Ready For Adventures?
TIPS FOR TRIPS
Dog Friendly Hotels
La Quinta: 2 pets per room, FREE no max size, no fee. Allowed to remain alone if well behaved.
Ramada Inn: 2 pets per room, $15 fee per pet, limited rooms. Not every location.
HILTON: home2 Suites, Homewood Suites, Embassy Suites (our favorite) and DoubleTree. However, they usually have a non-refundable pet fee (up to $125) so they’re best for long stays. Also, not all locations allow pets, and some have weight limit. Again, have your certificates and call.
Courtyard by Marriot: Pet policy varies by location. Generally allowed. Fee between $50-$100, weight restriction 30#-100#
Aloft Hotel: Pets welcome. Pets over 40# call to arrange waiver. Fee if dog makes mess. BONUS- they provide a doggie goodies, treats, bed, bowl and toys.
Website with more pet friendly hotels
https://www.tripswithpets.com/hotel-chain-pet-policies
Please call and confirm Pet Policy before booking with any hotel.
Packing Tips
· Copy of vaccine records and rabies certificate w/ tag if possible as well as microchip number and id tag. Dogs can get confused in new places and might not know “home”
· Copy of any certifications, obedience titles or awards won (eg. CGC, CD, therapy). These can help smooth way in new places especially hotels or AirBNB
· TWO bowls. One for food, one for water (I forgot a food one, oops) plus the food and water, of course. Helps to keep some water bottles near where Dog is in car for when you make pit-stops.
· Leash. Helps to have an easy on/off for on the road stops. If you use a special leash or collar for training bring that too
· TREATS!! Everyone loves trip snacks. Plus trips are great opportunities to train in unfamiliar places, and you never want to be without special treats in an emergency. Toss a few to Dog while driving, use to accustom to new lodgings, reinforce emergency recalls. Bring your treat pouch too.
· Dog bed or crate. Makes transportation much easier, plus smells like home to Dog. Helps give them a familiar safe spot in a new place. It’s like taking your favorite pillow
· Doo-doo baggies. Yup, you’re going to have to pick it up and it’s no fun being unprepared. Please be a responsible owner.
· Long line or Flexi. While I don’t use flexi/retractable leashes ever for training I do find them helpful for potty walks. However, a dog can go potty as easily on a 6ft leash as a 20ft leash, you just have to walk more. Lone line can be helpful if you’re planning trips to park or hiking.
· Backpack/Day bag. Put all dog stuff in a bag or backpack in place where you can access easily when driving. No fun digging around in your suitcase for those doggie-baggies. I also found it helpful to make a couple meals worth of food in a ziplock to keep in the bag. This way Hotel stays or quick overnighters don’t require lugging a long trip worth of food.
· Medicines. Prescriptions and basic first aid. If your dog gets very carsick call your vet for proper dose of Dramamine.
Travel Tips
Ours was a car drive. If you’re flying things are much different, except you still always pick up your Dogs business. Here are some of the things I discovered for a long road trip.
· EXERCISE: Make sure your Dog has had mental and physical exercise before loading up. I forgot this on the way over (busy packing all day) but did before coming home, such a difference. Also make sure Dog has already eaten and done #2 if possible.
· PACKING: Keep things as accessible as possible. Place Dog in bed or crate at the very back, don’t block in with anything. Put Dog’s bag within easy reach. Leash right near door.
· STOPS: Whenever you stop to get gas, eat or use restroom give Dog water and take for a quick walk. I don’t leave water in crate…we all get liquid restrictions on a long drive. If you have a “go potty” command now is the time to use it. If you don’t, now is the time to train one! Ask me how
· LODGINGS: Check for dog friendly places before arriving, either plan ahead or call before booking. There are quite a few Dog friendly Hotels, and Rentals. Ask these questions first; PET FEE (how much and is it refundable), PET RESTRICTIONS (such as species, weight or breed). Some places will be gracious with their pet policy for a certified well-trained dog, especially therapy dogs. Always ask, worst they can do is say No. If staying with friends or family show them same respect and ask before bringing your Dog. Also, get informed on whether there are other dogs or pets expected to be there and KNOW YOURE DOG.
· BOUNDARIES. When you arrive at a new place remember it’s strange to your Dog. Help them get oriented and comfortable. Take them for a walk around the perimeter. This also helps establish the boundary for your dog so they are less likely to run away or get lost. ESPECIALLY do this in fenced in yards. Just because it’s fenced don’t assume it’s safe and secure.
· GATES AND DOORS take the time to practice your “wait” and “release” at doors and gates, especially ones that lead to streets. This saved Echo from danger multiple times on our trip because I took the time to reinforce boundaries. You can also do this in rooms throughout the house. Don’t forget to enforce “leave it” on any local dog/cat food sitting out. And with strange critters on location…ours had cows.
· SAFTY: check the room and house for anything potentially dangerous, especially if you have a young dog or one prone to chewing.
· EXERCISE: yes. Again. And the whole time you’re traveling. It’s the solution to almost everything
I’m sure I’ve forgotten something because I always do every trip :P