Hints for Lodging With a Dog

Editor's Note:  With the holidays upon us, many of us will be traveling and taking our beloved dogs with us.  Here are some hints and tips on what to do if you're staying in a hotel.

Make sure your dog is flea-free before departing on your trip.  Also, aggressive otherwise uncontrolled dogs should not be taken to hotels or motels.  Any bad behavior an establishment experiences with one dog will be held against all days.  Also, most hotel/motels add on anywhere from $5 to $50 per night as well as a security deposit so be sure to call the hotel before arriving to find out what their rules are regarding pets in the rooms.

Try not to allow your dog on the bed or furniture in a hotel.  If your dog can't stand to sleep away from you or insists on being on the couch, bring a sheet or blanket from home to cover the area where he will lie.  Make sure your dog is housetrained BEFORE bringing him inside.  Even if your dog has been reliable and has not had an accident in years, staying in a hotel is a new and sometimes unsettling experience, which can lead to accidents.  Many dogs are reluctant to drink water or relieve themselves during a car trip or outside an airport, but once they arrive at a destination and relax, they cut loose.  Take your dog for a couple of walks upon arrival and before settling down for the evening.

If you plan to leave your dog in the hotel while you are out, bring a crate.  This will keep him safe and secure, eliminate the chance of his inflicting damage, and allow the housekeeping staff to come in while you're gone.  If you don't use a crate, find a hotel that offers a dog-sitting service.  This is unusual but not unheard of, especially in large cities such as New York or San Fransisco.  Some hotels pride themselves on being pet-friendly and even offer pet packages with everything from keepsake food bowls to dog treat cookbooks to daily walks.

Another option is to stay in a guest rental.  Many resort areas offer private homes for rent.  This can be an ideal option for a dog owner, but again, check the pet policy before you book.  If traveling to a rural area, camping facilities are usually dog friendly as long as they are kept leashed.  Ask about park policies when reserving a campsite.