An increasing number of people are choosing to take their pets with them when holidaying. As a result, pet-friendly hotels are becoming easier to find. These hotels offer a variety of services that cater to a pet’s needs such as dog walkers, pet-friendly meals, doggie spas, special beds and dog-friendly happy hours. To benefit from these services, guests must ensure that their pets obey the hotel’s pet-centric rules as otherwise, it might pose a problem for other guests. Every hotel has different pet rules and one of the most important tips for pet-friendly hotel travel is to inquire about these rules while making a booking. Here are some of the common rules you should know about.

• Only certain types of pets are allowed

Many hotels permit only dogs, some only cats, while others allow both. Even within the dog species, hotels may allow only small or medium-sized dogs. If you have a large dog such as an alsatian, a St. Bernard or a mastiff, you must tell the hotel about them while making the booking. This is one of the most basic tips for pet-friendly hotel travel.

• Pets must be leashed when outside the room

Even if you think your dog is very well trained and obedient, you must keep them on a leash whenever they are outside the room. One of the reasons for this is that not all the guests at these hotels are fond of animals.

• There may be a limitation on the number of pets allowed per room

Many hotels limit the number of pets you can have in a room to one or two. Hence, one of the important tips for pet-friendly hotel travel is to check on this limitation in case you will be traveling with multiple pets.

• Pets should not enter certain areas

Most hotels have certain areas where pets are not allowed. This includes the bar, the reception, the entrance lobby, and the restaurant. They may also have a separate entrance for large dogs.

• Pets may not be allowed on the bed
  

Within the room too, hotels may have a ‘no pets on the bed’ policy. Though they cannot enforce this rule very strictly, it is the pet-owner’s responsibility to follow it. Some hotels may have sheets in the room that should be used to cover the bed so that the pet can sit on it. One of the common tips for pet-friendly hotel travel shared by pet lovers is to always carry their bedding with you.

• Pets must be kept clean and must be vaccinated

Hotels will typically ask for the most recent vaccination certificates. They might not allow pets in the hotel if the animal looks unclean or has visible ticks and fleas.

If you travel the same route often, one of the tips for pet-friendly hotel travel is to stay at the same hotel or a hotel belonging to the same chain. After your first visit, you would be aware of the hotel’s rules and policies and thus your travel will be much more comfortable for you and your pet.