Traveling with your dog? Here's what to ask your host
Pet-friendly doesn't always mean pet-prepared. The five questions that save you a stressful first night with your pup.
I travel with a 60-lb golden retriever named Otis. Over the years I've developed a short list of questions I ask every host before booking — they've saved us from a lot of stressful first nights.
1. Is the yard fully fenced, and how high is the fence? 'Pet-friendly' often means 'we won't kick you out.' It rarely means the property is set up for dogs to run free.
2. Are there hard floors throughout, or carpets in the bedrooms? Hardwood is dog heaven. Carpet bedrooms mean confining the dog at night, which means a sad dog and a not-great vacation.
3. What are the noise rules? Some properties are tucked between neighbors who'll complain about a single bark. Better to find out before you arrive.
4. Is there a vet within 20 minutes? Usually not a problem in cities, but worth asking for cabins and rural rentals.
5. What's the actual pet fee? Some hosts charge $50 flat, others charge per night per pet. Get the math up front.
