Finding a place to stay with your pet can be stressful if you haven't taken a pet with you on a vacation before. Luckily there are many pets hotels located internationally that are happy to make accommodations for you and your furry friends. Travelers have to follow some rules however when staying in pets hotels and pet motels.
Basic rules that a traveler can expect to have to follow include not leaving their pet unattended, cleaning up after their pet, keeping pets restrained and many dog hotels will only allow pets from 25-80 pounds to stay on the premises; the exception being guide dogs. Most hotels require your animal to be quiet and not bark or howl so that they don't disturb others. Travelers will also have to agree to pay for expenses related to damage done to a room and be responsible if a pet attacks another person staying at a hotel or motel. Arrangements will also need to be made with housekeeping as to when they can access a room for cleaning.
Travelers unaccustomed to traveling with their pets may be surprised at the nice variety of menus that are specifically for cats and dogs. Room service menus often include grilled lamb or chicken with rice for dogs and grilled liver or salmon for cats. Some pets hotels menus cater to the health conscious pets and offer vegetarian cuisine.
Pet motels may offer other pet amenities including goodie bags, special pet bedding, dog walking services, pet sitting services, videos for your pet, cat litter, poop scoops, loaner leashes and collars, pet toys and hotel id tags.
It is common for a hotel to request an additional room deposit to cover any damages that may occur. Several large hotel chains charge a non-refundable charge at check in to cover the cleaning and disinfection of a hotel room after a pet has stayed there.
Pets hotels can also require that you provide them with a certificate from a veterinarian that the animal is free from disease and is on a flea and parasite treatment program. Pet motels often will provide travelers and their pets with a welcome package that includes the locations of local veterinarians in case your pet should need care while on the road.
Those who fly with their pets can expect similar accommodations and regulations. Guide dogs may fly with a disabled passenger or trainer in the cabin of an airplane if the appropriate identification is shown. Animals that are not guide dogs will have to follow the individual airlines regulations. Some airlines allow small pets to travel in cabins while others do not. Most pets will have to be shipped in the cargo area of the plane. Airlines have specific regulations regarding shipping containers so be sure to check with the airline prior to check in to avoid surprises. Airlines will require a veterinarian's certification of the animal's health as well as parasite and flea programs. Many airlines will not allow pets to travel in the summer months during the day because of the heat. Travelers should arrange flights early in the morning or late in the evening during the summer.
Traveling with your pet can be fun if you plan ahead. Call several airlines and pets hotels to find out who has the best rates and are the most enthusiastic about having you and your pet as guests.