For many people, pets are an integral part of the family and it is difficult to decide who will take care of them when planning a vacation. Many pet owners decide to bring their pets and the tourism industry is beginning to open its doors to accommodate them. As a result, it is much easier to find a wide variety of pet-friendly vacation rentals, both domestically and internationally.

However, before you put your heart into taking your pet, think carefully about this decision. If your pet gets anxious or dizzy when he goes to the vet, as much as you miss him, he’s probably not a good candidate for a vacation. If your pet is misbehaving in public, be sure to do obedience training before you leave. The last thing you want is for your partner to get scared and run away to an unknown city; You could end up spending your entire vacation looking for it! Make sure he understands the basic commands and stays with you on a leash. You will also need to make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and that their microchip and / or identification tag has your current contact information.

Now to find some pet-friendly accommodations! You will be surprised to learn that many of the major hotel chains accept pets. Selected LaQuinta Inns & Suites, Red Roof Inn, Quality Inn, Best Western, and Motel 6 locations welcome four-legged guests, but you’ll need to confirm that the closest to your destination is a participating location. Since every hotel is different, speak to a representative about your particular pet and understand all hotel policies before booking a room. Some hotels only accept pets up to a certain weight, or only allow one pet per room, no matter how small. Some may charge a refundable deposit for the room, while others will charge a surcharge for cleaning the room, even if the room is spotless. Other hotels charge an additional fee for each night of stay, either per pet or per room. You should also find out if your pet will be able to accompany you to the hotel restaurant, pool, and beach areas.

If the hotels in your destination do not allow pets, or if you prefer more freedom for you and your pet while on vacation, consider renting a condo, townhouse, or private home that allows pets. Many are available for short- and long-term rentals, and owners will have individual pet policies. You are more likely to find an owner who is understanding of your pet’s needs than a hotel chain that meets all of your pet’s needs. And renting a condo or house for more than 3 days is probably cheaper than staying in a hotel for the same amount of time.

Pet-friendly vacation rentals are also great resources for figuring out where to take your pet in town. Ask for a list of local pet-friendly restaurants and see if there’s a dog park or nature preserve nearby for them to play. Be sure to research lots of activities that involve pets in advance, or they could all end up in the hotel room together! With a little advance planning, a vacation can be a very special experience for both you and your pet.