Your pet and dog boarding authority!

Some 63% of households in the U.S. own at least one pet. In fact, it's estimated that there are over 350 million pets in the country. Today, more and more people and their pets are traveling together, and an increasing number of establishments are accommodating them. Despite this growing trend, however, the majority of hotels and motels in the U.S. still do not accept pets, making the search for pet-friendly accommodations a challenging and often stressful endeavor.

Planning is an essential part of any successful trip, but even more so when it includes pets and lodging. If you're thinking of traveling with your pet in the future, make sure that you plan well in advance. Because finding suitable accommodations can be a challenge, you may have to do some work and put in some time.

The Internet is a great resource and a great place to get started. A simple search for 'pet friendly hotels' or 'pet friendly accommodations' will bring up a wealth of sites listing accommodations that accept pets. There are also several books that have been written solely about traveling with pets, and you can also ask a friend or acquaintance or even your veterinarian for recommendations.

'Pet-friendly hotels' are those hotels which allow their guests to have a dog, cat or other small animal in their room. Before making reservations, make sure that you double check with any hotel or motel that you believe to be pet friendly because policies can and do change. A once pet-friendly hotel may be under new ownership or may not allow pets during a certain time of the year. You should also ask about any restrictions or fees regarding hotels and pets. Some 'pet-friendly' hotels may only be dog-friendly and may not accept cats. Other hotels prefer small pets, placing limits on the weight or size of the animals that they'll accept. While some pet-friendly hotels may not charge extra for pets, many others do. Some establishments will charge a per-stay or per-night fee that is typically non-refundable while others may require a security deposit that is usually refunded provided that your pet's stay hasn't resulted in any damage.

It's important to understand that traveling with your pet may limit your type of accommodations. Many hotels have rooms that are set aside as 'pet rooms'. These may be less desirable rooms like smoking rooms or older rooms. If this concerns you, be sure to ask about the room before making your reservation. Don't be discouraged, though, because there are always those hotels that aren't just pet-friendly but are pet-loving. These places don't just accept pets but embrace them, offering lots of extras like special pet menus, pet beds, treats, bowls and so on. Other considerations when making your reservations include the size and location of your room. For dogs, rooms that are on the ground floor and have easy access to the outside are ideal, allowing you and your pet to avoid a multitude of hallways and guests when going for a walk. Also, small rooms can be less ideal for large pets.

Once you have your reservations made, there are several things that you should do in preparation of your trip. First, have your pet checked by your veterinarian to make sure that he or she is physically able to travel and be sure to apprise your veterinarian of your travel plans. Because more and more hotels are requiring proof of your pet's good health, it's also a good idea to make sure that you have a health certificate to prove that your pet is current on his shots. Also ask for a referral of a veterinarian and an emergency veterinary clinic at your destination. If you can't be with your pet every minute of your trip, be sure to also look up pet sitters or doggie daycare centers for your destination as many pet-friendly hotels will not allow you to leave your pet alone in your room. For identification purposes, you may want to consider microchipping your pet. Otherwise, make sure that your pet has an ID tag that has your contact information, either a cell phone number or the number of your hotel.

With all your preparations made, the next step is to pack for your pet. Make sure that you have leashes, food and water bowls, food and any medications, plastic bags for cleaning up after your pet, an old towel, your pet's bed or a blanket, treats, toys and, if necessary, your pet's portable carrier, a muzzle, and grooming supplies. If you pet is used to being on furniture, it's a good idea to also bring an old sheet to cover up the furniture and the bed at your destination. Baby wipes can also be very handy for keeping paws clean and for cleaning up accidents. You should also pack a picture of your pet just in case he gets lost.

Once you arrive at your destination, be sure to advise the hotel that you have a pet when you check in. The hotel may have you sign a pet liability release form or provide you with guidelines on pet etiquette. Make sure that you ask about the maid service policy regarding pets and if there is a particular area set aside for walking dogs. During your stay, do your best to be a considerate pet traveler. Keep your pet leashed when on the grounds. If there is an area set aside for walking dogs, stay to that area and always be sure to clean up after your pet. Don't let your pet go to the bathroom on manicured landscaping or flower beds. Your pet may not be welcome in some public areas, so be sure to keep him out of restaurants and swimming pool areas. In your room, it's best to keep your pet off of furniture and beds, or at the very least to cover the furniture with your own sheet. Place kitty litter boxes and food and water dishes in the bathroom. If possible, don't leave your pet, particularly a dog, alone in the room for any length of time. Some hotels won't even allow you to leave a pet alone for even one minute, in which case a pet sitter or doggie daycare center in the area can come in handy. If it's okay with the hotel for pets to be left alone, it's best to keep them in a pet carrier and to put the 'do not disturb' sign on the door. You may also want to provide your pet with a favorite toy and even turn the television or radio on. Remember, however, that a dog who barks and disturbs other guests will most likely be asked to leave. When checking out, make sure that your room is clean and in good order.