{"id":8866,"date":"2017-12-11T09:00:53","date_gmt":"2017-12-11T09:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-gb\/?p=119"},"modified":"2021-02-03T15:08:10","modified_gmt":"2021-02-03T15:08:10","slug":"travelling-with-dogs-christmas-at-a-pet-friendly-hotel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-gb\/travelling-with-dogs-christmas-at-a-pet-friendly-hotel\/","title":{"rendered":"Travelling with dogs: Christmas at a pet-friendly hotel"},"content":{"rendered":"

In years gone by, many people used to spend Christmas at home.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before you go
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Many hotel chains now accept canine guests, but although a chain may say it is <\/span>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. \u00a0This is important as pet-friendly hotels also welcome those without pets<\/span>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

At certain hotels, although dogs are welcome, they may not be permitted to remain in the hotel room unattended.\u00a0 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 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!<\/span><\/p>\n

Checking-in<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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<\/a> <\/span>to assist with this.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the stay<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0 Try to keep your pet away from the Christmas tree or other decorations, especially if your dog is a chewer.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just because the hotel is <\/span>pet friendly doesn\u2019t mean that there will be access to all areas. Don\u2019t 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 <\/span>camly and are not tempted to eat from the plates.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan to take your pet out with you where possible, but there may be some days where that is not an option.\u00a0 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:<\/span><\/p>\n