Little Bark Book: What you must know when booking a room with dogs
March 23, 2011 • Travel •
Leashed or unleashed? This is just one of the many questions that arise when checking into a Fido-friendly hotel, B&B, motel, lodge or campground. Most people who travel with their dogs are conscientious of following a property’s pet policies strictly, as they realize that breaking the rules can jeopardize their stay or their status of being welcomed back on a return trip. Like any participant in a given activity, those who travel with pets owe it to the thousands of others who do likewise to follow proper etiquette. This will help ensure the privilege of having Fido accompany the family isn’t taken away due to property owners changing their Fido-friendly policy because of a bad experience.
Be prepared when you book a room somewhere, and again when you check in, with this list of questions:
Are there breed restrictions? Sadly, a recent trend to ban certain large dog breeds or mixes has arisen. While most property owners realize that people typically will only bother to travel with their dogs if they are well behaved, stereotypes do still exist. At the Cypress Inn located in Carmel, California—as at most seasoned Fido-friendly properties— the staff understands that they don’t have to worry about the behavior of their canine guests, no matter what breed. Most of the time it’s the cream of the canine crop who gets to travel with their human companions.
Is there a weight restriction? Not only do humans have to worry about whether they’re packing a few extra pounds, they must consider Fido’s weight as well when traveling with him. Some hotels put limits on the size of dog that they will welcome. (Thank goodness that restriction doesn’t apply to humans!) It can be as low as 20–25 pounds, but typically it is 50 pounds. Don’t hesitate to call the hotel manager, however, and discuss your dog if he is over the weight limit. The policy may just be a deterrent (kind of a code for “don’t come if your dog is huge and unruly”) and those people who know they have such a dog will be able to decipher the meaning. Many property managers are willing to overlook the 80-pound Marmaduke once they have been told that he’s a mature adult, well trained and that he travels all the time. Be sure to discuss Fido’s size truthfully if he does exceed the property’s weight limit, however, as sometimes the rule is not flexible. Chris Canizaro at Marriott International, Inc. says that their Residence Inn and Townplace Suites do not have weight restrictions. “Because these are extended-stay properties, we do not place restrictions on size; in fact, we accept dogs, cats, birds and fish.” Leslie Eady, owner of Cambria Shores Inn located in Cambria, California, says, “We have never found that the larger dogs are harder on the property than the small ones. Traveling with pets is about responsible ownership, not size or breed.”
Can Fido stay in the room unattended? This is a biggie. It’s also the worst mistake to make if the property strictly prohibits it. A lot of properties accept their dog guests being left unattended if the dog is crated and if he does not bark. Others are so lenient that they offer special blankets for draping over the bed or furniture because they know that Fido will make himself at home quicker than the “do not disturb” sign can be placed on the door handle. Nevertheless, most Fido-friendly properties frown on Fido being left in the room unattended for any reason other than that the humans are in the common area enjoying breakfast. Beth Olson at the Fess Parker Double Tree Hotel says, “Unfortunately not all guests respect our request to not leave dogs unattended in the rooms, and so our number one complaint is barking.” They do allow crated dogs to be left unattended, however. Some properties can refer guests to reputable dog sitters, and others will take your cell phone number and allow you to leave Fido unattended if they can reach you should an issue arise.
Is there a restriction on number of dogs? If more than one Fido is in your pack, be sure to ask this question. Most properties don’t have this restriction, but when it does exist, it’s best to know before you pull up to the front door. The Cypress Inn has a Fido fee schedule up to three dogs, but mostly that is because they have yet to have guests arrive with four or more. Cambria Shores Inn, the Fess Parker Double Tree Hotel and the Marriott International Fido-friendly chains do not restrict the number of dogs per room.
Does Fido have to be leashed? Most of the time the answer to this question is yes. Out of respect for other non-Fido-bearing guests, most properties will insist that Fido is leashed at all times, especially when he accompanies his humans into the property’s common areas. Campgrounds and RV sites often limit the leash length at six feet, so be sure that you check into the details of the leash policy before you arrive.
And last, but not least, always follow the policy of cleaning up after Fido—wherever you go.
