How to Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel in Colorado

More and more people are choosing to travel with their pets. Colorado, known for its great outdoor activities, gorgeous scenery and pet-friendly atmosphere, makes a great destination choice. Places like Aspen and Colorado Springs routinely rank high on lists of cities that cater to travelers with pets. Finding pet-friendly Colorado hotels can be an easy task for any traveler if you plan ahead before leaving on your trip.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide on where you would like to go and what you would like to see. Gunnison County is one pet-friendly choice that offers hiking, biking, skiing and other activities. Planning a route ahead of time will allow you to research pet-friendly hotels in Colorado and won't leave you and your pet stranded alongside the road with no where to stay.

2. Search online for sites with information on accommodations that allow pets. The Dog Friendly and Pets Welcome websites are great places to begin your search.

3. Find books at the library or local bookstore about Colorado travel. General travel guides are good, but you may also want to check out books on pet activities for Colorado or particular areas. Dog hiking books are particularly good places to find information on pet-friendly hotels in Colorado.

4. Narrow down the list of pet-friendly hotels in a particular city or area to three or four based on their location, amenities or other relevant information.

5. Call ahead to each hotel. Verify that they are still accepting pets and ask about their pet policy. Some hotels have pet deposits or other requirements in order to book a room with your pet.

6. Decide on a hotel and book your room. Choose a hotel that best meets your needs in terms of its pet policy, location, price and other preferences.

Tips & Warnings

• Always remember to call ahead before showing up at a hotel with your pet. Guidebooks and websites that list pet-friendly hotels are not always correct or up-to-date about whether a property accepts pets.
• Prepare your pet for the trip. A hotel stay will be more pleasant for both of you if your pet is accustomed to a pet carrier or crate, has familiar items or toys with him and is in good health.
• Be aware that many hotels will ask that you not leave your pet unattended in the room. Plan ahead for times when you may not be able to be with your pet.
• Research outdoor areas that are pet-friendly, particularly for your dog. Most national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park, do not allow pets. Often, however, there are dog-friendly parks nearby which will offer similar views and experiences as the national park. Two great pet-friendly parks to visit are Garden of the Gods and the Great Sand Dunes National Monument and Preserve.