Hound Hospitality: Amazing Insider Tips for Staying with Your Dog in a Hotel

Benefits of Staying at a Hotel with Your Dog

• You get the comforts of home, without responsibilities like cooking or cleaning.
• No campsite set up or break down.
• Weather is a non-issue with solid walls and a roof to protect you from the elements.
• More sightseeing opportunities for you during your trip if your hotel allows animals to be left alone in the room.

Cons of Staying at a Hotel with Your Dog

• Added stress. Your dog may get stressed by the people, smells, and sounds. This may make you stressed.
• Extra pet fees and potential fines if your dog damages anything.
• You may need to cancel your plans if your dogs are too disruptive or stressed in the hotel.
• More expensive than camping.
• Most hotels have a 2-dog limit.

Even if the pros outweigh the cons, some dogs will struggle with a hotel environment. Here are a few things to think about to help you decide whether it’s a good idea to bring your dog to a hotel:

• Is your dog anxious? High-anxiety dogs may find hotels to be too stressful due to the high activity levels that can occur with other guests and hotel employees.
• Does your dog have aggressive tendencies? If your dog doesn’t do well around people, you may want to leave them home.
• Is your pup a barker? If your dog barks at every small noise or movement, staying at a hotel could be more challenging.

These hotel chains welcome pets at most of their locations:

• Best Western
• Wyndham (La Quinta, Days Inn, Super 8, Ramada, Baymont, etc)
• Hilton (including Double Tree, Hampton Inn, Home 2 Suites, etc.)
• Choice Hotel brands (Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Clarion, EconoLodge, etc.)
• Marriot brands (Renaissance Hotels, Gaylord Hotels, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, TownePlace Suites, etc.)

When looking at hotel options, it has to be dog-friendly and meet your needs. To do this, look at each location’s pet policies and amenities. To pick the right hotel, these are the things you should look for:

• Breed Restrictions
• Pet Limit
• Weight/Size Limit
• Pet Fees and Deposits
• Can you leave your furry friend alone in the room?
• Does the hotel have a kennel for dogs?
• Is there a place to walk your dog or a dog park or fenced play areas onsite or nearby?
• Is the room carpeted?
• Where in the hotel are pets allowed?

Once you find the right hotel, you still need a good room to make your pup’s stay as stress-free as possible. For the best chances of getting the best room, put in these 2 requests when booking your room:

• In a low-traffic area
• Close to an exit door for bathroom breaks.

How do you get your dog ready for an overnight at a hotel? It’s easy! All it takes is a little time and effort:

• Practice basic travel behaviors like recall, loose leash walking, and quiet.
• Get your pup used to a sound machine.
• Get your dog comfortable on stairs and elevators in case you are on an upper floor.
• Consider pet travel insurance.

Aside from the basic items your dog needs like food, bowls, and medications, here is a list of other things that will make a hotel stay easier for you and your dog:

• Crate– The best way to guarantee your dog doesn’t damage the hotel room during your stay. It may also help your pooch feel safe.
• Sound Machine– A sound machine is a great tool to help drown out all the noise that happens in a hotel to help limit barking.
• Toys & Feeder Puzzles– Bring some of their favorite items to help keep them occupied when in the hotel.
• Treats– Bring some of their favorite items to help keep them occupied when in the hotel.
• Dog bed/blanket– A bed or blanket with the familiar smells of home can be very comforting.
• First Aid Kit– Safety first!  Use our Dog First Aid Kit guide to ensure your kit has everything you need for both dog and human.
• GPS Tracking– Consider finding a good GPS device for your pup so you can find them in case they get loose.
• Reusable diapers– These are great if your dog has a bladder or marking issue.

Arriving at the Hotel with Your Dog

Once your vacation is over, there are still a few things to do when checking out.

• Clean up excess pet hair
• Check for toys or treats
• Leave a detailed review for future dog owners.

Doing these things will help ensure the hotel remains pet friendly and help other traveling dog lovers make an informed decision.

Multiple factors affect how your dog will do at a hotel. Things like your pup’s personality, energy level, and hotel set-up all play a part. Though you can’t control everything, here are some tips to help you lay the groundwork for a successful hotel visit full of happy tails.

• Book off-season or on weekdays.– Full hotels = more noise and stress. This will help your dog a lot especially if it’s their first hotel stay.
• Be polite and follow the rules.- Keep your dog leashed, pick up after them, and don’t allow them to bother other guests or staff.
• Give your pup plenty of exercise.– A tired dog is a good dog. Barking and other destructive behavior can increase with a lot of pent-up energy.
• Give your dog time to get used to their new surroundings– Plan on spending time in your hotel room with your dog to get them comfortable before you leave them alone (if the hotel allows it). This will help keep the experience positive and lessen the chance of them disturbing other guests while you are gone.
• Use the Do Not Enter sign – You want to prevent staff from entering your room so there are no negative interactions with your dog and they don’t accidentally let your dog escape.
• Take them with you when possible– Having your pup with you gives you peace of mind and they will be happier with you than being left behind in a strange place. Remember, this is their vacation too!
• Use a white noise machine– This helps hide the noises and stops your dog from constantly barking at every noise and disturbing other guests.
• Offer more water and bathroom breaks.– Your dog may drink more water than usual in a new place.
• Stick close to their normal schedule– Giving your dog a sense of normalcy will help them feel more comfortable.

Make the Most of Your Hotel Stay with a Dog

Staying in a hotel with your dog can be a fantastic experience. They offer comforts like a cozy bed and A/C, making them a great option in all types of weather. Some hotels will even allow you to leave your dog behind during the day giving you more freedom during your trip.

I also know that taking your dog to sleep in a place filled with strangers and new smells can be overwhelming.  Luckily, this guide will help you develop the perfect routine for successful and relaxing hotel stays.

Don’t forget to grab Remington’s Pup Memory Passport so you can start recording the amazing adventures your dog will have!