Questions to Ask Before You Book a Room
Here are a few questions that you should ask (in no particular order). Some of the information may already be listed on the property's website or you may have questions of your own.
A couple of hints - Try to call during business hours as some small to medium sized establishments use a phone answering service in the evening. Also, if you are calling a chain, call the specific location that you wish to stay at versus a general toll-free number. That way you are sure to get the most accurate information regarding that particular location.
Do you have weight requirements?
In some places dog-friendly is defined as "fits in your purse". Many hotels and inns place a weight limitation on their overnight canine guests (luckily not on their human guests!), thereby limiting availability to small dogs.
Where are your dog-friendly rooms located?
Not infrequently, dog-friendly rooms are also smoking rooms. Sometimes they are located way in the back or with separate entrances.
Is there a place to walk?
You want to be sure that there's a safe, well-lit area to take your dog for his required walks.
Do you have beds/bowls/crates available?
We recommend bringing your own but sometimes you can't or don't want to lug all that extra stuff so it's good to find out what is available.
Do you know of area dog walkers, pet sitters or vets?
This is good information to know if you need a sitter or have an emergency. It is also a good indicator of how truly dog-friendly they are.
Is there an additional fee?
Many places charge an additional fee for a pet to stay in the room with you. We've seen them as low as $10/night to as much as $100. Others will tack on an additional cleaning fee or security deposit.
Is there a security deposit?
Believe it or not, some places will place an often hefty security deposit on your credit card just in case your dog goes Cujo and trashes the place! Make sure you know the amount, what it covers, and how to get it back.
Are there restricted areas?
So you're staying in your dream romantic inn but there's only one problem - you can only enter and exit by the dumpster and your dog can't walk through the lobby, never mind sit by the fire. Make sure you know what kind of access you have to the property with your dog.
How many dog-friendly rooms do you have and where are they located?
In some places, it's every room. In most, it's just a few. Make sure you know how many there are so you know how far out you have to book. Also, some places allot only smoking rooms for pets. We don't smoke and as far as we know, neither does the dog so to us, that's not so friendly!
How many dogs are allowed?
Remember, dog-friendly doesn't necessarily mean dogs-friendly. Many places have a one dog per room restriction so if you have more than one, you may be out of luck.
What paperwork do you need?
Almost every place you stay will require proof of vaccinations at the very least. Make sure you know what to bring and of course, remember to bring the documentation! We usually pick up the paperwork from the vet and leave it in the glove compartment so it's not forgotten!
Do you exclude any breeds?
Sorry pit bull fans. This means you. It could also mean other large breeds as well. For insurance reasons, safety reasons, or just personal preference, some establishments may restrict certain dogs from staying overnight. It doesn't seem fair but it's reality. Make sure you know if your dog is on the no-stay list. Sleeping in the backseat with a 140lb. Rottweiler would not be fun, especially on a hot summer night!
Are there good places to walk/swim/eat/visit with the dog?
Guidebooks only provide so much information. There's nothing like a solid recommendation from a local.
Are there other questions we should add? Let us know! There's only so much you can tell from a website. Asking the right questions can also help you gauge the real level of dog-friendliness at your prospective hotel, motel, inn, or campsite. Do your research so there are no surprises (at least not unhappy ones) and you and your buddy can have a happy, safe vacation!
A couple of hints - Try to call during business hours as some small to medium sized establishments use a phone answering service in the evening. Also, if you are calling a chain, call the specific location that you wish to stay at versus a general toll-free number. That way you are sure to get the most accurate information regarding that particular location.
Do you have weight requirements?
In some places dog-friendly is defined as "fits in your purse". Many hotels and inns place a weight limitation on their overnight canine guests (luckily not on their human guests!), thereby limiting availability to small dogs.
Where are your dog-friendly rooms located?
Not infrequently, dog-friendly rooms are also smoking rooms. Sometimes they are located way in the back or with separate entrances.
Is there a place to walk?
You want to be sure that there's a safe, well-lit area to take your dog for his required walks.
Do you have beds/bowls/crates available?
We recommend bringing your own but sometimes you can't or don't want to lug all that extra stuff so it's good to find out what is available.
Do you know of area dog walkers, pet sitters or vets?
This is good information to know if you need a sitter or have an emergency. It is also a good indicator of how truly dog-friendly they are.
Is there an additional fee?
Many places charge an additional fee for a pet to stay in the room with you. We've seen them as low as $10/night to as much as $100. Others will tack on an additional cleaning fee or security deposit.
Is there a security deposit?
Believe it or not, some places will place an often hefty security deposit on your credit card just in case your dog goes Cujo and trashes the place! Make sure you know the amount, what it covers, and how to get it back.
Are there restricted areas?
So you're staying in your dream romantic inn but there's only one problem - you can only enter and exit by the dumpster and your dog can't walk through the lobby, never mind sit by the fire. Make sure you know what kind of access you have to the property with your dog.
How many dog-friendly rooms do you have and where are they located?
In some places, it's every room. In most, it's just a few. Make sure you know how many there are so you know how far out you have to book. Also, some places allot only smoking rooms for pets. We don't smoke and as far as we know, neither does the dog so to us, that's not so friendly!
How many dogs are allowed?
Remember, dog-friendly doesn't necessarily mean dogs-friendly. Many places have a one dog per room restriction so if you have more than one, you may be out of luck.
What paperwork do you need?
Almost every place you stay will require proof of vaccinations at the very least. Make sure you know what to bring and of course, remember to bring the documentation! We usually pick up the paperwork from the vet and leave it in the glove compartment so it's not forgotten!
Do you exclude any breeds?
Sorry pit bull fans. This means you. It could also mean other large breeds as well. For insurance reasons, safety reasons, or just personal preference, some establishments may restrict certain dogs from staying overnight. It doesn't seem fair but it's reality. Make sure you know if your dog is on the no-stay list. Sleeping in the backseat with a 140lb. Rottweiler would not be fun, especially on a hot summer night!
Are there good places to walk/swim/eat/visit with the dog?
Guidebooks only provide so much information. There's nothing like a solid recommendation from a local.
Are there other questions we should add? Let us know! There's only so much you can tell from a website. Asking the right questions can also help you gauge the real level of dog-friendliness at your prospective hotel, motel, inn, or campsite. Do your research so there are no surprises (at least not unhappy ones) and you and your buddy can have a happy, safe vacation!