If you come from a household of pet lovers, a vacation with your whole family may not feel complete without your fur babies in attendance. Fortunately, it’s become more common and more mainstream to take a pet with you to a good resort. Many institutions in the hospitality industry are now more than happy to cater to their pet parent customers and pamper pets just like they would their human guests.
All the same, it can be hard for holiday goers to quickly locate resorts that tout themselves as pet-friendly, and even then, these resorts may have additional restrictions or regulations governing pet check-ins. Be ready to anticipate challenges like these when planning a pet-friendly vacation and checking into a pet-friendly resort:
1) Weigh Your Options for Pet-Friendly Resorts
First, get the truth on whether a resort you’re considering is actually pet-friendly by doing the following:
- Ask for recommendations from fellow pet parents and your vet regarding pet-friendly places that they know of. You’ll have good chances in a place that has other pet-friendly settings around it, like a beach that allows cats and dogs.
- Contact the resort you have in mind and ask about their pet-friendly policies, plus any specific restrictions they may have with regard to your pet’s species, weight, size, or breed. This will help you learn about whether the staff will accept only small dogs or whether they can check in a large, but well-behaved pooch, for example.
- For families with multiple pets, it’s also wise to check if there are limits to the number of pets that can stay in a room.
- Inquire about pet fees to avoid any surprises upon arrival. Remember, a little bit of preparation will go a long way towards your satisfaction as a guest at that resort.
2) Prepare Your Pet in Advance for Their Stay
Just like you, your pet needs to be sufficiently ready for their holiday. If they’re being treated for illnesses, for instance, you may want to postpone your trip until they’re well enough to come with you or your family. Also make sure that they’re up to date on their vaccinations and that they’re treated for ticks, fleas, and parasites.
House train your pets to avoid having embarrassing “accidents” in restricted areas, and pack familiar items such as a dog’s dog collars, bed, bowls, and favorite toys to make them feel at home in their new surroundings. You should also bring your pet’s regular food to help maintain their diet and prevent any tummy upsets. After all, a happy tummy leads to a happy vacation.
3) Prepare for Your Pet’s Arrival at the Resort
Even if they already know to expect you, it’s the courteous thing to do to give the staff a heads-up that you’re bringing a pet and to do some additional preps on the day of your arrival. Let the receptionist know that you’re traveling with your beloved pet, as this will help them quickly prepare a pet-friendly room or make other necessary arrangements to ensure a seamless check-in process.
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself in advance with regard to the resort’s rules and guidelines about pets. These include leash policies and designated pet areas. Follow these guidelines to preserve the harmonious atmosphere for all guests, both human and otherwise.
4) Ensure a Comfortable Stay for Other Guests
Your pet’s comfort is of utmost importance during your stay. But you should also aim to be considerate of the resort staff and the other guests. If you need to leave your pet unattended in your room, check with the resort about their policies and make appropriate arrangements to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.
Knowing that your dog’s barking may disturb other guests, keep an eye on your furry friend and address any triggers that might cause excessive noise. If your pet is accustomed to a crate, bring it along with you so that they can retreat to a familiar and secure space in your room.
A collar that offers natural joint care and well-being like the Dog Streamz Magnetic Dog Collar could be a good idea, too.
5) Explore Pet-Friendly Amenities Around the Resort
On top of checking into a pet-friendly resort, seek out other amenities around the area that are tailored to your pet’s needs. Find pet-friendly restaurants and activities in the vicinity that will allow you to dine and explore with your animal companion by your side.
Take advantage of any amenities provided by the resort itself, such as pet beds or designated pet relief areas. Lastly, do take the time to enjoy the great outdoors together, whether it’s going for a scenic walk at the beach or joining other guests on a pet-friendly hike.
6) Check Out and Reflect on the Experience
As your pet-friendly vacation comes to an end, be prompt in settling any outstanding pet fees or charges. Leave accurate feedback and reviews about your experience to help other pet owners looking to plan their own adventures. Then, take a moment to reflect on your trip and think about what you can improve upon the next time you go on holiday with your pet.
Make these considerations to have a relaxing time with your pet and your family at a resort. This will pave the way for the kind of experience that will have you dreaming of your next vacation together.
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