How to Find Pet Friendly Lodging

It’s not easy finding pet friendly lodging. But with the economic times being what they are, many places that once had strict no pets policies have adopted a more pet friendly approach to attract customers. Here are some tips to help you find pet friendly lodging.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a pet
• pet friendly lodging directory

1. Ask your friends who travel with their pets where they stay on vacation. This is a great way to find pet friendly lodging because your friends can provide all the inside information on what they liked/disliked about the accommodations.

2. If you find a place that you think looks perfect, but it claims to have a ‘no pets’ policy, call them and ask if they will accept a well-behaved, housetrained animal. You might be able to talk the manager or owner into allowing it, especially if they have high vacancy and you tell them you are considering staying with the competition. If you manage to do this, make sure your pet is on their best behavior, especially if you would like to return to this facility in the future.

3. There are many pet friendly lodging listings available on the internet. You can do a search on pet friendly lodging. Another good source for pet friendly lodging are the sites that list vacation rentals by owner, like Home Away and VRBO. (See resources below.) These sites list homes owned by private individuals and you can search for only those properties that allow pets.

4. 

   Consider camping. Many campgrounds allow pets. Of course, camping in the wilderness is a great way to create your own pet friendly lodging and you won't have to worry about your pet disturbing the neighbors!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you pet is current on all vaccinations
• Make sure you clean up after your pet
• Keep your pet on a leash and under control when walking through hotel lobbies and hallways. Not everyone likes animals.
• Don't leave your pet unattended in the hotel room. If you do have to step out, put out the 'do not disturb' sign so that the staff does not enter your room.

Resources

• VRBO
• Take Your Pet

[langleycornwell]

on 4/16/2009 Thanks for the advice on finding Pet Friendly Lodging. We're taking our dog to the mountains next weekend. 5*s.

[AllFYB]

on 4/13/2009 Great pet Friendly Travel Tips. When we go to horse shows this is always a problem. I always look for B

[FrazzledNanny]

on 3/31/2009 Great article. This will be VERY helpful if we take Pixie with us on vacation

[kaseysviewblog]

on 3/26/2009 That can be a challenge but you're right a lot more places are taking pets now. There is sometimes an extra charge though.

[WordWhizKid]

on 3/18/2009 Thanks for the great ideas, my dog will be happy about them too;). I never though about bargaining, great tip! 5*s!