Traveling with Your Dog - Motel Etiquette

    Many major motel chains have pet friendly policies.  If all dog owners follow common rules of etiquette, we can encourage more motels to invite our dogs to stay with us.

    1 -     Always check on the policies for the specific motel where you will be staying.  Some may have rules that differ   from the statement of the chain.

    2 -     Always inform the motel that you are traveling with a dog.  Honesty is always the best policy.

    3 -     Make sure that you understand and follow all of the rules for that motel.  When traveling with Tucker, we found   that  many motels ask that you not leave a dog alone in the room.  This policy should be followed - for the  sake of the  motel,  its employees, the comfort of the other guests,  and for the safety of your dog.  You  wouldn't want   an  employee  to enter your room to change your towels, find a loose dog, and let your dog out.  Even if you have  your dog in a crate, it could still become upset by the presence of a stranger. 
                This may mean that someone stays with the dog when everyone else goes to the breakfast room.  (Maybe  that person should get an extra donut for doing that job!)

    4 -     "Leave no footprint".  Try to ensure that your dog doesn't spill food or water on carpeting.  (The Ruff Wear Quencher bowls are helpful.)   Cover any furniture that your dog maybe get on with a sheet or blanket  that   you've brought along.  And of course, give your dog plenty of bathroom breaks.

    5-        Leaving an extra tip for the housekeeping staff is a nice way of saying "thank you".

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Update:

Tucker is not a certified service dog.  When we travel for our Pet Tech Pet CPR and 1st Aid classes, he is providing a service.  Even if the motel has a pet fee, many of them are willing to waive the fee for Tucker, in recognition of his work.  We thank those motels!!