For many families, bringing pets along on trips is an important part of travel. If you have a four-legged friend and like to get away, a pet-friendly hotel can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to the kennel. To make your stay comfortable while respecting fellow guests, here are a few etiquette tips for navigating hotel stays with a furry companion.

4 Ways to Enjoy Your Stay at a Pet-Friendly Hotel

1. Stay Together

If you plan to travel with a pet, make arrangements in advance to ensure they’ll always have supervision in the hotel room. A bored pet may become distressed, make noise, and disrupt other guests. More importantly, they could inadvertently harm themselves by getting into food or toiletries or damage hotel property.

2. Bring Water & Food Dishes

Pet owners should always pack travel-friendly dishes while venturing out with their pets, and hotel stays are no exception. Pack appropriately sized bowls for food and water, ideally with resealable lids to avoid pest problems. If you forget your dishes, contact the front desk to see if the hotel restaurant can lend you containers. Don’t use the ice bucket as a dish, as this container is not food-safe. While many hotels include a plastic liner for the bucket, the soft material can be a choking hazard for pets.

3. Have a Plan for Bathroom Time

Your pet may feel a little out of their comfort zone in this new environment, so make sure they have plenty of opportunities to go outside and relieve themselves. As a courtesy, always pick up after your dog. If you’re traveling with a cat, bring a disposable litter box to prevent accidents in the room.

4. Keep Them Out of Communal Areas

Even when you stay in a designated pet-friendly hotel, it’s considerate to make sure other guests are comfortable around you. Avoid bringing your pet into any shared spaces at the hotel, such as any dining or business areas. Move through the lobby quickly, and always keep your pet leashed. Check with the hotel staff before bringing your dog to outdoor amenities like a dining patio or pool area to confirm that pets are allowed.

If you’re seeking a pet-friendly hotel in the St. Louis, MO, area, turn to The Cheshire. Just 10 minutes from downtown St. Louis, this unique hotel welcomes four-legged guests and provides additional amenities, including free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Their rooms and dining options exude British charm, from the selection of antiques to the suites designed around famous literature. Explore their available rooms online now or call (314) 647-7300 to make a reservation.