8 Ways to Find Dog-Friendly Hotels
Posted on September 28, 2010 by WayCoolDogs
Eight ways to find dog friendly hotels is important to traveling dog owners. Recent studies show that dog owners travel with their dogs most of the time, and staying overnight at some type of pet friendly hotel is vital. Depending on the location, the city may list through a dog travel website specific dog hotels and dog-friendly events if it is a dog friendly city. Look for things for the dog owner and his pet to enjoy – dog-friendly attractions, outdoor dining guide for dogs, off leash dog parks, parks and hiking guides for dogs, or beach guides for dogs. If not dog friendly, you will see numerous “No Dogs Allowed” in public places.
Dog friendly hotels are increasing in numbers. Currently the tourist market is tough because of the fraught economy, forcing hotel tourist businesses to change their advertising tactics to survive — going out of their way to list their changing policies through dog websites naming dog friendly hotels . Market studies show that most traveling dog owners travel with their beloved pet[s] which has forced most hotels to accept dogs – with limitations.
There are special websites that keep track of what a pet friendly city has to offer, websites that offer information to traveling dog owners to help them find dog friendly hotels, dining guides, parks for exercise and dog-toileting facilities.
Some examples are Dog Friendly, an online dog travel website named by Forbes as the “Best of the Web” site, or Pet Travel that lists over 36,909 pet friendly spas, resorts, inns, beds and breakfasts as well as worldwide services. Knowing which websites to visit can help you easily find a dog-friendly city.
Places to check out dog-friendly hotels
1. Find a Pet-Friendly website that ranks 3 or higher on the Page Rank (PR) scale. Ranking 3 or higher means dog owners are using it a lot because of it quality information.
2. Use Site Luck, website http://www.siteluck.com, to check a particular dog friendly website’s ranking by inserting the URL of the selected or check below with some of ours, which has the PR listed. Any website can tell you they are number one or have all the answers — the PR number will tell you how true that statement actually is!
3. Use the PetSmart Store Locator with over 1000 store locations to help you find pet services for your location: veterinary, pet hotels, boarding, training, grooming, doggie day camp, or adoptions. Go to the PetSmart locator on their website and insert the address where you are staying at, city, state or zip code. You can choose from a 20 to 75 mile radius for surrounding pet-friendly businesses. The interactive map that comes up is accessible in different formats: map, satellite, or hybrid. At the bottom of the page are direct links to each of the service types you may be looking for instead of using the map.
4. Dog friendly hotels do not always mean they are always friendly to all dogs — a major misunderstanding among traveling dog owners. There are specific rules that certain hotels follow, which means not all dogs are accepted. The best thing to do is call the hotel directly and tell them what breed you have, how much it weighs, how tall it is and so on — getting it out in the open what the fee will be or if they will accept it.
5. Know what to expect when talking to a pet-friendly hotel.There are certain issues that some hotels are strict about: certain breeds are not allowed in the hotel — aggressive breeds; weight restrictions preferring dogs under ten pounds; prefer non-shedding dogs; and bathroom restrictions when dogs toilet outside (no “yellowing” of their manicured lawns).
6. Hotels have a specific pet security or pet fee, based on certain conditions. At PetTravel.com, there is a detailed list of each hotel and what they require from pet owners regarding their pets. For example, at AmeriSuites, the policy is (1) service animals accompanying persons with disabilities are always accepted, (2) pets must weigh under 30 lbs; (3) pets must not be left unattended in the hotel room or suite, and (4) a pet fee of $10.00 is required for each pet.
7. Pet friendly hotel chains are excellent choices if you are traveling with your pet[s]. Once you find the hotel chain you like, call ahead and make sure they will have a room waiting for you and your dog or cat! The website TripswithPets.com lists the major pet friendly hotel chains for you to look at. A few of the major brand names are Best Western; Comfort Inn & Suites; Courtyard by Marriott; Econo Lodge; Embassy Suites; Hilton; Holiday Inn; Holiday Inn Express; La Quinta Inn & Suites; Motel 6; and Quality Inn & Suites.
Make sure you discuss your pet’s breed, weight, fur and bathroom habits honestly with the manager or clerk in charge. Pet lodging in cat or dog friendly hotel chains can also be found by each state, located in a drop-down menu on the Trips with Pets website.
8. If for any reason your dog does not get along with people, is an aggressive breed, becomes car sick easily, or does not adjust well to new settings — they should be left at a home with a dog sitter, a doggie-day care, or someone in the family. Not only will they be miserable, but will make your trip …v.e.r.y. .. l.o.n.g.!
- “I’ve been in the hotel business over thirty years. Never yet have I called the police to eject a disorderly dog during the small hours of the night. Never yet has a dog set the bedclothes afire from smoking a cigarette. I’ve never found a hotel towel or blanket in a dog’s suitcase, nor whiskey rings on the bureau top from a dog’s bottle. Sure the dog’s welcome…and if he will vouch for you, then you can come along too!” (DogQuotations.com)
Dog-Friendly Sources:
DogFriendly.com (PR 6)
PetSmart locator (PR 5)
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5 Responses:
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Pet Friendly - What Big Cities Don't You | WayCoolDogs.com - 2nd Oct, 10 05:10am
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Sara
- 29th Sep, 10 07:09pm
Hi Nancy,
Great site! I so enjoy reading the articles you post on every aspect of the dog and dog owners lives. Your articles are not only enjoyable to read but I have come across so many helpful pieces of information for my dog. I especially appreciated your post about disease carrying ticks; I learned a great deal about Lyme disease and the different types of ticks to look out for. I was actually writing today because I had a suggestion for a guest post.
As the owner of a shelter pup, I know how wonderful they are. Seeing that national-adopt-a-dog-month is fast approaching, I have been thinking a lot about how “Hank” has changed my life, as well as how I have seen dogs change the lives of people I know. It is widely known, but sometimes under-appreciated that pets, especially dogs are very effective at improving people’s moods and even combating depression. Given the current state of the economy in our country and the state of affairs worldwide, I know a number of people engrossed in negativity day in and day out; I also see a noticeable difference between those who go home to their “Hank” every night.
I thought a very useful piece that would be appreciated by your readers would be on the Hidden Benefits of the Shelter Dog. If you would be interested, I am happy to send it your way to review.
Thanks and look forward to hearing from you!
Sara
Steve Young
- 1st Oct, 10 03:10pm
Before retiring, I managed a hotel chain. My main office was in the town where I usually worked. I was in my office one afternoon when the security alarm went off in the pool area. I headed down to the pool and my manager was in a heated argument with a couple. I soon found out that the problem was 3 large Irish Setters who got out of the room and headed for the pool. It could be funny but the pool was filled with children and parents. It took us 2 days to get the pool drained and getting the filter cleaned was a nightmare. The couple absolutely refused to pay for the labor to clean the pool. They simply could not accept the fact that the entire mess was over 375.00. I showed her their check in card with restrictions about pets in the pool area. Luckily our attorney was in town and got everything settled. It just amazed me that these intelligent people couldn’t understand a simple rule, plus the fact that no one else could use the pool till it was cleaned. Rule of the game: Check ahead before you get to your motel. It will save you a lot of money plus legal fees.
Ecommerce
- 15th Jan, 13 01:01am
My brother suggested I might like this website.
He was entirely right. This post actually made my day.
You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
WayCoolDogs
- 15th Jan, 13 10:01am
I am glad you enjoyed the article. If you need anything in particular, please let us know and we will try to help you!
Nancy Houser