In response to increasing demand from pet owners, more and more holiday accommodation operators are ticking the ‘pet friendly” box in their facilities list.
Often that is the truth, with genuine pet lovers operating pet friendly facilities, with offerings to guarantee a happy holiday experience for pets and their owners.
Sometimes however “pet tolerant for a fee” would be a more honest description.
How do you tell the difference before you confirm your accommodation booking?
Firstly, jump on the phone, or email, and ask the operators specific questions such as:
- Why do you describe your property as pet friendly? What facilities do you offer to support that claim?
- Are there any size or weight restrictions for dogs you will accept? Any other restrictions on the type of pets you allow to stay?
- What fees are payable for my pet – per day or per stay? Is there a “Cleaning Fee”, and is that a refundable deposit or a non-refundable fee?
(Does $90 per day plus a $500 Cleaning Fee for a small dog at a central Adelaide hotel sound “friendly” to you? )
- What secure outside space is available?
- What areas of your facility are off-limits to pets?
- Where is our pet permitted to sleep?
Having done your own investigations, there are some pet friendly accommodation portals, with visitor reviews, that will help your decision making.
Two of the best are www.petsplayground.com.au and www.doggyholiday.com — these sites seem to attract property owners with a more serious commitment to accommodating pet owners.
Other generic accommodation portals such as www.stayz.com.au and www.takeabreak.com.au have search facilities for “pets allowed”.
One final warning relates to your time in transit to your holiday destination.
If your travel time involves one or more nights in transit, it is equally important you plan ahead and ensure your overnight accommodation arrangements while “on the road” are stress free for all family members.
Please share your experiences with pet friendly holiday accommodation via a Comment below.