Taking your pet to a hotel? 8 tips

6. Be very careful if you leave your pet. Melinda and Sam often leave Tucker in the room when they're gone. When they do, they always leave the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. They also leave the television on so that he won't hear, and therefore bark at, every strange noise. If your pet makes no noise (lizard owners, you're in the clear) or is constantly caged, this is probably OK. Most pets don't fit both criteria, however, and I can't really condone leaving those uncaged noisemakers in the room. "Do Not Disturb" signs can be forgotten, ignored or accidentally removed.

If the door is cracked open even for a second, a pet can bolt or, worse yet, bite someone. The hotel's pet policy most likely releases it from all liability in any of these situations. And I've found that pet owners who swear up and down that their precious Rover never makes a peep are most often the ones whose dog yaps from the second they leave until the second they return. If your pet regularly disturbs other guests, chances are you'll be asked to make other arrangements for him. The hotel staff should be able to provide you with information on reliable pet sitters or kennels in the area.

7. Pack well. You make sure you pack everything you need for your trip — do the same for your pet. Make a list of everything your pet needs to stay safe, clean and comfortable, and check it twice before you leave home. Be sure to pack a copy of the animal's health record, along with any medications he might need on the trip.

8. Practice pet etiquette. You and your pet might be on vacation, but that doesn't mean your manners can take a break. Don't just follow the rules that are imposed at your house or your local pet park — go overboard with the good behavior. Pack plastic bags for pet waste and use them every time. Hotel housekeepers and groundskeepers are not there to clean up after your pet. Remember that many people dislike animals or are allergic to them, so do not allow your pet to have contact with others unless they initiate it. This is especially true of children — no matter how adorable you think it would be for your pet to make a new little friend, kids may be uncomfortable when approached by a strange animal. And if your pet is not adapting to the new environment or is constantly misbehaving, do everyone a favor and leave the situation before the complaints and/or damages mount up.

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Just as people love seeing new places and enjoying new experiences, so do pets. Taking your pet along on your next trip can be fun and rewarding. How much fun and how rewarding is up to you, however, so follow these tips to have a great time traveling with your best friend.

Do you have any traveling advice for pets to share? Put it in the comments section below or post a comment in our Tripso forums.

Amy Bradley-Hole has worked in the hotel industry for many years in many different positions and at all types of properties — from small luxury boutique hotels to large resorts, both in the United States and abroad. E-mail her or read more of her articles on Tripso.com.

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