Pet travel works when the pet, the hotel, and the traveler all have the right brief. The mistakes happen when one of those is unprepared.
Pre-arrival
Health documentation
Rabies vaccination certificate, recent veterinary health check, microchip ID. Carry copies even when not asked.
Hotel confirmation
Call the hotel directly 7 days ahead. Confirm: room location, fee structure, dining policies, walking areas.
Transport plan
Drive vs. fly. Flying requires more planning (cabin vs. cargo, airline rules). Driving is generally easier.
Packing list
- Familiar bed/blanket (the smell helps the pet adjust)
- Familiar toys (3-4)
- Food for the trip (don't switch foods)
- Water bowl + travel water bottle
- Leash + collar with hotel address ID tag
- Recent photos of the pet (in case of separation)
- Veterinary records
- Plastic bags for clean-up
- Towels for muddy paws
- Medications
On arrival
Walk before check-in
Walk the pet 20-30 minutes before entering the hotel. They will be calmer at front desk.
Take the elevator alone
If the lobby is busy, use the elevator alone the first time. Less stress.
Set up a familiar corner
Place the home bed/blanket in a quiet corner of the room. Pet identifies that as "their" space.
Crate or no crate?
If your pet sleeps in a crate at home, bring one. Hotels typically don't provide them.
Dining etiquette
In-room dining
Most luxury hotels deliver to the room. Pets stay in the room. The waiter doesn't pet them unless invited.
Patio dining
Pet-welcoming hotels usually allow dogs on patios. Ask the maître d' for a quieter corner. The dog gets a bowl of water unprompted.
Inside dining rooms
Most hotels do not allow pets inside dining rooms. A few European hotels do (Hotel de Crillon, Le Bristol). Confirm.
What to ask the concierge
- Best dog walking routes nearby
- Pet-friendly parks within walking distance
- Pet-sitting options for evening dinners
- Veterinary emergency contacts
- Pet supply stores nearby
Five rules
- Walk before check-in — calmer first impression
- Bring the bed/blanket from home
- Tip housekeeping extra — pet rooms are extra work
- Don't leave the pet alone in the room for hours
- Build hotel time around the pet's schedule
For more, see the pet-friendly pillar.
