4 Tips for Staying at the Hotel With a Dog

If you are thinking of bringing your dog with you on a holiday trip, one of the usual concerns is staying at a hotel. There is a growing number of hotels which are accommodating to guests traveling with pets. Still, you need to plan ahead to make your trip fuss-free.

Here are some tips on staying in a hotel with your dog:

1. Book for a pet-friendly hotel

Most popular websites for hotel bookings such as Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com can help you narrow down your search to pet-friendly hotels Portland. They even have a ranking of Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in the Word. Take note however that despite being tagged as pet-friendly, each hotel has their own policies and rules of conduct in accommodating our furry friends.

Hotel descriptions may include ‘Pets allowed’. Some may indicate restrictions on the number of pets per room, pet size, type of animal allowed or additional charges that could be incurred. Make sure you check these details out prior to booking. If possible, call or email the hotel to clarify their pet policies. Let the hotel know that you are going to stay with a dog. This way, you would not have worries about being refused when you check-in.

Try to book a room on the ground floor. This way, you can avoid having to take the elevators and stairs. Check if the hotel room is sound-proof. This will prevent your pet from getting anxious when it hears sounds from the outside and disrupting other guests when they bark.

2. Minimize the time

As you will be leaving your dog behind at the hotel. Make sure that this is allowed per hotel pet policy. If you really need to leave your dog, observe first how it will behave without you around. Leave your dog in the room for a short period of time and return to check how it has behaved. Some owners prefer leaving their dogs inside the toilet. It will be easier to clean in case the dog poops and lessen the chances of staining the linens. Others shut the curtains or leave their television on if they find that this helps to keep their dog quiet. Also, remember to put the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your door to prevent the housekeeping staff from entering your room.

3. Bring the essentials.

Make sure you have with you everything that could keep your dog calm and comfortable during your stay. These may include your dog’s favorite toys, a familiar rug from home dog food and other treats. This will help your dog cope with possible anxiety in an unfamiliar place. Have items that will help you clean up its mess.

4. Know Nearby Areas

Map-out nearby areas for parks, dog daycare and the hotel’s outdoor space where you can take your dog. When traveling, you need to consider your dog’s need for food, air, and exercise. Find a conducive space to walk your dog. Not keeping their daily routine while away from home may contribute to their anxiety. Search for a spot at the hotel that you can easily access for your dog’s potty time.