If you are planning a trip and want to take your pet along, the first thing on your list would be to find pet-friendly accommodation at your travel destination.
Pet parents would be glad to know that there are plenty of great options available today. Nearly 75% of the reputed, luxury, big hotel chains have removed pet restrictions, allowing you to bring your furry/feathered friend along when you stay with them.
There is a difference between pet-friendly and pet-tolerant. Best rated pet-friendly hotels in the country usually have special features like dog-runs/parks, day-care, pet-meals, etc., while pet-tolerant facilities are limited to just keeping your dog in your room. Let’s not forget how expensive hotels can get, though. Be sure to look for budget vacations and hotel deals for pet owners to help with the cost.
Before you plan your vacation:
- Remember to call ahead and confirm that they are indeed pet-friendly.
- Check the amenities, fees, charges, and their guests-with-pets policy.
- If you’re traveling by plane, purchase a pet-carrier that’s approved by the airline.
- Make sure your pet gets used to the carrier well ahead of the scheduled travel.
- If you know that your pet gets car-sick, talk to your vet, and get suitable medication.
- Carry enough paper towels and disposable potty-bags.
- Always keep your dog on a leash while traveling and at the hotel.
- Carry his/her favorite toys, blanket, and cushions.
- Take a supply of water, pet food, and treats if you’re not sure of getting your brand at your travel destination.
Top pet-friendly hotels
Motel6
This chain is officially endorsed by the American Kennel Club as a preferred lodging-provider and they offer attractive rebates/discounts for AKC members. The facilities extend across all their properties, and there’s no extra charge for pets limited to 2 to a room.
Four Seasons
This deluxe brand offers pet-friendly facilities at some locations to small cats and dogs. If you’re staying there, your pet is in for pampering with luxury amenities such as a piddle-pad, water-bowl filled with Evian water, gourmet treats, cozy beds, among others. Concierges at these places can provide information about nearby pet-parks.
Hilton Home2Suites
Though overall pet-friendly, regulations on size and number of pets allowed may need to be confirmed before you travel. They do charge a pet fee and require your dog to be on a leash at all times.
Kimpton Hotels
An organization that’s truly pet-friendly, not just to dogs, this boutique hotel chain with 59 properties across the country offers free comfy pet-beds, complimentary freebies, goody-bags for your pet, food/water, etc., and provides information about pet-friendly restaurants and entertainment facilities nearby.
Loews Resorts
With a tagline that reads Loews Loves Pets, they make their stand very clear across all their properties in Canada and the US. They do charge a one-time fee of $25 for services and allow up to two pets per room. Your pets will love the special vet-and-chef-curated cat/dog menu, their own special beds, water-bowls, mats, and litter boxes.
Marriott
Along with its sister brands such as Renaissance, Autograph, Delta, Courtyard, Gaylord, and TownePlace, the hotel offers a wide range of facilities for pets. Fees, facilities, breed, and weight regulations may differ across the 1500 locations.
Fairmont
This hotel will delight you with their Canine Ambassador program, hand-made treats specially created by their executive chef, and more. Facilities and fees, breed, size, weight restrictions may vary across different properties.