Going on vacation is exciting, but who will take care of your beloved pooch? Leaving your dog behind can be stressful. Dogs become accustomed to their own schedules and owners and may become anxious or upset around someone new taking care of them. If you have multiple dogs, leaving them at a kennel or doggie daycare center can add up quickly, and there is no telling when some kind of problem might occur.
You go on vacation to relax. You don’t want to be stressed out about whether your dog is happy and having fun without you there. So why not take your dog with you? More and more hotels are becoming more accommodating to pets. Some hotels include dog beds, treats and even designated dog play areas, and some hotels also allow other pets.
Where to find a dog-friendly hotel
There are many websites that have search functions that allow you to find dog-friendly accommodations near your destination. Here are some starting points:
DogFriendly.com offers a comprehensive guide to traveling with your dog. You can search for places in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia or anywhere around the world. The colorful map allows you to choose an area of the United States and find a travel guide for that area. The site also offers city, hotel and highway guides. You can find attractions, events, transportation, beaches, dog parks and restaurants in your area. If you are looking to go camping, hiking or skiing with your dog, you can find dog-friendly vacation destinations. The site also offers tips for roads trips and air travel.
PetsWelcome.com offers various functions. You can search for dog hotels in your desired location by selecting the city and state. If you will be driving a long way to your destination, you may need to stop and rest along the way. You can search for dog hotels along the route by inputting the starting and ending points and designating how far you are willing to go off the route to find a dog hotel. This site also offers articles about pet travel and cities around the country that are pet friendly.
The dog food brand Purina Beneful offers a map that allows you to find not only dog-friendly hotels but also parks, restaurants and events that allow dogs. You can search by location and find places near you or in any area across the country.
Dog hotels vary in price. If the dog is staying with you at a hotel, you can expect to pay an extra $20 or so per night. If you want something luxurious, you will pay more. Rates are higher at certain times of the year, so it pays to research first.
Take advantage of these websites and plan your next vacation with your dog. You’ll feel less stressed about leaving your dog behind, plus you’ll get to spend some relaxing quality time with your best friend.