Dog friendly hotels are increasing in number and are now available in many parts of the world.
This could be just the ticket either as a stop-over on a long journey or as a holiday in itself.
Consider the following points before you book your dog friendly hotel.
1. Are there any no-go areas for your dog?
If dogs are allowed in the hotel, it might be worth finding out exactly where they can go. Some hotels are quite happy to let your dogs wander around with you. Others simply provide a kennel for the night.
2. What happens at meal times?
It's common practice in the UK not to allow dogs in the restaurant so it might be the case that while you eat your meal they go in the garden. But what if it's raining cats and dogs? (sorry, couldn't resist that one!). The last hotel we stayed in brought us up a tray of food so we could eat in our bedroom and keep the dogs company. Now that's what I call room service!
3. Has your dog-friendly hotel got a decent-sized garden?
You may not feel like taking your dog for a walk as soon as you arrive. Instead it might be nice to go straight into the garden and let your dog let off some steam - after all it's likely that you've been travelling for a while. Don’t forget to pick up everything your dog leaves behind (I think you know what I mean!)
4. Is there an off-lead walk near-by?
If you’re undecided as to which hotel to book, a deciding factor could be whether there is an off-lead walk close-by. This may mean a phone call to the proprietors.
On one holiday we had a disused railway track opposite the hotel that was frequented by dog-walkers. It was so convenient and meant we could pop out before breakfast and let the dogs stretch their legs for half an hour or so.
5. Do you have a territorial dog?
One word of caution about hotels. Our youngest is a rescue dog and very territorial. In spite of telling her before-hand what to expect, she ignored our advice and insisted on barking at every sound outside our room.
We had a very stressful evening trying to keep her quiet so as not to disturb the whole house - and then as people started getting up in the morning it all started again. This was a stop-over for us on our way to Scotland and we were pretty shattered by the time we left the following day. Only you will know if your dog might behave in this way.
This is a very useful database of establishments in the UK that welcome pets. The site contains details on more than 10,000 venues that will welcome you and your dog(s).
Pet Holiday Finder - UK Holiday accommodation, dog friendly hotels, cottages, B&Bs, caravans where pets are always welcome.
Here are three useful books for taking your dog with you in the United Kingdom: The AA 2008 Pet Friendly Places to Stay; The Good Guide to Pet Friendly Pubs, Hotels and B&Bs; and The 2008 Pets Come Too Guide. They will all be shipped from the UK.
And here are ten books packed with advice for enjoying a holiday with your dog in the United States. They will all be shipped from the USA.
Have you stayed in a hotel with your dog? Would you like to share your experiences with us? Was it enjoyable or were you glad to get home?! We'd love to hear from you and share your experiences with our readers. Try not to name individual hotels - law suits can be expensive!
