| Summertime is approaching. It is time to plan for a | | | | also accomplish this purpose. |
| family vacation. Unless your pet is a poor traveler, or | | | | INTRODUCTIONSAfter entering the room, allow the |
| your hotel will not permit it, there is no reason to | | | | pet to get accustomed to its surroundings. Show it |
| leave the family pet at home or in a kennel while you | | | | where the water and food will be located. If your |
| are away. Traveling with your pet is like being invited | | | | pet is allowed on beds and furniture at home, be |
| to a private home. If you want to be invited back, | | | | sure and cover the furniture with a sheet or blanket |
| then you need to be a considerate guest. | | | | for protection. |
| Occasionally, pet friendly hotels will change their pet | | | | LEAVING YOUR PET ALONE IN THE ROOMDo not |
| policy. In almost every case, it is because they had a | | | | leave a pet alone in the room unless the errand is |
| bad experience with an inconsiderate pet owner, and | | | | only a minute or two. Many pet friendly hotels will not |
| now all pet travelers will have to suffer for the sins | | | | permit leaving a pet alone in a room, even when |
| of one. | | | | crated. Put up the Do Not Disturb sign on the door |
| MAKING A RESERVATION WITH A PET FRIENDLY | | | | when leaving. |
| HOTEL | | | | If your dog is not accustomed to traveling, it is best |
| Confirm with the hotel in advance the size and type | | | | not to leave them for any amount of time. A barking |
| of pet that will be accompanying the owner. A hotel | | | | dog can be a major disturbance for other guests. If |
| may state that they are pet friendly, but if a | | | | absence is necessary, ask at the desk if there is a |
| traveling pet owner shows up with a 100 pound dog | | | | trusted person they could recommend. |
| they may find that the hotel limits their guests to | | | | GOING FOR A WALK |
| small pets. Also, a certificate of good health and | | | | The front desk should be able to advise a good place |
| vaccination record may be required by the hotel in | | | | to walk your pet. Take along not one, but two litter |
| order to certify that your pet does not have ticks or | | | | bags, and use them. Keep your pet on a leash at all |
| fleas or any diseases communicable to humans. | | | | times. Their behavior in unfamiliar surroundings can be |
| If a cat is traveling with a pet owner, contacting the | | | | unpredictable. |
| pet friendly hotel is crucial. Many hotels do not accept | | | | SADLY, NOT EVERYONE LOVES PETSWhen on the |
| cats due to the allergies caused in many people by | | | | street, or in the common areas of the hotel, make |
| the dander. Additionally, the risk from damage from | | | | sure a pet is securely leashed, and be aware that not |
| cat claws is a concern to many pet friendly hotel | | | | everyone loves animals. Pets should be kept close to |
| owners. | | | | their owners and not allowed to approach others |
| BEFORE YOU TRAVEL | | | | unless both the dog and the other person (or animal) |
| Whether traveling by car or plane with a pet, have | | | | is comfortable with the meeting. |
| them bathed and groomed prior to traveling. A clean | | | | CLEAN UP |
| pet is more comfortable when confined which will | | | | Always return the room to the order in which you |
| likely happen when traveling. | | | | found it. Be considerate of the next guest and the |
| CHECKING IN | | | | management of the hotel. |
| Remind the desk clerk that you will have a pet in | | | | Best of all, doing these simple things will encourage |
| your room, and they need to notify the | | | | your favorite pet friendly hotel to maintain its policies |
| housekeepers. A "Pet in the Room" door hangar can | | | | and be available for other pet travelers to enjoy. |