7 Tips For Taking Your Pooch on Vacation

Along with looking for an exciting adventure, look into a pet-friendly hotel or location. So many towns are known for being superaccommodating to dogs, like San Francisco and the surrounding wine country, which makes it a great spot to head together.

Just like you, your dog loves to have a few comfort items when being in a new space. Even if it's only for a long weekend, packing your pup's favorite blanket, dog bed, or toy brings the scent of home along with you. And don't forget bringing his favorite treats too.

You want to hit all the hot spots while on vacation, so make sure to fit in some fun time for your pup too. Check out the local dog park, head to the beach, or toss the ball somewhere unique. Towns like Portland, OR, let you bring your dog into pubs, or head to Miami for a fabulous beach vacation with your dog.

If you haven't had a recent visit with your regular veterinarian, it's smart to make an appointment and let the doctor know about your upcoming travel plans — especially if it involves taking a plane or a long drive. And it's smart to get your dogs microchipped so there's no concern of him getting lost while on vacation. You can also chat with the doctor about ways to keep your dog calm while in transit. And if you're flying, most airlines require a health certificate signed by your vet.

Check with your pet-friendly hotel to see if they have a dog concierge that provides items when in a pinch, like doggy bags, leashes, or water bowls, but it's best to pack everything you need so you don't take time out of your vacation heading to the pet store.

Pack the day with fun stuff so your pup's tuckered out at the end of the night, letting everyone relax when it's bed time. And be prepared for accidents, because they may happen. Stick with your dog's regular walk routine for taking potty breaks, but be extradiligent when staying somewhere new. Bring absorbent pads for your pup — and it's best to wait until your dog is completely potty trained before planning a trip together.

Even if your dog is a traveling pro, you might want to think about packing a crate. It's a safe spot for him to hang out — and it's required for plane travel. Check with the airline for specifics when booking a flight so you arrive at the airport ready to travel. And you can bring the crate into your hotel room so your dog has a comfortable spot if he needs to regroup.

DoubleTree understands that your dog is part of the family. Sometimes a vacation just wouldn't be the same without a wagging tail tagging along. That's why more than 120 DoubleTree properties are pet friendly. Visit their hotels pages and look for “Hotel Information” on the left hand side to view that hotel’s pet policy.