The human-pet bond is stronger than it has ever been. Over 65% of American households have at least one pet and these dogs, cats, ferrets and other little critters play much bigger role in families’ lives. Pets are members of the family – furry, finned, and four-legged! And when families plan vacations or take road trips, they don’t want to leave their furry family members behind. The first step is finding hotels and accommodations that allow them.
Many hotels, motels, resorts, and other accommodations have done their homework. They realize that more and more families are traveling with their four legged friends. So they have chosen to open their doors to pet guests. By becoming a pet friendly hotel, motel, bed & breakfast (or other accommodation) they are broadening their market to include a large group of very loyal consumers.
Unfortunately, not all accommodations have jumped on the pet friendly band wagon…so where do you find hotels that allow dogs, cats and other pets? The best place to find pet friendly accommodations is online. There are websites that specialize in only accommodations that allow pets.
Before you begin your online search, it is important to determine what your needs are. For example, what type of accommodation is best suited for you and your furry friend? Are you looking for an overnight stay on your way to grandma’s house or are you looking for a weekend getaway at a bed and breakfast? Are you moving across country and need to find pet friendly accommodations along your travel route, or is a week long stay at a pet friendly vacation rental on the beach what you are after?
You will also want to consider the type of pet amenities that are important to you. Some pet friendly hotels and accommodations offer turn-down services, welcome baskets, massages, room service menus, and other special amenities…while others simply allow pets. Another thing to consider is whether you will have to leave your pet in the hotel room alone at any time. This is important as most hotels have rules regarding leaving your pet unattended in your hotel room.
Websites that exclusively offer pet friendly hotels and accommodations typically will include the hotel’s pet policy and their pet amenities (if offered). Be sure to check to ensure that your pet meets the size and breed requirements. It is also recommended that you book your reservation in advance as some hotels have limited rooms allotted for pets.
If you are looking for pet friendly hotels and accommodations along your travel route, there are a couple websites that offer a search by route feature. You simply plug in your departure city and destination and it maps out your travel route – complete with pet friendly accommodations along the way.
Gone are the days of sneaking your pets in…finding hotels and accommodations that allow pets is literally at your fingertips!