Lucky for you and Fido, more and more hotels are making room for guests with furry friends. Your typical good-natured dog or cat shouldn't pose any problems to these properties--but leave the anacondas, llamas, and ferrets at home, please. The hotels usually ask that your animal be well-behaved, quiet, housebroken, and accompanied by someone at all times. But be aware that rules vary from property to property and may change from visit to visit, so do your homework and always touch base with each establishment before you reach the check-in desk.
For information on special resorts and B&Bs that pamper pets as much as their owners, head to your nearest bookstore and pick up one of several volumes devoted to the subject. Pets Welcome: A Guide to Hotels, Inns, and Resorts That Welcome You and Your Pet, by Kathleen Devanna Fish and Robert Fish; and Travel With or Without Pets: 25,000 Pets-R-Permitted Accommodations, Petsitters, Kennels and More!, by M. E. Nelson, are two popular titles. Among the more indulgent properties mentioned in these books is the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara. This is the place preferred pets go for personalized water bowls, vegetarian biscuits, "Pawier" water, and doggie turndown service.
No matter which hotel you choose, always call ahead and confirm that your pet will be welcomed: While another guest's genteel Abyssinian may be gladly received, your shaggy Saint Bernard may not. Also, request a room far from the ice machine, elevators, pool area, and other noise-makers that may provoke your dog to bark.
Before You Go
It's a good idea to get your pet used to the idea of car travel before you set out on a cross-country adventure. For some animals, a car trip undoubtedly conjures up frightful memories of past visits to the vet. If this is the case with your dog, take him for a few jaunts around the neighborhood or to a nearby park. That way, your pooch will look forward to going for rides and will be a more pleasant passenger during the long trip. Cat owners should prepare to have their patience tried, as felines take a little longer to warm up to the idea of car travel than dogs.
If your pup is already an avid fan of car rides, get him acclimated to his carrier or mesh crate during your next few tours around town. Lay a familiar towel or rug down and don't forget to throw in a few treats and a favorite toy. When you're ready to begin packing, bring along a supply of dog food (his favorite brand may not be available everywhere), food and water bowls, proof of license and vaccinations, a brush, a photograph (in the event that he gets lost), a collar ID tag, leash, a pooper scooper, and medications, if necessary.
You'll also want to take your pet to visit the local veterinarian before leaving town. Be sure to get a copy of your dog's vaccination records, a health certificate showing that he is free of infectious diseases, and a separate rabies certificate. If there's any chance that you might put your pooch in a kennel,
a Bordatella vaccination (to protect against kennel cough) is also recommended.
On the Road
While we're sure your dog would much rather hang his head out the window and feel the wind in his whiskers, it's best that he remain in his crate while the car is in motion. It should be big enough that he can turn around, stand up, and lie down comfortably. The crate will prevent him from interfering with your driving, as well as keep the back seat clear of chew-toys and fur, and give him a place to call his own. The same advice applies for cats--keep them in a carrier while the car is in motion and give them a scratch post and favorite toy to keep them contented.
And be sure to make a pit-stop every few hours for your sake and your pet's. Bring a Frisbee or tennis ball along and encourage him to get some exercise during your breaks. And understand that your dog might not feel comfortable eating or drinking while in the crate, so put out a bit of food and water when you pull over. Also, never allow your dog to exit the car without first securing a leash to his collar, no matter how safe the area may seem.
If your dog does need emergency care, call the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) at 800-252-2242 for the location of the nearest AAHA-certified veterinarian.
At the Hotel
During check-in, make sure that you are clear on all of the hotel's pet-related rules and restrictions. Ask where your dog should be walked--chances are the pool area and formal dining room are off limits. Also, in the unlikely event that Fido has an accident, get a run-down of the hotel's cleaning costs and damage fees in writing.
Just because you and your dog are staying in a pet-friendly room does not mean you have free reign to be messy. Be a courteous guest and lay a mat down under your pet's food and water dishes in case of spills. And insist that your pet sleep on the floor with bedding brought from home--although it may be a different story at home, he does not belong on the hotel bed or furniture.
Though it may be tempting, refrain from leaving your dog unattended in your room. He may startle the maid, or worse, run amok in his unfamiliar surroundings. You will most likely be asked to leave if your dog disturbs other guests with incessant barking or causes damage to your room. If you plan to take some time away from Fido, look for a hotel with pet-sitting services.
Happy trails to you and your pup!
Traveler Advice