This is not always how we use them but often this is the case. So what do we do when we are traveling with our pets knowing we can’t leave them in the car overnight or tie them to a post outside?
For this reason, pet friendly motels, and knowing where they are, is extremely useful and you should plan ahead when you are on a long distance haul with your dogs.
A little homework before you embark on your journey could make all the difference to your trip making life a lot easier and not being caught out hundreds of miles from home.
First off, I have to ask you to consider whether it is really a good idea to take your cat with you. Cats are not really the greatest of travelers and ask yourself, is it really what your cat would want or is it for some other reason?
I think if you were to ask the cat she would rather stay home so if it is at all possible to leave her at home and arrange someone to call in everyday and feed her that may be a better idea. This would be far less costly than boarding your cat which would also be very unsettling for your cat also.
Of course there are automatic cat feeders too which could help the situation in case your friend or relative cannot check on her as often as is ideal. Hate to be a pet party pooper but it’s worth thinking about.
Now with dogs, it’s another matter. They are generally much better travelers and can really benefit themselves from a trip and new places to explore.
Book Early
It really is best if you make your plans in advance as pet friendly motels are around but you are not going to just be able to find one anywhere.
It really would pay to study your route and plan any stop offs and overnight stays well in advance. There could be an extra advantage also in that in certain cases booking early could mean a discount.
What if you see a pet friendly motel on your route and you have not booked in advance when you get there then you may be greeted with the vacation shattering line of ‘no vacancies’. Being stuck out in the middle of nowhere with a dog or cat could be a major strain and even ruin your trip.
The problem is that if it is a motel you seek for reasons of affordability and convenience then it may not be as simple as that. Pet friendly Hotels are far more numerous and much easier to obtain nationwide listings. Motels are less likely to offer this facility that a Hotel. All the more reason why you need to plan ahead.
Good advice would be to make phone calls to any motel you see listed on your route and simply ask if they accommodate pets. You may well have to spend a little extra and settle for a hotel that has pet friendly facilities.
Also there are lodges and even overnight stays in trailer parks and of course should the weather permit camping is a great idea also. Whatever you do you will need to plan. I think it could well be essential to book in advance or it could mean a night’s sleep in the car for everyone if you don’t.
A really useful guide for helping with travel with great advice and lists of pet friendly accommodations throughout the United States and Canada can be found here.