The Complete Guide to Pet-Friendly Vacations

By theadmin

Traveling with your pet can be an enriching experience for your family and furry friend, but it requires some strategic planning to ensure you spend less time stressing and more time exploring. From sniffing out the best accommodations to mastering your travel routine, our guide to pet-friendly vacations will transform your next getaway from “ruff” to paws-itively fantastic.

Do Your Homework

Before you book lodging for your next vacation with your pet, inquire about these details to avoid any potential misunderstandings upon arrival.

Weight Limits & Restrictions

Pet-friendly hotels and rentals may have a maximum pet weight limit they are willing to accommodate. While your 80-pound lap dog may be well-behaved, it is up to the host’s discretion to accept certain-sized animals. Similarly, specific locations may not allow certain breeds to stay on their premises. While unfortunate, this limitation is often related to insurance. It’s always best to contact the hotel or host directly if you are unsure if your pet meets the requirements.

Associated Fees

Most pet-friendly hotels have an associated pet fee with their usual rates, typically ranging from $25 to $150. While these fees may add up, they are often less than the daily fees of doggy day care or an in-home pet sitter. Nevertheless, understanding these costs up front allows you to budget accordingly for your trip.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

As you peruse different hotels, consider the proximity of pet-friendly “relief” areas where you can easily take your four-legged friend for bathroom breaks. When booking your room, request accommodations on the first floor or close to an elevator or stairwell for convenient outdoor access. Some locations may even have an indoor run or washing station.

Research Local Vets

No matter where you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with local veterinary or emergency animal clinics. As a pet parent, you do so much to ensure your animal is safe and healthy, but the reality is that accidents or unprecedented illnesses can sneak up — especially in new, unfamiliar environments. In addition to having your usual vet’s contact information, save a local office’s phone number in case of emergencies. It’s a good idea to bring along a record of your pet’s recent vaccinations, too, in case you need to prove your four-legged kiddo is properly immunized.

Seek Out Enrichment

Incorporating new activities in different cities and environments can be incredibly beneficial for you and your pet. Not only is it an adventure, but it can deepen your bond. Once you’re settled into your accommodation, check out local parks and pet-friendly restaurants. Look online for breed-specific gatherings, such as Austin Corgi Meetups or Houston Frenchie Meetup, in your vacation locale for an afternoon spent socializing with like-minded pet parents.

Where to Rest Your Paws

Boutique Hotels

Lone Star Court, Austin. Bring your pet to the capital and book a room at Lone Star Court, where furry guests are welcomed with open arms. Guests are allowed a maximum of two pets per room and are given first-floor accommodations. If you want to spoil your pup, opt for the pet package, complete with a pup welcome amenity and complimentary 2 p.m. checkout.

Lakeway Resort & Spa, Hill Country. Nestled along the shoreline of Lake Travis, this resort promises to be an oasis for people and pets alike. At $150, the pet fee is a little heftier than other accommodations, but the tranquil waterfront views are worth it.

The Holland Hotel, Alpine. Full of rustic charm, the Holland Hotel is a boon for pet parents as they allow pets of any size for a fee of $30. Take your pet riding through nearby Big Bend National Park before unwinding for dinner on the hotel’s enclosed lobby patio, where leashed pets are welcome.

Hotel Chains

Canopy by Hilton, multiple locations. Embark on an urban adventure and stay at one of Hilton Hotels’ Canopy locations in Austin, Dallas, or San Antonio. Some properties offer pet perks, including beds, bowls, and treats. Call ahead to ensure the location you are booking is pet-friendly.

Aloft Hotels, multiple locations. This swanky hotel group greets pets under 40 pounds in true Texas fashion. Pet beds, bowls, and goodie bags of treats and toys are complimentary during your stay. Their website encourages guests with pets over the weight limit to call and inquire about a possible waiver.

Red Roof Inn, multiple locations. A standout amongst pet-friendly hotel chains, the Red Roof Inn has an extended network of hotels across the state that allow pets to stay for free — providing a comfortable and affordable option for travelers with furry companions.

Unique Stays

Collective Retreats, Wimberley. Camping doesn’t get any more glamorous than Collective Retreats’ tent accommodations in the heart of the Hill Country. Treat your dog to the Woof Retreat with a bag of locally sourced snacks and a complimentary pet bed or the Bone Appétit three- course chef’s tasting menu.

Live Oak Lake Cabins, Waco. With only seven cabins on the 5-acre property, this is an ideal getaway for pet parents looking for extra privacy while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether your furry traveler prefers an active adventure or a lazy weekend lounging on the patio, there’s no doubt they’ll leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

El Cosmico, Marfa. Tents, trailers, tepees, and more await you and your furry companion in Marfa! El Cosmico offers a variety of unique housing options with a $10 per dog per day fee. So, switch out your cell service for stargazing and state parks.

What to Pack

When preparing your pet for travel, it’s essential to pack the following items to ensure their comfort and safety:

Food & collapsible bowls: It’s best to maintain your pet’s regular diet and routine when traveling to diminish the chance of dehydration and malnutrition. Consider investing in collapsible bowls to save room in your luggage or vehicle.
Blankets & toys: Traveling is often full of unfamiliar environments, scents, and sounds. Give your pet a sense of comfort by packing their favorite toy or a blanket with your home’s scent.
Doggy bags & portable litter box: Just because a hotel advertises providing these items doesn’t mean you should rely on them. Always bring your own supplies to clean up after your pet.
Collar & leash: Even if you’re used to taking off your pet’s collar at home, always keep it on when traveling or in the hotel room — you never know when housekeeping may open your door.
First-aid kit: Include essentials such as gauze, bandages, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, milk of magnesia (for potential poison ingestion), a digital thermometer, any vet-recommended medications, tweezers, and a non-medicated saline rinse.
Vaccination record: Carry a copy of your pet’s vaccination record, as some hotels or destinations may require proof of up-to-date vaccinations.

Traveling There by Air

Although the rules and regulations for bringing your pet onboard a flight can vary depending on the airline, there are some standard guidelines and considerations.

Cabin vs. Cargo
Many airlines allow small pets to travel in the main cabin – typically cats and dogs that meet the size and weight requirements. It’s important to note that many airlines require your pet to stay in a well-ventilated, leakproof, airline-approved carrier under the seat in front of you for the entirety of the flight. If your pet doesn’t meet the requirements, they may need to travel in the cargo hold, which can carry additional risks. Many airlines will not allow medicated pets to travel in the cargo as sedation inhibits their ability to regulate their body temperature.

If your destination is within driving distance, consider making it a road trip!

Reservations & Documentation
It’s essential to make reservations for your pet in advance, as airlines often have a limit on the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight. Keep in mind that airlines typically charge a fee for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo hold. Additionally, most require a recent health certificate issued by a veterinarian, typically within 10 days of travel, confirming that your pet is healthy and fit for travel. Airlines may also request a copy of up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies.

Comfort & Safety
Regardless of flight duration, it’s essential to prioritize your pet’s well-being. Before taking off, familiarize your pet with its carrier, and include familiar bedding or toys — just having your scent nearby can keep them calm. If your pet is particularly prone to motion sickness, consult your vet well before your flight so you can ensure your pet doesn’t experience any adverse effects from medication. Aromatherapy, specifically lavender, and gear, such as ThunderShirts, may be a suitable alternative to calm travel-induced excitement and anxiety.

Check out our tips, tricks, and treats for a safe and fun-filled summer with your pet.