All Things Dog Blog

By: Carol Bryant, Social Media and PR Director
FIDO Friendly magazine

You make the decision to travel with your dog. It’s vacation time, weekend warrior time, and/or overnight adventure time, but what should you look for? Outside of the basic questions to ask the front desk (weight limits, breed restrictions, pet fees), FIDO Friendly has compiled a list of things that make a dog-welcoming getaway extra special. Think of finishing touches that we humans look for: mint on the pillow, comfy thread count sheets, the staff welcoming us and knowing our names. These are some of the things we look for and wanted to share with All Things Dog Blog readers when booking a FIDO Friendly vacation. We also have a special contest getaway at the end of this blog post.

So what are the extra touches that make our legs twitch and roll over for tummy rubs?

10. "More than a patch:" Ample grounds upon which to walk with Fido is always a bonus, especially at midnight when nature calls and the dog answers.

9. "Waiter, I'll have the sparkling water:" Well-behaved dogs who are welcome to dine al fresco with their human family members gets four paws up from team FIDO Friendly. One such example is the MacCallum House in Mendocino, California.

8. "Talk about a doggie bag:" A menu of food items dedicated to dogs makes guardians feel the extra pampering is there for Fido, too. Homemade biscuits for dessert are a delectable finishing touch.

7. "Are we there yet?" A printout upon check-in of surrounding Fido-friendly attractions, shops, dog parks and things to do with dogs is always appreciated and welcomed.

6. "Teacher's Pet:" A chalkboard or sign in the lobby personally welcoming any canine guests arriving that day scores major tummy rubs. When the staff remembers the dog's name and says hello, our leg twitches, too.

5. "Turn it Down:" And we don't mean the in-room television. More and more BandB's are offering free turndown service and a late night snack (biscuit) for Fido. Having personally experienced this, major wags to those offering the service.

4. "Rut Roh, Raggy:" BandB's that provide towels to canine guests specifically for wet paws and sheets in the event Fido is allowed on furniture are forward thinkers. Preventing wet and/or muddy paws from tracking the carpeting is a win-win for everyone.

3. "Bowl Me Over:" Many properties offer Fido the use of size-specific in-room bowls during his or her stay. In case you forget to pack yours or just need an extra, this added amenity is a thoughtful gesture.

2. "Can Rover Sleep Over?" Offering canine guests the use of in-room pet bedding is a fun feature many BandB's add to their amenity package. Knowing if Fido is a tiny terrier or a slumber clumber prior to arrival means the right sized bed will be available.

1. "Leave No Dog Behind®:" Receiving a copy of the latest FIDO Friendly magazine upon check-in tells guests that Fido is not only allowed but welcomed and a part of the family. Wag-tastic!

Getting ready to celebrate our 50^th issue and 11 years strong, for more FIDO Friendly content, subscribe to the magazine at www.fidofriendly.com and visit our blog at http://blog.fidofriendly.com.

While there, enter our 3-day 2-night getaway to Nantucket for you and your dog (with lots of extra goodies, too!): Bow WOW FIDO Friendly Nantucket Getaway