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 Pet owners worldwide are experiencing an increase in the options that will allow them to travel with their pets. From more lenient rules on airlines and other forms of transportation to the increase in the number of pet friendly accommodations, millions of pet owners who want take their pet with them as they travel are finding they now have much more choice than in recent years. When planning a trip with your pet, pet owners can now find hotels that advertise as being pet friendly.
But what does pet friendly really mean? Does it mean that pets are welcome to stay in the pet owners room, or does it mean that Fido will be invited to stay in an onsite kennel. Does it mean that the pet can accompany its owner throughout the hotel or must the pet stay outdoors, or only in the pet owner's room?
While a hotel may advertise that it accepts pets this does not tell you if they are really pet friendly. True pet-friendly hotels often offer special services. This may include providing a variety of special pet food, pet furniture, pet pampering items, a specific pet care centre or a pet spa, a pet sitting or pet walking service and an exercise area.
When calling to make reservations with a pet friendly hotel here are a number of questions that a pet owner should ask.
What restrictions are there about pets... in terms of type or size of pets?
A hotel listed as pet friendly may openly welcome your pet chihauhau or cat, but may have a policy to ban your St. Bernard, pet lizard or pet ferret.
What extra charges are involved for the pet services offered?
There may be an extra charge for a pet bed and a list of prices for all pet services available.
What health records/immunization records, if any, are needed?
Hotels need to be health conscious for the sake of all their guests and so de-worming records and immunization records could be required.
Does the pet have access to all areas of the hotel?
If your pet is confined to your room this may work in the short term when you have to go for your meals, but in many cases it can create stress for both you and your pet and possibly other guests of the hotel as well if your pet gets vocal about being left alone in strange surroundings. If the hotel offers a pet sitting or pet walking service this may help to alleviate this problem to some degree.
Can the pet sleep on your bed or is a pet bed provided?
Some hotels have designated rooms where small pets are allowed to use the hotel beds, but more hotels now offer pet beds or ask that pets be kept on the floor in an honor system.
Is pet food available and if so what kind?
This is an important question if space for packing is a concern and you are travelling outside of metropolitan areas. There may be a possibility that the hotel can order the pet food your pet prefers, if you call ahead and agree to pay for this service.
Is there a designated toilet and exercise area for pets?
This is an important consideration for the comfort of you and your pet, especially if your hotel room is on the smaller side.
Are pet sitter or pet walker services available?
Whether you are travelling on business or pleasure and want to take your pet with you these services are invaluable to free you up for planned activities as required.
Pet owners should check all aspects of the hotel rules concerning pets to ensure that travelling with their pet will be enjoyable for them and for their pet.
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Source Info:
Author: Becca Ross - Freelance Contributer
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