On the Road
You'll be so much happier when it's time to go on vacation knowing that you don't have to drop your dog at a kennel or worry about a boarding situation or dog sitter. Your pup will be in your care, sharing your experiences, and what could be better than that?
Part of proper planning is having a case or various bags with everything your pup will need, per the list earlier in this chapter. Before setting out, think about where you will be staying overnight, and make arrangements before you arrive. While it's true that more and more places accept dogs — whether your accommodation of choice is a tent over a sleeping bag or a suite at a five-star hotel — you don't want to arrive and be surprised by a change in policy or a “no vacancy” sign.
Finding Dog-Friendly Lodgings
While there are lots of great places to stay with your dog, don't presume that any place you want to stay will be one that's pet-friendly. The particulars of being pet-friendly change from place to place, too: Some places that allow small dogs won't accept larger dogs, or multiple dogs, or multiple pets, and so on. Always research where to stay ahead of time, call the lodging, and talk to them about their pet policy. Tell them about your puppy — they don't need a surprise from you, either, and if they feel they know your pup before you arrive, chances are they will look forward to meeting both of you.
Always make a reservation. This gives you the security you need when traveling with your dog. You don't want to arrive and find the place is booked solid even though it's their slow time of year. You can also request a certain type of room — you may want a first-floor room with immediate outside access, for example.
There are helpful guidebooks that list pet-friendly lodgings across the United States. But searching on the World Wide Web is a great way to see what's out there, too. One of the most trusted is Petswelcome at www.petswelcome.com. It has over 25,000 listings for hotels, B&Bs, campgrounds, resorts, and beaches, many with user reviews. There is even an Info X-Change area where people can share information about all aspects of traveling with their pets. Double-check all listings as the pet policies at hotels and motels can change frequently.
