Traveling with dogs: Tips for a smooth trip
Leaving your pet behind is never easy – and now you don’t have to! Here are some tips for traveling with your dog:
Packing and preparation
- Vaccinate: before traveling with your dog, it’s essential to ensure all required vaccinations are current. Your vet may recommend additional vaccines depending on your travel destination.
- Medicate: if your dog gets sick easily, it may be wise to bring anti-anxiety or nausea medication to help make their travel more comfortable – and less cleanup for you!
- Crate: finding the right crate for your dog can take time. Make sure your pup is accustomed to the crate before going on vacation – it’s like breaking in a new pair of shoes – don’t do it on Prom night!
- Safety: It is also recommended that you microchip your dog before travel to enable location tracking in case of an unplanned escape.
- Food prep: It can be helpful to measure your dog’s food to ensure you pack enough for each day, plus some extra, in case of delays or changes in your travel plans, or if your dog gets sick and may require more food, or if they meet a friend who uses their food. Don’t forget plenty of treats, toys, travel beds, or anything else that makes your dog comfortable to maximize their happiness on your trip.
Pro tips: Find good travel bowls for water and food, and remember the leash!
Day of:
It’s best to refrain from feeding your pet the morning of your travel day to reduce nausea.
Flying with Your Pet
Although you shouldn’t risk missing your flight, now is not the time to arrive far earlier than needed at the airport. Instead, give your furry companion as much time as possible out of the crate before the flight to maximize their comfort.
Check your airline’s pet policy before booking your ticket to understand size restrictions for under-the-seat transportation and cargo. If your dog must be kept under the plane, check with your vet about the right steps to prepare your companion. Acclimate your pet to a carrier before your trip. If you have bowls for water and food, you can easily freeze water in a bowl and put it in the carrier.
Pro tip: Ask the flight crew for updates on your dog’s health if they are put in cargo.
Dog-friendly hotels
Before you confirm your stay, make sure to check all pet policies. Different dog-friendly hotels will have various policies. This will prevent unanticipated issues upon arrival, fines, or fees. Try to get a room on the ground floor to make walks easier for everyone and eliminate your dog’s stress in elevators.
Keep your dog on the same routine as you would at home. It is always nice to sleep in on vacation, but you also want to stick to what they know. This also goes with water, toys, bed – anything that makes your dog feel at home.
Remove harmful items. Hotels can provide many amenities, food items, and toiletries. Since it will be a new environment for your dog, curiosity can escalate before they settle down.
Unlike allegedly “pet-friendly” hotels that require animals to remain in the room, some hotels like ours allow dogs in most public areas. Many hotels may state they allow pets, but make sure to book one that is truly a pet-inclusive stay.
Ours is one of only a few luxury boutique dog-friendly hotels, so enjoy your vacation in style that both you and your dog will love! Follow these travel tips and it will soon be time for you and your bestie to have a great vacation.
- We are a dog-friendly hotel. Pets of other types are not allowed.
- Dogs are allowed in designated rooms only, call 631-722-3212 for arrangements to secure a pet-friendly room. Pet-friendly accommodations will not be guaranteed without direct conversation with the property.
- Limit one dog per room; must be under 50 pounds and well-behaved.
- Dogs cannot be unattended inside the room at any time. Leaving your dog in the room unattended will result in a fine of $150.
- A non-refundable $110 pet fee will apply to the reservation.
Pet-friendly rooms: Superior Garden View, Grand King Suite. The rest of our rooms are not pet-friendly.