Etiquette for the Traveling Dog

Everywhere

• Always call ahead to make sure an establishment or place allows dogs.

• Only travel with a well-behaved dog that is friendly to people and especially children. If your dog is not comfortable around other people, you might consider taking your dog to obedience classes or hiring a professional trainer.

• Please keep your dog leashed. People that are afraid of dogs or even people with leashed dogs will greatly appreciate it. Plus most hotel owners, restaurant owners, store owners, and festival coordinators require your dog to be on leash.

• Always clean up after your dog. Pet stores sell pooper scooper bags. You can also buy sandwich bags from your local grocery store. They work quite well and are cheap!

Festivals, Outdoor Events

• Make sure your dog has relieved himself or herself before entering a festival or event area. The number one reason that most festival coordinators do not allow dogs is because some dogs go to the bathroom in areas where people might sit or on a vendor's booth.

Hotel Lobby

• Unless it is obvious, ask the hotel clerk if dogs are allowed in the hotel lobby.

Hotel Rooms

• Never leave your dog alone in the hotel room. The number one reason hotel management does not allow dogs is because some people leave them in the room alone. Some dogs, no matter how well-trained, can cause damage, bark continuously or scare the housekeepers. Unless the hotel management allows it, please make sure your dog is never left alone in the room. We have even found a case where two dogs were stolen from a hotel room.

• While you are in the room with your dog, place the Do Not Disturb sign on the door or keep the dead bolt locked. Many housekeepers have been surprised or scared by dogs when entering a room.

• When your dog needs to go to the bathroom, take him or her away from the hotel rooms and the bushes located right next to the rooms. Try to find some dirt or bushes near the parking lot. Some hotels have a designated pet walk area.

Restaurants

• Most of the restaurants we have listed allow 1-2 dogs per table. If you have more dogs than this, you might want to ask the management if it is okay.

Stores

• Keep a close eye on your dog and make sure they do not go to the bathroom in the store. Store owners that allow dogs inside assume that responsible dog owners will be entering their store. Before entering a dog-friendly store, visit your local pet store first. They are by far the most forgiving. If your dog does not go to the bathroom there, then you are off to a great start! If your dog does make a mistake in any store, offer to clean it up.