Families find that hotel chains and B&Bs are putting out the welcome mat and the water bowl for four-legged friends.
No longer will the lack of accommodations dictate that Spot should stay at home. There are so many chain hotels and other lodging options (see our list of pet-welcoming B&Bs below) for traveling with pets that families should take their cue from Mobil Travel Guides' Do's and Don'ts to actually decide if the family pet should share their next vacation. Mobil says:
– Do Bring Pets if they are well-socialized, enjoy new experiences, over 12-weeks-old, and if your travel plans are pet-friendly.
– Don't Bring Pets who are unsocialized, noisy, boisterous, under 12-weeks-old, or not housetrained.
New Kinds of Pet-Friendly Lodging
Bedandbreakfast.com now chronicles the many B&Bs that welcome dogs – and often other pets such as horses – to occupy guestrooms or grounds. Bedandbreakfast.com graciously provided us with a list of some pet, horse and kid-friendly B&Bs, organized alphabetically by location. Details on pet amenities, stables, and contact information are noted.
Before booking your next kids cum pets vacation, please review BedandBreakfast.com's advice for those who want to stay out of the dog house on their B&B visit:
1. Be sure your pet is a good traveler and friendly with strangers and strangers' furniture.
2. Always inquire about your pet when making reservations, even if the website says pets are welcome. Often Innkeepers limit the number of pets in residence.
3. Be sure your pet wears ID and immunization tags at all times when traveling.
4. Leash your pet when outside your room or roaming the inn and its grounds, and respect the inn's policy about pets in the common areas, particularly dining areas.
5. Bring your pet's own bedding, toys, treats, water/food bowls, etc to offer something familiar in a new environment.
6. Clean up after all pet messes, inside and out.
7. Crate your pets if you must leave them alone in a room; leaving a TV or radio on may soothe them in your absence.
8. A cleaning security deposit will be required; consider feeding your pet in the bathroom and bringing furniture covers to avoid spills and stains.
Bedandbreakfast.com's Pet, Horse & Kid-friendly B&Bs
Arizona
Lodge at Sedona, Arizona: Several main-level king suites have been reserved for those traveling with their four-legged companions. Dog guests are welcomed with a Canine Goodie bag of dog treats, helpful information, and a "Dog Guest in Residence" door hanger to be displayed when you're having breakfast. The inn also provides a throw blanket, extra towels, a comfortable sleeping cot, and water bowl, too. Info: www.lodgeatsedona.com.
Bed and Bagels, Tucson: Supervised pets are welcomed in all the guest rooms, the family room, patio, fenced-in yard and even in the pool. A welcome letter includes information on the nearby park with a walking track that is a gathering place for local dog walkers. A ready supply of dog food, dog biscuits, and roasted piggie ears are always on hand. There's a guest litter box for those who travel with their cats, too. Info: www.bedandbagels.com.
California
Casa Laguna Inn, Laguna Beach: What dog or human wouldn't enjoy staying at this pet-friendly B&B overlooking the Pacific Ocean, set amid terraced tropical gardens and flower-splashed patios? Pets are welcome in all guest rooms, and receive a place mat, bowl, bottled water, some treats and a welcome note from Emory, the inn mascot. Laguna Beach welcomes pets at the city's beaches, parks, and at most restaurants with outdoor patios. Check the inn's website for great pet travel advice. Info: www.casalaguna.com.
Collingwood Inn, Ferndale: This dog-friendly B&B received a five-paw rating in Fido Friendly magazine. Your pet will enjoy dog beds, blankets, bowls, treats and even dog-sitting services. If your pet has any dietary restrictions, the innkeepers will try to accommodate them. Info: www.collingwoodinn.com.
Colorado
Sundance Bear Lodge, Mancos: Dogs are welcome to stay in the inn's two cabins, and the 80-acre grounds offer plenty of room to romp and play. Horses and mules (yes, they've even had a guest mule) are welcome too. There are two pipe-panel corrals (sand footing over gravel), with a water and loafing shed. Owners are welcome to ride on the inn's grounds along with their dogs. Info: www.sundancebear.com.
Maine
Foothills Farm B&B: Both two and four-legged creatures will be delighted with this 50-acre farm, ideal for those traveling with dogs, horses, and even ferrets. An extensive trail system is perfect for those who love to ride, accompanied by their dogs. Plenty of swimming holes and brooks will keep everyone happy. Dog-sitting services are available. Info: 207/935-3799; www.foothillsfarmbedandbreakfast.com.
The Captain Jefferds Inn, Kennebunkport: While their masters enjoy this historic inn, doggie divas are welcomed with special doggie towels, bags, treats (served on silver trays), and a tennis ball imprinted with paws. In addition they are provided with food and water bowls, a matching mat, and even scented waste bags. Kennebunkport is a dog-friendly town, and there are plenty of parks, beaches and restaurants that will welcome dogs. Info: 800/839-6844; www.captainjefferdsinn.com.
Perennial Inn, Rumford Point: Stay at this pet-friendly inn, and a dog bed or crate (your choice) will be provided, in addition to ceramic food bowls. Acres of private walking trails and woods await owners and their pets. Special daily arrangements are possible for owners to leave their dogs in the inn's fenced yard or nearby kennel. If you want to add to your family, the innkeepers have a kennel where they raise yellow, chocolate, and black labs, so ask if puppies are planned. Info: www.perennialinn.com.
Massachusetts
Gilbert's Tree Farm, Rehoboth: People and horses can enjoy this award-winning tree farm and 168-year-old farm house. Owner Jeanne Gilbert, a licensed riding instructor, is happy to guide riders through miles of fields, forests and streams. Two-legged guests also enjoy a swim in the in-ground pool or the challenge of several local golf courses. A negative Coggins test within 12 months is required as well as proof of current inoculations. Info: 508/252-6416; www.gilbertsbb.com.
Bayberry Inn, East Falmouth: Pets and children are welcome to roam freely in the guest rooms, but guests often bring an extra blanket for the bed so their pet can sleep in its usual spot. The half-acre back yard in this Cape Cod-style cottage is fully fenced so animals can explore. A cache of dog biscuits is always available, supplemented by a wonderful pet bakery downtown. Info: 508/540-2962; search by name at www.bedandbreakfast.com.
North Carolina
B&B at Ponder Cove, Mars Hill: B&B goers and dog-lovers alike will delight in this luxury B&B, designed by former fashion maven, Martha Abraham. Your pampered pet (dogs only!) will be welcomed with a personal doggy basket, while you can enjoy a complimentary issue of Fido Friendly magazine, along with an in-room Jacuzzi and fireplace. This is the only B&B in the Asheville area where you and your canine can be treated by a licensed masseuse. Doggie play dates with the inn's own friendly Ponder and Henry in the nearby off-leash park or on the inn's 91-acres with ponds and caves are encouraged. Info: 866/689-7304; www.pondercove.com.
New York
Ivy Terrace B&B, New York: In midtown New York City, this B&B is just a 10-minute walk from Central Park. The innkeepers are animal lovers whose flock ranges from a Bengal cat to a 250-pound pig named Wilbur (don't worry, they're not kept at the B&B!). Two of the suites have private terraces, perfect for dogs or cats to explore, and all pets receive special treats. Info: 516/662-6862; www.ivyterrace.com.
Pipe Creek Farm Bed and Breakfast, West Falls: Horses, cats and dogs will be in good company here, joined by the innkeepers' horses, dogs, cats and even a pot-bellied pig. Dogs and cats are welcome in the B&B; there's also a large dog pen outside. Those traveling with horses will find guest stalls, a large turn-out pen, riding area, and 200 acres of riding trails. Info: 716/-652-4868; www.pipecreekfarm.com.
Pennsylvania
Sun and Cricket Bed and Breakfast, Gibsonia: Guests can stay in the log cabin, but most horse owners choose the carriage house, where their mounts are sheltered below them in one of six roomy box stalls. The porch of the carriage house is 20 feet from a split-rail fenced grassy pasture, reserved exclusively for guests' horses. Info: 724/444-6300; www.sunandcricket.com.
Vermont
Mountain Top Inn & Resort, Chittenden: Horses and dogs are welcome at this four-season resort on 350 acres, featuring a world-class equestrian center with miles of scenic trails, guided trail rides and lessons for all abilities. Overnight guests may board their horses for $75/N, including a box stall with shavings, hay, grain, turnout, grazing, use of the trails, rings and X-C course. Staff will also feed, water, groom and clean stalls. Dogs may stay with guests in the resort's rustic cabins Info: 800/445-2100; www.mountaintopinn.com.
Inn at Mountainview Farm, East Burke: The inn is home to the newly formed Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing farm animals with a safe and happy environment. The Sanctuary has adopted horses, cows, miniature donkeys, sheep, and pigs. Dogs and horses are welcome to accompany their owners at this scenic 440-acre farm in the Northeast Kingdom. Over 100 miles of trails are perfect for horseback riding, hiking or biking with dogs. Info: 800/572-4509; www.innmtnview.com.
Dogs in All Accommodations
In addition to B&B housing, are you interested in researching hotels, restaurants, beaches, and other travel venues that welcome dogs? If so, try out www.dogfriendly.com for more information about traveling with your best friend.
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