Traveling with one's pet can be an arduous task, but often dog, cat and bird
owners just can't leave home without them. So the issue becomes
how to scout out pet-friendly accommodations in advance of travel to be
assured there will be 'room at the inn' when you
arrive. With today's technology and specific websites dedicated to pet
travel, that job has become a lot easier as a result of certain hotel
brands and even independent inns and B&Bs opening their doors to
four-legged guests. 
One of those tools is an app developed by Socialight available for free downloads on iTunes, appropriately named: "Find Pet Friendly Hotels."
This is a comprehensive app already in its 2nd iteration (Version 1.2) that can be accessed from your iPhone to provide travelers with over
10,000 pet friendly hotels that in addition to their location, details
weight limits, pet fees, and dog parks.
This app also allows pet owners to connect with others traveling with their pets. The "compose" button can be used to share your favorite pet friendly places, stories and some of the unique pet friendly services available in certain destinations.
As an added bonus, If you send your feedback to Socialight via their suggestions box at http://www.FindPetFriendlyHotels.com, you'll be added to their VIP list where you'll receive exclusive discounts and give-aways periodically over time.
Another free app, titled "Dog Friendly," connects you to the most up-to-date info pertaining to some of the dog-friendliest establishments located in the U.S. and Canada. Powered by iLoveDogFriendly.com,
it provide a thorough listing of dog-friendly hotels, restaurants,
parks and beaches. It's map feature has
easy-to-share functionality that permits users to quickly find and
broadcast their special finds to their friends on Facebook, Foursquare and
Twitter.
Hotel chains' pet policies vary, so even when using one of these apps, pet owners should become familiar with
specific requirements set up by the hotel brand or management. The website WayCoolDogs indicates that PetTravel.com
provides detailed listing of hotels and what they ask of pet owners
regarding their pets. For example, at AmeriSuites, the policy is (1)
service animals accompanying persons with disabilities are always
accepted, (2) pets must weigh under 30 lbs; (3) pets must not be left
unattended in the hotel room or suite, and (4) a pet fee of $10.00 is
required for each pet.
The website TripswithPets.com
lists the major pet friendly hotel chains for you to choose from. A few of
the major brand names are Best Western, Comfort Inn & Suites, Marriott, Econo Lodge; Embassy Suites; Hilton, Holiday Inn, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Motel 6 and Quality Inn & Suites.
Marriott is Pet Friendly!Important to note, that your pet may be more welcome at certain hotels and inns during a down-economy, and less when things get better. None the less, when an establishment opens its doors to pets, pet owners should respect the temporary use of its accommodations and the guidelines set up by management. Apps and websites dedicated to this market are great tools to get you and your pet in the door, but its the owners' onus to take responsibility for the actions and behavior of its pet.
Happy pet travelin'!
