Beautiful antique furniture, big fluffy robes, extravagant breakfasts and intimate settings are what most people think of when they think of bed and breakfast inns. However, handmade dog treats are a luxury amenity that you wouldn’t normally include. The truth is that more and more inns accept, in addition to pampering, four-legged guests. Here is information on how you and your dog can have a relaxing stay at a bed and breakfast.
If you decide to bring your dog with you to stay at a bed and breakfast, it’s important to plan your itinerary around them. Booking pet-friendly accommodations is key. Visit http://www.BnBFinder.com/PetsWelcome, which lists more than 400 pet-friendly inns in 300 cities across the country. With so many to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect bed and breakfast for you and your dog.
When making your reservation, tell the innkeeper that you want to bring your dog. Some inns have policies on the size, weight, and type of pet they can accommodate. Be sure to find out if the innkeeper requires special deposits or additional fees to cover your pet’s stay. Also, find out if there are any animals living at the inn to avoid potential problems for your dog. Ask about rooms designated for people staying with their furry friends. These rooms are usually located on the ground floor for easy access.
Remind the innkeeper upon arrival that you are traveling with a special guest. Some inns offer a dog goody bag that includes treats, pick-up bags, and information on local veterinarians and pet-friendly establishments. Check with them and see if there are any restrictions as well as designated places for pets both indoors and outdoors. Check with the innkeeper about walking your dog in the gardens, along the shore, or along the trails. This way you and your dog can enjoy the charming atmospheres that help make bed and breakfasts so special.
As you will see when you get to your room, the innkeepers go to great lengths to maintain a beautiful and immaculate home, and it is your responsibility to keep it that way. Clean your dog’s paws every time he comes in from outside. Prevent your dog from sleeping on furniture and cover all furniture and beds your pet may go on. Many inns offer special sheets, towels, and beds for your dog so he, too, can relax comfortably. Put fresh water and food on a mat if you are feeding in the room and try to keep your dog on the same feeding schedule as you would at home. Some inns will even provide your dog with fancy glass dishes and homemade food and treats to let your dog know how pampered he really is.
When you leave your room, refrain from leaving your dog behind. Most bed and breakfasts have policies against leaving your dog unattended. Carry your dog to avoid unwanted situations if you are allowed to leave your dog in the room, and make sure all inn employees know your dog will be there. Some inns offer in-room dog sitting services as well as dog daycare areas that allow your dog to socialize and play while you are away from the premises. When you are outdoors, keep your dog on a leash and always clean up after himself. Please respect all inn guests and their feelings towards the dogs.
At the end of your stay at the inn, inspect your room for any damage your dog may have caused. Notify the innkeeper and volunteer to pay for the repairs. Pet-friendly inns know that sometimes an accident can happen and would prefer to be told immediately after it happens so they can deal with it accordingly.
Doesn’t it sound nice to be able to go on a relaxing and intimate vacation and be able to bring your dog? Many bed and breakfast innkeepers have said that some of their most memorable guests are dogs and their owners. We hope your visit to the bed and breakfast is just as memorable!
Here are some bed and breakfasts that love to pamper you and your dogs too!
The Lodge at Sedona – http://www.bnbfinder.com/LodgeAtSedona Sedona, Arizona
The shelter stands out as an extremely dog-friendly place and offers many special amenities for your pet.
— Several king suites on the main level designated especially for guests visiting with companion dogs.
— Blanket, extra towels, a comfortable cot to sleep on, and a bowl of water.
— Bag of canine gifts at check-in.
— Designated landscaped walking area.
Collingwood Inn Bed and Breakfast- http://www.bnbfinder.com/Collingwood Ferndale, California
At Collingwood Inn, pets (and owners) are always welcome.
As the premier inn in Ferndale with pet-friendly rooms, they strive to please their four-legged guests just as much as their two-legged ones!
— Designated rooms where pets are welcome.
— Food and water dishes, blankets, poop bags, and a “welcome gift.”
Next to Still Waters Farm – http://www.bnbfinder.com/BesideStillWatersFarm Willits, California
Anderson the inn dog welcomes you and your pet to come to his farm where his people will take good care of you.
— Cabins designated for guests with dogs.
–Comfortable dog beds and elegant glass bowls.
— Homemade dog treats: “fake chocolate indulgence.”
Lazy L at Willow Creek- http://www.bnbfinder.com/LazyL Lewes, Delaware
The Lazy L is a pet friendly community with a creek that dogs love. They welcome polite and educated dogs to come enjoy all they have to offer.
— Large fenced area for running, exercising, and off-leash play.
— Pet walking services.
Gazebo Inn Ogunquit – http://www.bnbfinder.com/GazeboInn Ogunquit, Maine
The innkeepers understand how wonderful it is to bring the family pet on vacation, as they have in the past, which is why they allow guests to bring small dogs.
— Information on nearby vets and dog-walking areas: pet-friendly beaches and parks.
— There is no fee to bring your canine family member.
— Rooms designated for dogs and their owners.
The Lamb and Lion Inn – http://www.bnbfinder.com/LambandLion Barnstable, Massachusetts
You and your dog can enjoy this unique combination of a classic Cape Cod inn with the spirit of a small luxury hotel.
— Provide special sheets and towels for your dog.
— Offers 4 beautiful acres for your furry friend to explore.