In years gone by, many people used to spend Christmas at home. These days for a whole variety of reasons, ranging from wanting to get away for a holiday at Christmas or having family members living further away, many of us spend Christmas at a hotel. Only 10 years ago, if you wanted to stay in a hotel, travelling with dogs was more difficult, but things have definitely changed for the better for dog owners. With far more hotels and holiday homes accommodating pets, people are increasingly embracing the opportunity to take their canine friends with them.
Regardless of whether you are going to be staying in a hotel or a holiday cottage, it is important that the way you (and your pet) behave will ensure that pets will always be welcome.
Before you go
Many hotel chains now accept canine guests, but although a chain may say it is dog friendly this may not apply to all of its hotel locations, so check on this prior to booking. When you make your reservation, ensure that the hotel is aware that you will be bringing a dog or multiple dogs. This is important as pet-friendly hotels also welcome those without pets, so you may get a more dog-friendly room location if you can let the hotel know about your dogs ahead of time. Be aware that although some hotels allow dogs to stay free, others have additional charges and these fees can vary greatly from one hotel to another. Make sure you know exactly what the fees are ahead of your visit and whether the charge is per room or per dog. Ask how many dogs are permitted in your room. There may be a one-dog or two-dog limit per room, so do check on that if you want to have multiple animals with you.
At certain hotels, although dogs are welcome, they may not be permitted to remain in the hotel room unattended. If that is the case for the hotel you are interested in, ask about local pet sitting services for days when you cannot take your dog out on excursions with you.
Some hotels may offer a pet welcome package with items such as dog bowls, pet food mats, and dog treats, but not all do. It is preferable to bring your own pet food, and bedding as this allows the dog to feel at home right away with familiar tastes and scents to provide comfort and reduce her stress levels. If your dog sleeps in a crate at home, try to bring it with you. Don’t forget to add waste collection bags to your packing list too!
Checking-in
If you arrive at the hotel by car, make sure your dog has travelled there securely at the rear of the vehicle. Travall offers a wide range of vehicle-specific accessories to assist with this.
Inform the hotel staff at check-in that you have your dog with you. This is a good time to find out where they prefer guests to take their dogs to relieve themselves. Also, find out if there are areas of the hotel that are no-go zones for dogs. The hotel staff may also have information on amenities in the local area, so take the opportunity to ask about dog-friendly restaurants, pubs, beaches, or other attractions.
During the stay
Check your room for any hazards and put these out of reach of your pet. This is especially important during the Christmas period, as the hotel or holiday home may have lots of decorations for the season. Try to keep your pet away from the Christmas tree or other decorations, especially if your dog is a chewer.
If your dog (like many) has a penchant for drinking from the toilet, try to keep the lid closed and keep him away from the bathroom as the chemicals used could be toxic.
Just because the hotel is pet friendly doesn’t mean that there will be access to all areas. Don’t take your dog to areas of the hotel that are off-limits. Pets are not allowed in the dining areas of many hotels. If they are permitted ensure that they settle down camly and are not tempted to eat from the plates.
You may be a dog lover, but not all people are. Chances are that in a pet-friendly hotel the staff are likely to be comfortable with animals and happy to be around them, but the same may not be true of the other hotel guests. Be respectful of other guests by keeping your dog at a distance, unless they are keen to introduce themselves to your dog. Keep your dog on a lead in all common areas of the hotel. For everyone’s benefit, try to ensure that your dog does not bark incessantly in the hotel, whether in your hotel room or in the lobby.
Plan to take your pet out with you where possible, but there may be some days where that is not an option. On those days, and if the hotel permits dogs being left in rooms, the following tips may help to ensure your pooch is content during your absence:
- Leave the lights on, so your pet is not alone in the dark.
- Leave the TV on during the day, to keep your dog relaxed and distract him from noise in the hallway.
- Ensure that your pet is left with plenty of fresh water.
- Make sure your dog is not bored when you are out. Items such as chew toys and treat puzzle balls can help distract a dog from your absence and ensure that he chews on them and not the furniture in the room.
When you are away from home, your daily routine may be dramatically different from usual, but don’t neglect to walk your dog in the way you would at home. If your dog normally requires two long walks every day, then do the same while you’re away. It’ll be good for you too!
Checking-out
At check-in, you will probably have been required to leave credit card details to which a security deposit may have been added. Be honest and if your pet has caused any damage, report it and be prepared to pay for repairs.
Wherever you stay over the Christmas period all of us at The Savvy Travaller wish you an enjoyable and relaxing time.
