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Questions to Ask When You Travel With a Pet
Questions to Ask When You Travel With a Pet
Although more and more accommodations are starting to permit pets,
they vary widely in their degree of 'pet-friendliness'. Take a few
moments to find out the details of their pet policies before you
book, so that you can avoid surprises when you arrive! Some questions
you may wish to ask include:
Are there additional fees?
Although a few accommodations
do not charge extra for pets, most will charge a one-time cleaning fee
per stay, or a fee per pet, per night.
What types, size, and maximum number of pets are accepted?
Accommodations that allow dogs may not necessarily allow other pets,
including cats. Others permit pets under a certain size and may restrict
the number of pets per room.
Are there resident pets?
Smaller accommodations such as
Bed & Breakfasts or cottage resorts often have resident pets that
sometimes mingle with guests. Guest and resident pets should be
able to coexist peacefully.
What other rules or restrictions apply to pets?
For
instance, an accommodation may request that pets stay off the
furniture and out of certain areas such as picnic grounds or
beaches. Many will not permit pets to be left unattended in
rooms, even for short periods of time (in these cases, ask the
front desk if they have a list of local doggy daycares or pet-sitters).
By respecting the rules and the other guests, travelers with pets
can help ensure that pets continue to be welcomed.
What type of rooms are available to pet owners?
Some
accommodations set aside a limited number of "pet-friendly" rooms.
If there is something you prefer, such as a non-smoking room or a
room with a jacuzzi tub, be sure to ask if they are available to
guests with pets. "Pet rooms" are often on the main floor with
easy access to the outdoors.
What other services are available for pets?
Some lodgings
may offer food and water bowls, waste bags, a grassy area where dogs
may be walked, pet-sitting or dog-walking services, a list of nearby
dog parks, or a welcome basket with a pet toy and goodies.
Travelers with pets are advised to book accommodations in advance
to ensure availability of pet-friendly rooms.
Visit www.petfriendly.ca for accommodations
from across Canada that allow pets. Also see the article,
Good Travel Etiquette Is Important for Pets, Too.
