What to Expect in a Pet Friendly Hotel

It is estimated that over 25% of the world’s population travels with pets and according to the Airline Transportation Association, more than 500,000 animals fly each year. In fact, travelling with pets is becoming more and more popular. Consider these statistics.

Fun Facts about People Travelling with their Pets:
- 19% of dog owners take their pet with them when traveling (American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, National Pet Owners Survey)
- 67% of pet owners travel with their pet (American Animal Hospital Association)
- 42% of pet owners have traveled out of state with their pet (American Animal Hospital Association)
- Dogs are the most common pet to take on trips (80%), followed by cats, birds, rabbits or fish (USA Today, May 9, 2006)

While approximately 1/3 of pet owners leave their pet with a friend or relative when travelling, many take their pet with them.

Thus, it makes sense for hotels to have a pet friendly policy.

Finding a Pet Friendly Hotel:
To locate a pet-friendly hotel, you can easily consult an internet-based pet travel agency online. Many websites offer a free search by city and list hotels, bread and breakfasts, ski resorts, campgrounds and beaches that are pet friendly.

Fortunately for pet owners, there are many pet friendly hotels to choose from when travelling.

Finding Boutique Hotels that Welcome Pets:
If you are travelling to New York this summer and looking for a dog friendly New York City hotel, you are in luck. There are many boutique hotels in New York that welcome pets. A few hotels surpass expectations and openly welcome pets by offering services for your pet.

Hotel Services for your pet may include:
- Local dog walking services
- Grooming
- Cookies for special occasions
- Pet taxi
- Training
- Doggie treat

Other amenities may include food and water bowls, doggie sidewalk bags and kitty litter pans and easy access to a local dog park.

When booking your hotel, ask what services the hotel offers to accommodate you and your pet. Many boutique Manhattan hotels will go the extra mile to ensure that you and your pet have a pleasant stay.

Travelling with your Pet:
While most pet owners travel with their pet on the road, many pet owners take their pet with them on the plane. If you are flying with your pet, call the airline to check any regulations and requirements for pet travel.

If you are renting a car, it is suggested that you put together a driving map with a list of pet-friendly rest-stops and restaurants. Also make sure that the rental car agency is friendly.

Once you arrive at your hotel, the hotel should be able to provide you with a list of pet-friendly restaurants, as well as a list of local parks.

Summary:
Finding a pet friendly hotel is easier than you may think. The number of Americans traveling with their pets has increased over the years and more hotels are becoming pet-friendly in response to the growing “pets-as-family” trend.

To find a pet friendly hotel near your travel destination, ask your local travel agency for recommendations or search online. There are many online websites dedicated to travelling with pets and many offer hints and tips on where to stay and places to check out.

So next time you think about leaving your pet home, reconsider. There are many options for travelers with pets, and pet owners are no longer limited to campgrounds. Boutique pet-friendly hotels welcome pets and offer services to pamper and take care of your pet.