I wish you could do something about overseas air travel. In the old days I could take my small dog "dog in cabine" as we called it. Now that seems only possible in USA. My daughter comes to USA for the summer but can't bring her small dog with her.
1
This article describes an astoundingly bad, disgusting, and arrogant trend -- allowing pets in public places. This raises serious health issues and esthetic issues (eg, dogs that pooped in hotel rooms which are often not very well cleaned even absent pets); noise issues (I just stayed in a hotel with a nonstop barking dog in the next room because its owner had left it unattended for several hours).
I well understand that owning pets and traveling causes dilemmas for the pet owners. I've been in that situation. But that's part of owning a pet -- figuring out what you're going to do with it when you're away. If you can't figure out how to leave the pet at home, then you shouldn't own one. Offloading this problem onto innocent bystanders is not an appropriate solution. And assuming that other people will love your pets as much as you do is arrogant and untrue.
I well understand that owning pets and traveling causes dilemmas for the pet owners. I've been in that situation. But that's part of owning a pet -- figuring out what you're going to do with it when you're away. If you can't figure out how to leave the pet at home, then you shouldn't own one. Offloading this problem onto innocent bystanders is not an appropriate solution. And assuming that other people will love your pets as much as you do is arrogant and untrue.
2
Your rigid,self-righteous ,hectoring tone and vocabulary indicate an uptight person who has to control everything and everybody .
Your message would be better received if it weren't abrasive and condescending.
Your message would be better received if it weren't abrasive and condescending.
2
Actually, animals probably don't want to travel. You may WANT to take Fluffy on vacation, but that is all about you. Leave the poor animal at home in the care of a sitter.
4
I know a LOT about this subject, as for 10 years, I made multiple trips from the midwest to Maine where my husband was working. I made these trips with 3 cats, as many as 5 grown dogs, and twice with litters of puppies.
My favorite place to stay is the Red Roof Inn. Most RRInns open directly to the parking lot, so unloading pets and walking is very easy. They also provide trash containers in their grassy walking areas, and even plastic bags for those who "forget" to bring them to clean up after their dog. What did I do with those puppies? I lined the bathtub with newspaper, put a heating pad at one end (brought my own extension cord for this), and also brought lots of large plastic bags to use to clean up the tub. Worked perfectly!
When I traveled with cats, they were in a specially adapted (by me!) large dog crate, with a loft built in and room for a disposable cat box.
The first thing I do when I arrive at a motel, is go into the room and remove the spreads from the bed. From the "dog suitcase/duffle", I take out old sheets to completely cover the blankets and pillows on the beds. Only then (after walking), do the dogs come into the room.
My pets have never caused any damage and housekeeping is very happy with the way I leave the room.
At the upper scale, 21c Museum Hotels do allow dogs (don't know about cats) in the rooms. The only problem with them is that they are always in city locations where finding a place to walk the dog can be a problem.
My favorite place to stay is the Red Roof Inn. Most RRInns open directly to the parking lot, so unloading pets and walking is very easy. They also provide trash containers in their grassy walking areas, and even plastic bags for those who "forget" to bring them to clean up after their dog. What did I do with those puppies? I lined the bathtub with newspaper, put a heating pad at one end (brought my own extension cord for this), and also brought lots of large plastic bags to use to clean up the tub. Worked perfectly!
When I traveled with cats, they were in a specially adapted (by me!) large dog crate, with a loft built in and room for a disposable cat box.
The first thing I do when I arrive at a motel, is go into the room and remove the spreads from the bed. From the "dog suitcase/duffle", I take out old sheets to completely cover the blankets and pillows on the beds. Only then (after walking), do the dogs come into the room.
My pets have never caused any damage and housekeeping is very happy with the way I leave the room.
At the upper scale, 21c Museum Hotels do allow dogs (don't know about cats) in the rooms. The only problem with them is that they are always in city locations where finding a place to walk the dog can be a problem.
3
I'm appalled to see fairly large dogs on planes- not service dogs. These animals are not crated, and ownershe expect to squeeze them in to the same space as they occupy. It's bad enough with barely adequate room let alone pets. Please leave your pets at home!
10
I was excited when I first learned about BringFido.com a few years ago. But when I actually looked at it, I was really disappointed. The website says it will help you find "Pet Friendly" destinations, but in fact, by "Pet Friendly" they mean "Dog Friendly." There is almost nothing there about cats. Why say "pets" if you mean only dogs? I've had similar experiences when calling vacation rentals that are advertised as "Pet Friendly" -- it turns out that only dogs are allowed.
I would be the last person to say that bringing a cat on a trip is ideal; most cats are better off staying home if possible. But there are cats who do travel well. And there are times when bringing them along is unavoidable. It would be nice to have some options!
I would be the last person to say that bringing a cat on a trip is ideal; most cats are better off staying home if possible. But there are cats who do travel well. And there are times when bringing them along is unavoidable. It would be nice to have some options!
8
Try us at xcDogs: The Pet Sitting People! Not just for dogs; not just for travel. Connects travelers with PETS to local hosts to pet sit.
The name of the website is Bring Fido, so....
4
Yes, but if you look at it, it says "Pet-friendly" all over the place.
1
Please publish a list of all the places that allow guests to bring pets so I can avoid them.
10
Agreed! The last thing I want is a dog in a restaurant!
10
What about the rights of those of us who are allergic to dogs, cats, birds? When I travel I do not want to worry about sleeping in a bed that a dog has been playing or slept on---hotels do not launder bedspreads or pillows after each guest.
And why should we have to sit in a confined space with little fresh air (a plane) with an allergen?
And why should we have to sit in a confined space with little fresh air (a plane) with an allergen?
11
Relax, America! European dogs go to restaurants, stay in hotels, and go to work without significant problems. I would concede, however, that not every dog goes everywhere because owners apply a measure of common sense and bring their pets only when they feel reasonably certain it will work out. No one wants to make anyone -- dog and people alike -- feel uncomfortable. Kudos to Ms. Halliburton for her excellent website.
9
Unfortunately commonsense is in extremely short supply
4
Who brings a dog to a wedding?
13
A dog owner who just knows that everyone, everyone, will love her dog as she does. Anytime, anywhere. The mantra of today's dog owner.
12
Someone who knows that the wedding party is dog friendly.
5
I agree!
I really appreciate the connection Melissa and BringFido create between dog lovers and venues. Since I met and fell in love with Jetson, my King Charles Cavalier last year, I have completely changed the pet policies at the WIlburton Inn in Manchester, Vermont that my family has owned for 28 years. On "Howl'owen" we hosted our first "Doggie Slumber Party" weekend that raised money for our local animal shelter and offered no pet fees, discounted rates plus a canine costume parade! It was so much fun that we're hosting a Christmas Slumber Party on Dec 11 - 13 too. The producers of Sylvia (the hit Broadway play about a dog) donated a pair of Broadway tickets to one of our guests! I just ordered my Mutt Mitt stand and signed our inn up on BringFido.com. Jetson and I love meeting all four legged guests plus the two legged people that adore them!
12
You need to learn the proper name for your breed: It is Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or "Cavalier" for short.
3
The Florida climate on the West Gulf Coast of FL is exceptionally suitable for year-round outdoor dining and there are many places to stay so I am enthusiastically recommending its many "Pet-friendly" towns as places to shop, dine and visit. One of the joys of living in Gulfport, FL is the nearly constant parade of people and dogs on main streets which town ordinances and business owner cooperation have made possible.
Towns which have established dog parks and have sensible ordinances for where dogs are allowed as well as business owners who provide water and treats are a pleasure to visit and live. Dogs offer a way for people to connect and through those connections a real sense of community is built and maintained. Peer pressure to be responsible for dog waste (and appropriate containers for deposits by visitors) does work to keep public places clean (I wish public pressure worked as well on cigarette smoking waste products!)
While I shudder at people who bring their dogs (and babies!) to town events which are not suitable for the dog's comfort-- busy craft fairs on hot asphalt streets, celebrations with fireworks and exceptionally loud music events--most people who love their dogs know when to leave them home for the sake of the dog.
Thoughtful website and the article is a good reminder to keep the needs and comfort of one's dogs in mind while traveling with them. I hope a visit to a "pet"spa is next for those whose dogs and cats must be left at home for safety.
Towns which have established dog parks and have sensible ordinances for where dogs are allowed as well as business owners who provide water and treats are a pleasure to visit and live. Dogs offer a way for people to connect and through those connections a real sense of community is built and maintained. Peer pressure to be responsible for dog waste (and appropriate containers for deposits by visitors) does work to keep public places clean (I wish public pressure worked as well on cigarette smoking waste products!)
While I shudder at people who bring their dogs (and babies!) to town events which are not suitable for the dog's comfort-- busy craft fairs on hot asphalt streets, celebrations with fireworks and exceptionally loud music events--most people who love their dogs know when to leave them home for the sake of the dog.
Thoughtful website and the article is a good reminder to keep the needs and comfort of one's dogs in mind while traveling with them. I hope a visit to a "pet"spa is next for those whose dogs and cats must be left at home for safety.
11
Wish the article stressed keeping the needs and comfort of other people in mind.
1
Please leave your animals at home.
18
Please leave your cell phones at home.
Please leave your cologne at home.
Please leave your kids at home.
Please leave your ill-fitting clothes at home.
Please leave your sandals at home.
Please leave your shorts at home
Please leave your cologne at home.
Please leave your kids at home.
Please leave your ill-fitting clothes at home.
Please leave your sandals at home.
Please leave your shorts at home
22
Take your dog only places where appropriate and leave Mtnman 1963 at home
9
Yes, not everyone wants dogs all over, barking, etc., and many owners refuse to follow the rules (they don't apply to me mentality) and leave their dogs unleashed.
9
I wonder if everyone who travels with a pet is named Connie? Sorry, just had to add that. Melissa, yes, thank you for bringfido.com it's a great website. We have found when traveling that restaurants with outdoor seating are fine with the dog, and even have a favorite restaurant in Maryland where our dog is welcomed inside! Things are improving...I think Sheraton is pet friendly now too.
4
A well trained dog is a pleasure to be around for everyone and is a must for traveling. One poorly behaved dog at a hotel or attraction can ruin it for the rest of us.
17
Agree. I can say the same for one poorly-behaved human. I have had more experiences ruined by obnoxious people than by dogs.
24
Same is true for children.
25
While I love admiring well-trained dogs from a distance, having them in my hotel or on my plane is a nightmare as I am an allergy sufferer and have had trips ruined due to either the presence of pets or their dander (which, by the way, can stick around for years after the pet has left).
6
I'd like to see a pet-friendly airline with a crate on board, next to my seat, so I can keep an eye on my larger than handbag dog who is quiet, but gets stressed (quietly) when she travels. While I hire a dogsitter when I travel abroad, this would be helpful if I must move back to the US.
Another concern i have is travelling by ferry. Condor Ferries (UK) do not allow dogs to stay with passengers on Channel crossings. Dogs must either stay in the car (humans are not allowed to stay in the car with the dog) or in a crate in a special section (again, no humans allowed to stay in the area). I was allowed to check on my dog, accompanied by a member of staff, a couple of times.,there were car alarms going off and she was shaking like a leaf. She started losing fur after she had to stay in the car alone in such a stressful environment.
Another concern i have is travelling by ferry. Condor Ferries (UK) do not allow dogs to stay with passengers on Channel crossings. Dogs must either stay in the car (humans are not allowed to stay in the car with the dog) or in a crate in a special section (again, no humans allowed to stay in the area). I was allowed to check on my dog, accompanied by a member of staff, a couple of times.,there were car alarms going off and she was shaking like a leaf. She started losing fur after she had to stay in the car alone in such a stressful environment.
2
Not everyone wants to sit next to a person (on a flight that they've paid a lot of money for) who has a dog. Allergies, smell, etc. And the barking--I've been on a flight that the dog barked on and off for the whole flight. Please leave dogs at home.
9
If your dog is not a flexible, happy traveler, then leave the dog at home. It is unfair to stress the dog unnecessarily, and also unfair to expect ferries to change their policies for just your dog.
5
@ Ex-Pat Pam
Assuming that you will, of course, pay for that extra seat, is there any thought given to the other passengers, many of whom have dander allergies?
Assuming that you will, of course, pay for that extra seat, is there any thought given to the other passengers, many of whom have dander allergies?
2
So here's the thing about staying in a pet friendly hotel....I worry that a prior canine guest will carry fleas or ticks into the hotel and create a flea/tick infestation in the room. The fleas will breed in the carpets etc and pose a human health risk. (Fleas carry several human diseases:"cat scratch" fever and tapeworms to name a few. Ticks are worse, carrying Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and more). I often wonder if hotels require current flea/tick prevention on the canine guests that accompany their people to the hotel to prevent such health risks and flea and tick bites to humans. Just thought I would share this since as a veterinarian, I have a unique perspective.
12
As a trainer and frequent traveler with my dog to shows of all kinds (conformation, obedience etc.) I know that they don't require proof of flea meds. I also know that I've never had any issues in any dog friendly hotel I've stayed at with fleas or ticks. The hotels/motels that I've stayed at include cheap ones as well as high end ones.
12
As a veterinarian, I'm shocked at the high level of scientific illiteracy and similarly elevated level of dramatic anxiety in your post.
19
That's another thing people don't stop to consider....critters that could be left behind by other pet owners who may not be as concerned with flea & tick medications/prevention. It's bad enough that even good or quality hotels are found to have bed bugs, imagine waking to find you were flea bitten overnight?
5
This is a great idea. However, I would like to add that traveling with pets is sometimes equated to traveling with a dog. It would also be great to have a list of vacation rentals that are cat-friendly. That probably means: hard floors, scratch resistant furniture, and typically a longer-term situation so the cat has a chance to get used to it.
5
I love Bringfido.com. I use it quite often, many times just to find restaurants in my day-trip area, where I can take my "girls". What I find annoying with many hotels is their pet-friendly designation, yet they only accept little dogs. I have two Labradors, mellow, loveable, well trained dogs in the mid-fifty pound range who are not welcome many places. This is especially frustrating when I am staying next door to a room with a small but "yappy" under 30 pound dog.
8
I avoid "pet-friendly" beaches like the one pictured. (I am assuming that dogs are allowed on that particular beach.) I don't like the idea of stepping in what dogs naturally deposit on the sand. I also avoid "pet-friendly" hotels because I am allergic to animal dander and can't know whether my room was previously used by a guest with a pet.
18
Totally agree! People sneak their dogs into rooms where they are not allowed--I know. As I've said before, many owners will not follow the rules that are made for good reasons. I will only go to pet free hotels (even though I've seen dogs being snuck in those, too).
10
I can appreciate the desire of pet owners to travel with their much-loved companions, but as I'm allergic to dogs and cats the recent loosening of rules with respect to pet travel have made it increasingly difficult for me to find ways to travel that won't make me ill. I need to look specifically for hotels that don't accommodate pets (because so many now do) and on every flight I need to check with the staff at the gate to see if I will need to be re-seated - or even bumped to another flight - to avoid sitting near an animal that will could cause a serious mid-air allergic reaction for me. I've found that pets now get prioritized over people: as a case in point, if I am on a flight with pets and the animal cannot be moved, then I need to be bumped to another flight rather than the animal.
14
Melissa, thanks much for Bringfido.com. I use it a lot. One gripe I have is that often a hotel will describe itself as pet-friendly, but charges an additional $100 (or more!) non-refundable deposit if you bring your pooch. What's so pet friendly about that?! Glad to hear your take that we're moving in the right direction!
19
We once booked a room at a 'pet friendly' motel when traveling, and the pet 'fee' was more than the room cost! So yes--this is a sticking point, it's not a matter of whether pets are allowed or not, but what the fine print says. Caveat emptor, as the saying goes.
3
And what about cats? They'll use their litter box and, instead of barking and disturbing other guests, will sleep quietly.
3
Yes. I agree Connie. Las Vegas has plenty of hotels on the strip now that accept dogs but their pet fees vary without any significant differences. I normally get rooms free but have to pay for my dog (pet fees). I don't mind the fees because the cost are still acceptable since I get the room free for myself and my partner but they used to welcome us with cute amenities, now it's just an inconvenience for them. Luckily if its a hotel that caters to dogs normally, they might forget to charge you the pet fee (it has only happened once but I spent a similar amount on hotel spa and restaurant anyway).