Traveling with Pets 101

Answer 1

Pets are as much a part of the family as children or spouses to most, so it is natural that they accompany their owners while traveling. Fortunately for pet owners, most hotels that previously did not allow pets are now changing their policies. Finding a hotel that will allow a pet is not a difficult process, but there are several things to consider and understand before booking a reservation.

Nearly every hotel that allows pets will require a fee. Some hotels will also request that a deposit be put down on a room where pets will be staying. Before making a reservation, it is best to call the hotel and ask what their rates are for pets, as well as if they require a deposit. If traveling with more than one pet, be sure to ask if the fee is applicable to individual pets or will include all of them. Also while inquiring about this, it is important to ask what the limit for pets is. Some hotels will only allow one pet, while others may allow up to five.

If a pet has Allergies or special boarding needs, ask the hotel manager if these needs will be met. Some hotels offer pet boarding rooms in a separate part of the building for those who must leave their pet during the day. If this is the case, it is important to notify the attendants of any allergies or food sensitivities. Not all of these types of facilities have good reputations. To find out if they do, check Trip Advisor or other consumer-created travel websites and read the reviews of past customers. A good pet-friendly hotel will be clearly noted; oppositely, a bad pet-allowing hotel will also be clearly noted.

Check the hotel’s pet rules before making a reservation. Not all pet owners will see eye-to-eye with the hotel’s specifications. For example, if a hotel required pets to be kept in a pet carrier or cage while in the room, owners whose pets run free would likely have a problem with this rule. Also be certain of how many pets are allowed for each guest room, as well as size limits.