Travel Hawaii – Real Estate Blog

Traveling with your pet

October 8, 2009

Posted in: Travel

For the millions of Americans who own pets, the question of what to do with the four legged members of the family while on vacation is a very serious dilemma. While the issue may not be particularly profound for owners of fish or rodents, when the pet in question is a beloved dog or cat, there is generally an increased desire to take especially good care of the family’s furry friend. Sometimes there is an opportunity to leave the animal with a trusted friend or relative, but this is contingent upon having such an individual within close proximity of the family. Another more expensive option involves leaving the dog or cat at a so-called pet hotel, where specially trained individuals essentially pamper pets for a highly inflated fee. This leads a large percentage of Americans to bring their pets with them on vacation, and in turn creates the need for a special breed of hotels, pet friendly hotels, to host their furry friends.

Pet friendly hotels are spread across all types of establishments, ranging from large chains such as Best Western and Days Inn to local inns and even bed and breakfasts. They represent the best option for concerned and frugal pet owners, since they allow for both cost effectiveness and individualized care. Although some people are quick to assume that pet friendly hotels are more messy than regular hotels, they are subject to the same cleaning and in many cases stricter regulations than conventional lodgings.  In other words, pet friendly hotels are just as well maintained as regular hotels, but allow guests to take much better care of their charges. For example, pet friendly hotels allow pet owners the opportunity to choose their pets’ food, bedding, and in some cases even clothing. There are a number of things that you should take into consideration when you are looking for a pet friendly motel. Obviously cost should be a primary concern; just remember that there is no such thing as a monopoly on the pet friendly hotel market. While it seem like a niche market, in reality there are literally thousands of hotels and motels that allow and even welcome pets.

There are several web pages that are great guides for those interested in pet friendly hotels, allowing individuals to not only browse and book hotels but also to explore different options, specify preferences, and learn more about the industry in general. Pet friendly hotels are much less trouble than one might initially assume – many Internet and personalized resources are available to ensure that travelling, taking care of, and above all housing travelling pets is a breeze. Finding the right pet friendly hotel involves a bit of research; some hotels and motels charge additional fees for pets, while in certain cases of international travel vaccinations and additional documentation must be provided. Regardless of which hotel or accommodation you choose, you will not regret the decision to bring your furry friend along for your vacation. By bringing the four legged member of your family along for the ride, you are not just saving money, you are giving yourself flexibility and peace of mind.