet and finding pet-friendly accommodations, they are the experts!

You may recall our pet safety tips on traveling with your dog on road trips, but what about when you need to stay the night in a hotel with your pet? We chatted with our friends at Amenity Services to bring you these top tips:

Tips for finding the right pet-friendly accommodations

1)  Before you leave home, check that your dog's ID tags are securely fastened to his/her collar and the information on them is correct, just in case you and your pet get separated. And if your dog isn't already microchipped, this is a perfect time to do it.

2)  Request a room on the ground floor with a fridge so you can keep your dog's food close and fresh.

3)  Don’t wait until check-in to let the hotel know that you have a dog — confirm the pet before you reserve your room. Pet policies vary greatly from hotel to hotel, and even hotels that allow dogs may have size limits or restrict the number of dogs you can have in your room. They may also have a list of unwelcome breeds. Some hotels include pets in the regular room rate, while others charge separately for them. You may be charged a daily fee or a flat fee that covers your entire stay. 

4)  Call the hotel in advance to see what pet-friendly amenities are offered. Is there a local dog park nearby? Are you allowed to leave your dog in the room unoccupied? Do they offer pet-sitting services or dog-walkers?

5)  Hotels are very likely to offer treats at check-in. Long lasting treats are great to keep your dog’s anxieties controlled while occupying a room.

6)  Some hotels offer a pet bed. Ask them what sizes are provided and if they are laundered. It is still a good idea to bring your dog’s favorite snuggle item to keep him/her comfortable at night.

7)  If dogs cannot be left in the room alone, plan dog-friendly activities throughout your stay.

8)  Forgot poop bags? Don’t worry! Pet-friendly properties typically offer waste bags and designated pet relief areas.