Traveling with pets doesn’t have to be difficult! Read on to learn inside tips to choosing the best pet-friendly hotel for your needs.

In many ways, having a pet can be likened to having an infant. Not only do you love and adore your pet – maybe you even call your cat your little baby, or half-jokingly call your dog your kid. After all, your pet is helpless without you. It depends on you for food and water, for giving it a place to “do it’s business,” play and companionship. Not to mention, you are your pet’s whole world.

Like most adults, you probably have to travel a few times a year. Whether it’s for a work conference or a bachelor weekend in Las Vegas, travel is a part of life these days. And how does this affect your pet? Well, you wouldn’t leave your baby with a complete stranger, would you? Would you leave your kid alone for several hours, unsupervised? We really hope your answer is “of course not!”

So, with that in mind, it’s understandable that many people would prefer to travel with their pets. If you haven’t done it before, take a deep breath: it’s nowhere near as difficult as you imagine it to be! Here are some tips from experienced travelers just like you, starting with how to find the right pet hotel.

1) You have options!

Chain hotels, boutiques, inns, motels, rentals…the options extend quite a ways for the traveler! Taking your animal with you means you’ll need to find a pet-friendly hotel to stay in, unless you plan to stay with friends or relatives. Remember, hotels are varied in everything from price to services and policies. This includes their policies about pets. The first thing to consider is your animal: do you have a toy breed who likes to be toted around in a handbag-like carrier? Do you love the big sloppy kisses of your St. Bernard? The size of your companion is the first thing to take into consideration.

Some hotels will have a weight limit for animals, anywhere from forty to one hundred pounds. When researching hotels, make sure they accommodate animals in your pet’s weight category.

2) Location, location, location.

Staying at an airport hotel may be convenient for getting to and from your flights, but remember that your animal is going to need fresh air and places to do their business outside. Make sure the pet-friendly hotel you choose has at least a grassy area out front. Ideally, it should be within walking distance of a small park or two.

3) Animal daycare!

If you have plans that don’t involve your pet, make sure there’s a doggy day care facility or kennel near your hotel. You’ll need to drop your animal off and pick him up, and having the hotel nearby will save lots of time and trouble. Your animal will be entertained and happy while you go exploring.

4) Comfort items

Not all animals are super sensitive. Your pet may be just fine with all the excitement and newness of travel, but it’s always a good idea to bring along favorite toys and a blanket from home. The blanket will smell like your home, and that can really comfort and provide stability for your animal. Animals in distressful or new situations can act out in unexpected ways, so these precautions are a definite must.

These are the top four things to consider when booking your next trip. Add steps as they apply, but you’re ready! Check out our listings page for links; you’ll be able to find the perfect pet-friendly hotel there, no matter where you’re going in the U.S!