By Amy Bradley-Hole

Travel columnist

updated 1:17 p.m. ET Dec. 5, 2007

Amy Bradley-Hole Travel columnist • Profile • E-mail

My cousin Melinda and her husband Sam are frequent travelers, and when they hit the road, they often take their dog, Tucker. They say traveling with Tucker is usually rewarding, but they admit that bringing a pet to a hotel can have its challenges. They were kind enough to share some of their tips for taking pets to a hotel, and I've added a few tips that I picked up working in hotels and traveling with a pet myself.

1. Make sure it's a good idea to bring your pet along. Are you taking Fido on the road with you because you'll miss him too much? Do you consider your pet to be a status symbol that must be shown off like a new handbag? Be sure your reasons for including your pet in your travel plans are honorable and that the trip will do him no harm. If your pet would be upset by a long car or plane ride, or would be happier frolicking at your local kennel than cooped up in a hotel room, reconsider your plans. Likewise, think about how caring for a pet will affect your trip. I've often heard people describe a pet as their "child." If that's the case, then consider this: Would taking a kid along on this trip cramp your style? Would it limit your sightseeing or hamper romance, for example? If so, then leave your pet at home.

2. Search for pet-friendly hotels. Sure, a hotel may advertise that it accepts pets. But being "accepting" and being "friendly" are two different things. Pet-friendly properties often provide special services for all types of animals; they may keep food on hand, or provide ample facilities for pets to do their "business," and even offer the services of pet sitters and butlers. Just type "find pet friendly hotels" into an Internet search engine, and you'll find many Web sites that will help you locate properties of all types that welcome "special" guests.

3. Know pet policies. Once you've selected a pet-friendly property, ask lots of questions. Does it accept only certain types of animals? Are there size limits? Are the animals allowed only in certain areas? Should you bring shot records? What will be the extra charges? A hotel should be able to answer these and any other questions about your pet's visit, so that you can be prepared for anything.

4. Speaking of extra charges ... Pets can, and do, destroy hotel rooms. And rooms must be cleaned in a different manner if a pet has been in residence. For these reasons, hotels will often require a deposit that will be returned after a post-checkout room inspection; they may even charge a higher room rate if a pet will be present. These requirements are legal, and it's not just a way of picking on pet owners. Hotels often have the same policies for Spring Break vacationers and other notoriously messy guests.

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5. Choose your room wisely. Of course, floor plans vary widely from hotel to hotel. But if possible, request a ground-floor room, preferably one that opens to the outside. That way you can take your pet in and out without going through a lobby and you will disturb as few people as possible. It's also much more convenient for you when taking care of that "business" early in the morning! Also, if your pet is large, I would recommend a suite. You and your pet will appreciate the extra square footage.

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