Last week Jo and I went down to Vancouver for some seriousbird watching.
What we watched and listened to was the magnificent sound of the Eagles at GM Place. We didn't want to leave the dogs home and thought that it was a perfect opportunity to get to get Holly, our newest member of our family initiated.
With holiday time quickly approaching, folks are thinking about travelling and may want to include all family members. More and more hotels are realizing that they need to cater to the needs of the traveler with a pet.
If you are planning a hotel stay, there are things to keep in mind so that you do have a positive experience.
Prepare, prior to the trip, for your pet just like you would for any other member of the family. When you make your reservation, make sure you include you are bringing a pet, even if you have been to the facility before.
Policies may have changed since your last visit. Most hotels do charge extra. Ask, so there will be no surprises.
The No. 1 rule is to respect the hotel's property. With more and more hotel chains becoming "pet friendly" you, as the pet owner, have a responsibility to keep it that way, with proper pet etiquette.
There have been chains that were pet friendly that have stopped because of the misconduct of others. Most facilities will ask you to sign something that promises you will follow the pet-rules for the establishment.
Nothing they ask is unacceptable. Basically, it is all common sense and courtesy.
If you are going to leave your pet alone in the room, make sure you leave the front-desk staff your cell number in case your pet becomes stressed and starts barking incessantly.
Do not expect the maid to clean a room with a dog in it unless you are there too. We always keep the "Do Not Disturb" sign up because Max doesn't like anyone knocking on the door.
Do not let your pet run free on the hotel's property. Never walk through the lobby with your pet off-leash, no matter how well-trained, or cute, they are. We always bring a comforter for the hotel bed so we don't get doggy hairs on the one in the hotel.
Ask where the closest dog park is. We stayed at the pet-friendly Coast, Coal Harbor in Vancouver. It was great for the dogs. There was a beautiful, leashed, pet-friendly park a block away. Make sure you bring plenty of poopie bags.
Make sure you pick up any poop. This park promises a hefty fine for anyone caught not picking up the poop. The park is immaculate, too.
It is important you eliminate as much stress for your pet as possible. This means bringing their water and food dishes, bed, and toys. Jeremiah, a hotel, staff member offered the dogs adorable little gold bags filled with doggy treats.
Don't forget any medication your pet may need. It all boils down to common courtesies. You want to be welcomed back.
Your pet should have plenty of identification, such as tags, tattoos and/or microchips. Also, keep a copy of your pet's veterinary records and a recent photo of your pet, just in case of emergencies. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
There are several chains that are pet friendly including the Fairmonts, Coast Hotels and Accent Inn. We have stayed at all three and never had a problem.
We stayed in Kamloops last week at the Accent Inn and it was terrific. They are very pet-friendly and have some lovely areas for walks.
Holly is the perfect traveler. Max showed her the ropes. He's an old pro at travelling and hotel stays.
Neither one was thrilled about being confined in the back seat for the trip but they were safe and secure. We stopped along the way, to and from, and had a picnic and several pee breaks but a lot less than if we were traveling with a child. Not once was either dog off leash.
You can have a marvelous holiday with the whole family, just do the right thing and prepare in advance. Bad behavioir is totally unacceptable at any facility.
So, if you have a barker or a biter, it's best to leave your pet with a good pet-sitter or in a good kennel.
3 On another note: While this topic is hotel stays with your pet, I must share with you what the pet-friendly Coast Inn of the North is doing for "Be Kind to Animals Month" and the "City Challenge."
They have put up a large fire hydrant in the lobby (crafted by employees Butch and Wendy). The public can purchase a dog paw for a toonie, which the gets posted on the hydrant. All proceeds go to the B.C. SPCA North Cariboo branch. Please go in and purchase a paw.
