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Travelling with Pets: Hotel Rules to Keep in Mind

Your four-legged friend can be a wonderful companion on your next vacation. Just make sure you know the "hotel petiquette" before arriving

By Claire Newell /

When travelling with a pet, it’s important to keep hotel etiquette in mind

Travelling with your pooch? A growing number of hotels welcome pets, but be sure to research the pet-friendly rules ahead of time

If you’re thinking about bringing your four-legged friend along the next time you stay in a hotel, there are a few things you’ll need to know. The great news is that more and more hotels are becoming pet friendly, but keep in mind some rules and restrictions that may apply, as well as some pet etiquette.

  • Pre-booking: First, before booking anything, always tell your hotel you’re planning on bringing your pet for the stay. They will make a note on your file and let you know their pet rules and restrictions. You may also have to pay an additional fee and a damage deposit in case your pet causes any damage to the room or has an accident that requires a carpet cleaning.
  • Where Your Pet Can Roam: Find out what areas your pet is allowed in. In many pet-friendly hotels, dogs are welcome throughout, but it’s probably best to keep out of the dining room as other guests may object. The front desk or concierge will likely be able to recommend some parks, hikes and other dog-friendly activities to help you keep pooch entertained.
  • Take Your Furry Friend with You: Keep in mind that many hotels will not allow you to leave your dog in your guest room unattended, but they can probably offer some kind of pet-sitting service if you plan on going out.
  • Stick to the Main Level: If you can, book a ground-floor room. This will save you from getting on the elevator and traipsing through the hotel every time you need to take your pet out for a bathroom break. And, as you do at home, be sure to bring along those disposable poo bags.
  • Bring Along Their Bed: You will also need to pack a pet bed or blanket where your dog can sleep. Sorry, no sleeping on furniture or the hotel bed! This will also add a sense of familiarity for your pet in an unknown place.

Claire Newell is the travel media expert for Global BC, host of the travel series Operation: Vacation, best-selling author, spokesperson, wife and mother of two.

Originally published in TVW. For daily programming updates and on-screen Entertainment news, subscribe to the free TVW e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.