With the holidays quickly approaching, many people are considering traveling with their furry family members. I say go for it! Whether you’re checking into a hotel or staying with relatives, traveling with dogs brings its own set of joys… and some amusing challenges.
Over the years, I’ve stayed in countless hotels with my dogs, including my current pack of Aussies, Seven and Paige Turner. I’ve learned a lot—including what to pack, what to expect, and how to keep everyone (including housekeeping!) happy. I often share these essential travel lessons in my weekly training essays.
Here’s what helps us enjoy stress-free stays every time.
1. Know the Dog-Friendly Hotel Basics
Before you book, check these key details:
• Pet fees: Some hotels charge a flat fee; others charge nightly.
• Weight/breed restrictions: Even dog-friendly places vary.
• Allowed areas: Many hotels restrict dogs from pools, gyms, and restaurants.
• Maximum number of pets: Some hotels allow only one.
• Floor preferences: Request a ground-floor room near an exit for nighttime potty breaks.
Pro Tip:
Call the hotel directly. Websites aren’t always accurate, but a person at the front desk can tell you exactly what to expect.
2. Pack Like a Pro: Comfort + Calm
Traveling is exciting, but it’s a big change for dogs. Familiar items help them settle in quickly.
Here’s what I pack:
🛏️ Bring Their “Home Scent”
Dogs relax faster when they smell something familiar.
Seven settles instantly when I put his blanket down. Paige Turner checks out the room and does her wiggle butt dance as if to say, “Okay, this place is officially ours.”
🍖 Snacks, Treats, and Chews
Hungry dogs get antsy. I always bring:
- Zuke’s Mini Naturals
- Stella & Chewy’s Wild Weenies
- Yak Cheese Chews (long-lasting and quiet — perfect for hotel rooms)
🐶 Calming Helpers (Optional but Amazing)
If your dog gets nervous in new environments, these are lifesavers:
- Adaptil Travel Spray
- Zesty Paws Calming Bites
- A portable white noise machine to mask hall sounds
Seven and Paige Turner sleep better with white noise — otherwise they bark at every elevator ding like they’re protecting Buckingham Palace.
3. Practice Perfect Hotel Etiquette (Your Future Self Will Thank You)
Traveling with well-mannered dogs makes everyone more comfortable — including you.
🚪 The “Door Dash” Prevention
Hotel hallways are full of surprises. Before opening the door, I always cue:
“Stay.”
“Wait.”
Seven takes his duties seriously. Paige Turner… well, she tries.
🐾 Keep Them Quiet
Not every guest is a dog lover (shocking, I know).
Use these tricks:
- Leave the TV on low volume
- Close blackout curtains to block hallway shadows
- Reward quiet behavior
- Avoid leaving them unattended — many hotels forbid it
💩 Potty Protocol
Always clean up immediately and use designated areas. Bring:
- Earth Rated dog bags
- Poop bag holder with flashlight for nighttime walks
Hotels remember well-behaved guests — and they really remember the other kind.
4. Settle In Like You’re Home
Help your dog understand: This is where we sleep tonight.
Here’s my routine with Seven and Paige:
- Put their travel beds down
- Set out their water
- Give them a treat
- Sit on the floor with them for a few minutes
- Do a small “tour” of the room so they can sniff everything safely
As soon as Paige Turner sniffs all the corners and Seven flops down dramatically, I know we’re good.
5. A Few Funny Lessons Learned
Things I learned the hard way — so you don’t have to:
- Never leave your human food unattended. Ask me how I know.
- Paige Turner once barked at her own reflection in a gold-framed hotel mirror for what felt like an entire hour.
- Dogs do not understand luggage carts. They assume they are large metal monsters and need to be herded.
Traveling with dogs keeps you humble.
6. Bonus: Staying in Someone Else’s Home
This is a whole different experience.
Here’s what helps:
- Bring a doggy throw blanket so they only lie on your fabric
- Ask the host where dogs are allowed before you arrive
- Keep non-smelly treats handy to treat them for being quiet and calm
- Use a portable foldable gate to block off certain rooms
Your hosts will thank you — especially if they have white furniture.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with dogs doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools, preparation, and sense of humor, it can actually be joyful — even during the hectic holiday season.
Seven and Paige Turner are my favorite travel companions. They remind me to enjoy the moment, take the scenic route, and laugh whenever something goes sideways… which is usually often.
Wherever you go this holiday season, I hope your journey is full of soft snuggles, safe travels, and happy dogs.
If you love swapping stories and tips about life with dogs, I’d love to have you join me over on my Substack, BlissDog, where I share heart-centered essays, dog-inspired rituals, and behind-the-scenes stories from life with Seven and Paige Turner. 🐾💛 Come sit, stay, and read with us — your dog-loving heart will be in good company.
(Our site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links.)