Familiarity Is Key: Bring A Piece Of Home With You

Dogs are creatures of habit and being out of their usual element at a hotel can make them feel uneasy — often leading to pacing and full-blown barking. Especially if you dare leave the room. I’ll never forget the mortifying call I once received from a hotel manager when my usually well-behaved dog was barking nonstop and disturbing our neighbors.

One of the secrets to doggie travel bliss? Making a dog feel at home in a hotel. I always pack a few of his favorite small toys (preferably those that don’t squeak), and I go as far as bringing his own bed and blanket from home. Many hotels offer a pet package that includes a dog bed, so you can opt for that if it works for your pup. However, having his own bed from home may increase his comfort level even more.

Another hot tip: as soon as you arrive at the hotel, take your dog out to let them sniff around and get to know the place. I also find that giving my dog a few treats when we arrive helps him associate the hotel with good vibes.

Routine Is A Dog’s Best Friend, Even On Vacation

While no one likes getting up early on vacay, I aim to keep my dog on the same schedule as home, from feeding time to walkies. Plus, the more routine they have, the less chance of accidents and an extra cleaning fee for you. I generally find, though, that my dog eventually settles into our vacation routine, which means we can sleep in.

Scope Out The Hotel and Surrounding Areas

While on vacation or a work trip, my game-plan is usually to plop down in a lounger on the beach, retreat to the spa, or explore the area, but I always feel guilty leaving my dog in the hotel room for too long. As soon as I check in, I ask the front desk attendant where my dog is allowed on property. At Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa in Vero Beach, Florida, pups can join their owners on the beach – so it’s great to get him out and about to enjoy some fresh air. I’ve even traveled places where I can take my dog paddle boarding or have them join me around the firepit for s’mores at night. It’s all about making memories as a family, and he’s a central part of our fun.

The concierge can be a dog’s best friend, rattling off a list of local groomers, pet stores, doggie daycares and dog parks. Hotel Lucia, a pet-friendly boutique beauty in Portland, Oregon, provides their guests with a directory outlining local pet resources. This is Portland, so they’ll even guide you to local “pet healers,” if you’re into holistic works.

Not all pet-friendly hotels are equal though: I love when hotels have their own dog park where fur babies can run free. I’ve found them anywhere from the Florida Keys to the Northeast and the South. Stonewall Resort in West Virginia isn’t just a dreamy lakeside destination for humans, with plenty of spaces to roam and relax, it has a fenced-in “Pooch Park” for off-leash playtime. Just make sure your pup isn’t dog aggressive. If they don’t play well with others at home, vacation isn’t the time to test it out.

Pick Your Room Wisely

When I’m on vacation, I like to keep things as easy as possible — and that includes walking the dog. I often request a first-floor hotel room, if possible, or accommodations where I have quick access to grass and walkable spaces. I’ve also experienced dogs getting into scuffles when entering and existing the elevators, so a first-floor room or walk-out nixes that concern. And for extra noise control, I ask for a room at the end of a hallway. Even better, I now lean toward hotels and resorts with private cottages or tucked-away spaces, which offers privacy and a quieter environment for the entire family. One to try: Margaritaville Lake Resort on Lake Conroe in Houston, Texas, allows dogs in its colorful lakefront cottages. The cottages have all the amenities of home, and dogs love hanging on the private porches overlooking the water.

Housekeeping? Maybe skip it!

One of my favorite amenities at dog-friendly hotels is a “dog in residence” sign to hang on the door to alert housekeeping that a dog is chilling inside and not to come in. Spruce Point Inn in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, has an adorable “Pup In Paradise” door hanger for pet parents to use.

But if a hotel doesn’t have a specific pet sign, I keep the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door and forego housekeeping. If it’s a longer stay and I feel that we need a fresh cleaning, I coordinate with housekeeping or the front desk on a time when we’re out of the room. Lastly, I always leave my phone number with the front desk to call me if my dog is partying too hard — barking, that is — while I’m out.

Be Ready For Anything

My biggest fear is my dog needing medical care when we’re away. Before traveling, I often do a quick search of vet care in the area — better prepared than scrambling for help when your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have. An even bigger nightmare: your dog biting another dog or person, which can happen when they’re stressed and out of sorts. Not every state requires rabies vaccinations for dogs, but I always keep a screenshot on my phone of my dog’s updated shots.

Sure, traveling with a pet can be a juggling act — much like traveling with kids — but the time spent together is worth the extra effort. Life is short, I want my dog to experience all of the world’s beauty with me, from beachfront sunsets to lakeside chills. And today’s pet-friendly hotels make it easier than ever to share the adventure.

Explore more pet-friendly hotels and destinations across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of more than 50 distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.