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Question: Are there B&Bs that welcome
guests' pets?
Answer: Yes, there are some wonderful inns
where pets can stay, but it takes some extra research and effort to find them.
Innkeepers who do welcome pets tend to have similar guidelines (although
exceptions are frequent). Here are ten of the most common:
| 1. |
Prior approval is essential, so that innkeepers can limit the numbers of pets
in residence, and can interview you to determine if your pet is a good
traveler. |
| 2. |
Dogs are often the only pets welcomed; some innkeepers accept only small dogs
(under 30 pounds).
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| 3. |
Only one pet allowed per guest room; some guest rooms are kept pet-free.
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| 4. |
A maximum number of pets allowed at the inn at any one time (usually between
one and three).
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| 5. |
Pets must be leashed when out of the guest room.
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| 6. |
Pets cannot be left alone in guest rooms, and must be with their owners at all
times.
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| 7. |
Pets must be washed & on flea medication prior to arrival, with proof of
current rabies vaccinations.
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| 8. |
Extra cleaning charges range from $10-25 daily.
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| 9. |
Owners should bring pet bedding and dishes; no pets permitted on the beds or
furniture. Protective covers advisable, "just in case." Loaner leashes, food,
towels usually available on request.
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| 10. |
Guests must sign a statement, agreeing to adhere to the inn's policies, to be
responsible for any damage done by the pet, and to absolve the innkeepers of
any liability if the pet is injured.
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To find pet-friendly B&Bs, go to
Quicklist searches, and click "Pets Welcome." Then enter the state
where you're planning to travel. Alternatively, you can search the towns where
you'd like to stay, find the B&Bs that you like, and check the pet-related
info under "Policies."
Here's how a few innkeepers describe their pet policies:
"Applewood has welcomed dogs for the last five years, with few problems. We put
them in a guest room that is separated from the other rooms. Since we are in
the countryside, guests are free to let their barker buddies roam anywhere
outside of the one-acre fenced area around the inn. Usually, our two inn dogs
personally take them in paw and show them around." Linda & Chris Best,
Applewood Inn & Llama Trekking, Lexington, VA
"We welcome small dogs (30lbs or less), and have a special 'Pooch Policy' we
send once the reservation is made. Dogs are allowed in several of our ten
cottages. Once the owner(s) signs agreement to our Pooch Policy then their pet
is warmly welcomed. We offer bowls for food and water, placed on a lovely
placemat. We put a basket in their cottage containing towels for wet paws,
plastic poop bags, treats, and a list of restaurants that allow dogs in their
outdoor seating areas. We even provide a night-time snack! We have been
accepting dogs for two years, and this policy has resulted in repeat guests,
who tell us how difficult it is to find quality pet-friendly accommodations." Yvonne
Lipscomb, Gingerbread
Cottages B & B, Nice, CA
"We allow well-behaved pets in the guest house and keep our main house pet free
for those who are allergic. We need to do a little extra cleaning to remove any
fur from our upholstered furniture, but the guests are always so pleased that
their pet is welcome, that we don't mind. Other guests are generally attracted
to visiting pets, and it makes a good conversation opener. Children who have
left their own pets at home enjoy having a friendly, furry friend to fill in
for their missing buddy. Our B&B is in the countryside, with lots of room
for walks and running. We remember how much we missed our own dog when we went
on a trip and so, as of now, pets are welcome." Gerry Brinkers,
Historic Old Stone House B&B, Ranchester, WY
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