How many of you want to take a trip with your pet but aren't comfortable about leaving your pet alone in a hotel room? The truth is that many hotels and vacation rentals do not allow it. However, even if it is allowed, do you really want your pet left alone?
Granted, some pets are very "chill" and would be perfectly fine if left alone in the room. You know your furkid best. However, even the most laid back pets can get stressed in a new environment. This stress may manifest in destructive behavior and/or potty accidents.
Here's what you can do so that you don't have to leave your pet alone.
1. Plan Ahead for Pet-Friendly Things To Do
If you are traveling for a vacation or getaway, it's best to plan activities that your pet can enjoy with you. Hiking, exploring downtown areas, beaching-it, kayaking, SUPing, greenways, winery and brewery tastings, and historical tours are just a handful of the things you can do with your four-legged family member.
2. Dining Options with Your Pet
Let’s face it -- dining out and experiencing the local cuisine is one of the best parts of traveling. So, it’s not surprising that one of the biggest issues we hear about from pet parents is wanting to dine-out and are tempted to leave their dog alone while they pop out to grab a bite. Then they can’t relax -- knowing their pet is alone in the hotel room and end up rushing to get back.
- Pet-Friendly Restaurants
Some restaurants with outdoor seating areas welcome dogs -- and some may even have special doggie menus. Since dogs are not allowed inside restaurants, it can become an issue when there’s inclement weather. However, please read on. We have an answer for that!
- BYOD at a Dog-Friendly Brewery
This is our favorite option! There are a growing number of breweries that welcome dogs INSIDE. And, they allow you to BYOD (bring your own dinner). Most all restaurants offer take-out service -- so you're not relegated to fast food. Order your food, pick it up and head to a dog-friendly brewery! You can enjoy your "cuisine of choice" while you sip a craft beer (or beverage of choice), with your four-legged family member by your side. Another (easier) option is to call ahead to the brewery and see if they have a food truck on-site.
- Pack the Picnic Basket
Nothing like an old fashioned picnic! Whether it’s on the beach, in the mountains, at a park, or in the back of your SUV watching the sunset - you know what to do!
3. Consider a Day Care
In the event your travel plans include an activity that is not pet friendly, it will be unavoidable to leave your pet behind. But that doesn't mean he has to stay alone at the hotel. Consider finding find a reputable doggie day care or pet sitter to take care of your furkid for the afternoon. There are a growing number of doggie day cares that offer extended services, such as doggie swimming pools, agility training, and TV rooms. Some even offer spa services!
4. If You Must...
If circumstances are such that you choose to leave your pet alone in the room, here are some tips.
- Plan to come back as soon as possible
- Crate your pet if he is crate trained
- Put on his favoritie TV show
- Make sure he has ample water
- Place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door
- Alert the front desk that your pet is alone in the room and be sure they have your cell phone number
- Consider setting up a pet cam - some pet parents love this option