Advice for staying at hotels or vacation rentals with your furry friend

Searching for a pet-friendly accommodation for the first time can seem overwhelming. Just like people, dogs can feel anxious in unfamiliar surroundings, which might make them a bit fidgety. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay with your dog (which we assume you want), here are some tips to create a positive experience for both you and your pup.

How to enjoy a hotel stay with your pet

Book a room that welcomes dogs

The initial step to ensuring a pleasant stay with your pet is selecting the right pet-friendly hotel. Opt for a room on the upper floors, as they are generally quieter and farther from street noise. Ideally, look for rooms with tiled or wooden floors for easier cleaning, and ensure there’s ample space to keep the environment comfortable for both you and your dog.

Keep your dog’s vaccination documentation handy

Hotels typically require proof of health certificates, ID tags, vaccination records, and owner identification at check-in. Make sure to have these documents ready before you arrive. While your vet’s contact details may not be necessary, it’s wise to have them accessible just in case.

Bring along some home comforts

To help your dog feel at ease during your hotel stay, recreate a home-like atmosphere. Bring along some of their favorite belongings, like a cherished blanket or toy, to help them settle into this unfamiliar environment. Just remember to pack these items back up when you leave!

Stick to your dog’s usual routine

Adjusting to multiple changes at once can stress your furry companion, leading to increased anxiety or restlessness. While it may not be possible to replicate your exact daily schedule while traveling, try to keep as many elements of your dog’s routine intact as possible to help minimize their stress.

Ensure a comfortable temperature

Research indicates that a dog’s mood is significantly affected by their body temperature. When it’s too hot, dogs may struggle to breathe and become irritable, while being too cold can make them lethargic. Keep an eye on the thermostat in your pet-friendly room to ensure a comfortable environment.

Tips for staying at a vacation rental with your pet

When you arrive, designate a specific area or room for your dog in your vacation rental. Choosing a dog-friendly space is just the beginning; there are steps you can take to keep the area tidy and help your pet feel at home. Here are some tips to minimize mess and enhance your pet's comfort.

Move valuable items out of reach

Dogs can be quite energetic and might accidentally knock over valuable items during your stay. While some accommodations may have insurance for such incidents, others might not. To avoid any mishaps, it’s best to move expensive and fragile items to a safer location.

Keep hazardous products stored safely

As much as we adore our furry friends, they can sometimes get into mischief if left unattended. To ensure your dog's safety, make sure to remove any hazardous items from their reach. Securely store items like detergents, medications, sharp tools, and also consider putting away power cords and cables from electronics.

Keep the trash out of your dog's reach

Make sure all trash bins are stored securely so your pup can't get into them. It's best to place any garbage cans inside a cabinet, unless they have a tightly fitting lid. Additionally, consider blocking off areas in your room and keeping your dog's supplies in a space that’s inaccessible to them.

How to discover pet-friendly hotels on Dinogo

Here are some helpful tips for finding the ideal pet-friendly accommodation for your needs.

Verify the location of your hotel choices

In noisy environments, dogs can become restless – and you definitely don't want your pup disturbing other guests with barking. When looking for a pet-friendly accommodation on Dinogo, make sure to review the locations of your selected options. Avoid hotels near busy streets and loud areas to minimize the stress of keeping your dog calm during your stay.

Begin your search

Ensure your chosen stays offer pet-friendly amenities

While a hotel might allow pets, it may not have the best facilities for a comfortable experience for your dog. Such places can be more “pet tolerant” than truly pet-friendly. Look for hotels that provide pet-specific amenities like a treat station, a designated pet relief area, trash cans, clean water bowls, a well-kept play area, a dog washing station, and possibly dog daycare services.

Review hotel policies thoroughly

Every pet-friendly hotel has its own set of rules and guidelines. Some places limit the number of dogs a guest can have, while others may restrict certain breeds or sizes. Take the time to understand the regulations at any hotel you consider before making a reservation. Many hotels require dog owners to sign agreements acknowledging financial responsibility for any damages, so it's wise to be familiar with these policies.

Inquire about fees in advance

Pet fees vary significantly among dog-friendly hotels. To get a clear picture of what your stay with your dog will cost, research the hotel's pet fees ahead of time. This will help you plan your budget accordingly.

How to locate a pet-friendly hotel

Not every hotel accommodates pets. To avoid the stress of last-minute bookings, search for and reserve a pet-friendly hotel weeks in advance of your departure. On Dinogo, you can easily find dog-friendly options by applying the “pet-friendly” filter under “Amenities” to view all suitable properties at your destination. Safe travels!