Those of us who travel with our pets are very grateful for the increasing number of hotels and other vacation spots that accept pets in their guests’ rooms. We understand the risks hotels take with such a venture, so we go out of our way to ensure our pet’s best behavior during our stay. If you are considering staying in a “Pets Welcome” hotel or residence, make sure your pet is prepared.
We people don’t typically notice such things, but pets tend to notice every noise in a new location – especially hotels, which are relatively quiet. Your pet may be used to the sounds in his regular home. That tolerance does not necessarily transfer to noises like trucks pulling up in the parking lot, ice-makers running, or even the door of the room next door closing. Keep in mind, if you're used to the advantages of a fenced yard at home, that potty-time on the road will require your donning shoes, jacket and leash, as opposed to just opening the back door. Travelling cats, of course, would require a litter box like their box at home.
Once you and your pet are used to travelling together, the prospect becomes much more pleasant to consider. Until then, try staying overnight with your pet in a nearby hotel before investing in a week-long stay at the beach that may have to be cut short. Or you may want to spend the weekend at a friend’s house with your pet. If you run into snags during your stunt vacations, be sure to call our Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-7722. We’re happy to discuss ideas that might help improve your pet’s behavior while away from home.
Marie Tripton is a senior behavior and training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. To read Marie's biography and those of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.
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