Easy tips to find great pet-friendly accommodation and help your pet adjust to travel.

Planning to travel with your pets this summer? Good for you! Animal experts learn more and more about the complex emotions of our smallest family members, but it’s safe to say that taking them with you is the best way to prevent separation anxiety, depression, and a host of other problems associated with leaving pets behind. Bring your pets with you is a good option. Start with finding pet-friendly accommodation.

Taking your pets with you does not have to be difficult, inconvenient or expensive. Rather, with the right planning and knowledge ahead of time, you can save yourself a lot of hassle and time. Check out some of our other articles for more detailed tips on the best ways to travel: there are more than you think!

If you already have that sorted out, it’s time to think about pet-friendly accommodation, such as dog-friendly hotels.

The first thing to really think about it where you’re going. Is it a trip to visit family or friends? You will want to confirm that no one in the house is allergic to animal dander, and that other animals, if any, are friendly. If it all checks out, you have a ready-made place to stay for you and your pet!

However, if you’re going off on an adventure or will need to stay in a hotel, it’s time to do a little more research. The first thing to think about here is the size of your animal. Do you have a toy-breed dog, or a St. Bernard? Every establishment that offers pet-friendly accommodation will have it’s own policies, which are listed at Pet Hotels of America, and usually the first one on the list is the weight or size restrictions. Some places restrict by breed, rather than size. You will want to check that your animal fits within the restrictions.

Once you have picked a few contenders, reserve directly from the Pet Hotels of America website. Prior to leaving, be sure to call the hotel concierge or rental manager to confirm and ask if there have been any updates to the pet-friendly accommodation regulations.

If you are planning to stay in a hotel, know that you will likely need to bring your crate. Even if the hotel or motel offers a dog bed, it is likely they will require your animal to be crated while room services refreshes your room. Having a crate is a good idea anyway, as it can provide a sense of security and comfort for an animal that is anxious when away from home. Line it with old blankets, T-shirts and sheets – the mustier the better. Your dog or cat will associate those smells with home and comfort. Add some favorite toys, too.

Another great idea for keeping your pet happy is to try your best to stick to the normal schedule – try to keep feedings, walks, play time or rubdowns close to your normal schedule at home. Not only will this ensure that you spend an adequate amount of time with your pet on a daily basis, but it will also help them adjust to new surroundings.

See our other articles for more tips on pet-friendly accommodation and travel, or search for accommodations now.