5 Questions to Ask Pet-Friendly Hotels*
*GUEST POST
So you’re planning a trip with your furry friend and made a reservation at a pet-friendly hotel – awesome! Except, what exactly does it mean to stay at a pet-friendly hotel?
Traveling with a pet can be a fun adventure, but it helps to spend a little extra time preparing for your trip so things go smoothly for you and your companion. This means looking ahead at what items your pet will need along the way and asking questions about accommodations.
We’ve listened to pet owners to hear about their experiences with pet-friendly guidelines and important questions to ask pet-friendly hotels before arriving at the check-in desk.
While you should always think of your pet’s safety and specific needs, here are 5 questions to ask pet-friendly hotels before packing your suitcase.
- Are there any restrictions on breeds, weights, or the number of pets allowed in a room?
- What additional pet fees should I expect?
- Does the hotel offer any additional pet-friendly amenities?
- Is there a policy about leaving unattended pets in the room?
- Does the hotel require health records or copies of vaccines?
Let’s take a moment and talk about what these questions mean for you and your pet.
Are There Any Restrictions on Breeds, Weights, or the Number of Pets Allowed in a Room?
Many pet-friendly hotels set weight limits on the size of pets that can stay. It’s always good to call ahead and check the hotel’s policy on breeds or weight restrictions. If you plan to bring several furry friends along, ask if they allow multiple pets to stay in one room together.
If your pet doesn’t quite meet the weight requirements, be honest and ask if there are any options to accommodate your travel companion. Many pet owners mentioned that some pet-friendly hotels are willing to work with size limitations.
What Additional Pet Fees Should I Expect?
It’s not uncommon for a pet-friendly hotel to have additional fees for cleaning services or a damage deposit. While you might expect charges for traveling with pets, the price tag can differ quite a bit from hotel to hotel.
It’s best to pick up the phone and ask about fees and ensure the total costs work with your travel budget. Double-checking potential fees and refund policies can help you avoid unexpected and unwelcome surprises.
Does the Hotel Offer Any Additional Pet-Friendly Amenities?
Much like the term pet-friendly, the word amenities can mean a variety of services or accommodations, so be specific when you ask the hotel what it means.
For example, if having a place to walk your pet is essential to you and your furry friend, make sure they have space on their property or are close to a nearby park. Not only will this help you plan a less stressful stay for your pet, but exercise is helpful for you and your pet after a day sitting in a car or plane.
Other pet-friendly amenities to ask about include services like dog walking, pet-sitting, grooming appointments, or providing items like a pet bed or feeding bowls.
Some pet owners mentioned their furry travel companion prefers to eat and drink from their own bowls and packing their bed or blanket from home can be comforting in an unfamiliar place. If this sounds like your pet, you may want to consider packing a few extra items from home.
Is There a Policy About Leaving Unattended Pets in the Room?
Checking the hotel policy about unattended pets can help save you a lot of stress on your trip. Ask if pets can stay alone and if they require a crate. What is their policy for pets that might become vocal when they are alone?
If the hotel doesn’t allow unattended pets, you may want to ask for suggestions on pet sitters in the area.
Does the Hotel Require Health Records or Copies of Vaccines?
Pet-friendly hotels may ask for copies of vaccines or health records for pets that stay with them. Hotels have policies like this for a variety of reasons involving the health and safety of other guests – two and four-legged, in case an incident should happen.
Carrying a copy of your pet’s health and vaccine records when you travel can be helpful for several reasons. If your pet needs health care for illness or injury while you are away, many vet clinics will ask for health and vaccine-related documents. If you plan on using a pet sitter on your trip, oftentimes sitters will ask for health documents too.
Pet Travel Tip: Many dog owners mentioned wearing a waist/fanny pack helped to keep pet essentials like treats, poop bags, and water available while keeping their hands free for other travel needs.
We hope these questions help guide you toward finding a pet-friendly hotel that fits your needs as you travel with your furry friend!
Feature Image Credit: Africa images | Canva
About the Author
Sarah is the founder and writer of Dog Training Boss. As a parent, dog owner, and dog foster caregiver, she strives to create a loving home environment for all two and four-legged creatures. Her background also includes research analysis and journalism. Sarah works closely with animal experts and dog lovers to provide clear information that helps dog owners make the best decisions for their furry friends. If you’re looking for training tips, advice on barking, or online training classes, make sure to check out more of her articles!
Those are some really good questions and ones I never would have thought to ask, to be honest. I didn’t even realize that hotels would even have a weight limits, or one on breeds tbh.
The weight limit has been the biggest challenge for us because Daviana often exceeds it.