Etiquette Tips for Traveling with Your Pet

We often travel with our cat. Sometimes we stay at a hotel which allows pets. Other times, we will stay with friends. This got me thinking about what courtesies one should practice when travelling with a pet. Here are a few tips:

Plan ahead. Before you head out, ensure that your hotel allows pets and that your reservation notes that you will bringing yours along. Do not just show up and try to sneak your pet inside, or take it up with the front desk when you arrive. It will only lead to headaches. Likewise, make sure your hosts are comfortable with your pet and its needs.

Bring supplies. Don’t leave home without the “creature comforts” your pet requires: food, bowls, toys, and bedding. You never know what will be available on the road, and your hosts may balk at using their blankets or dishes for a pet. If your animal has any “bathroom issues,” you should pack some training pads or plastic sheeting to cover the bathroom surface in case of an accident.

Make sure your dog gets enough walks. Not only will this please a pooch who has been cooped up in a car or plane all day, but it will also reduce the likelihood of an accident. Take the dog for a walk off the property and be sure to pick up after him or her as you would at home. Don’t leave a messy yard for your hosts to clean up.

Keep boundaries. Respect your hosts’ belongings by keeping your pets off the furniture, unless specifically invited. And avoid feeding them from the table, which can make meals uncomfortable for some people.

Be mindful of other pets. If your host is a pet owner too, be sensitive to the fact that the pet may not be used to sharing the space with another animal and it may cause some tension if the two pets don’t get along.

Clean up after your pet. Don’t let your animal bring mud or dirt into the house, and be sure to sweep away any spilled food or fur. If you have a cat, clean out the litter box and take the garbage out yourself. I also like to bring hosts a nice scented candle so that their home doesn’t have any lingering pet smells.

Be firm. If your animal is acting up and your hosts seem agitated, take action. Do what you need to do to calm your pet down—it’s no doubt just frightened of its unfamiliar surroundings.

Be thankful. Your host has done you a big favor, so it’s nice to gift them with something special, whether it’s a food basket, a nice meal out on the town, or a bottle of wine. Don’t forget a handwritten thank you note!

Traveling with pets can be stressful for humans and animals alike, but by following these tips you can help make the experience a smooth one. Never take your host for granted, and make sure your beloved pet is comfortable without being intrusive.

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