You are sitting down to plan out your next vacation. This time, the family wants to take the pet along. Taking your pet on vacation can be a great experience if you plan the trip properly. Some hotels do not allow animals, while others cater to them. There are many pet-friendly hotels. Depending on your preferences and destination, the right one is waiting for you.

The first thing to consider is your budget. Many basic hotel chains offer affordable options for bringing your pet along. Resorts can be pricey, but offer amenities designed specifically for your pet. The following is a list of basic things that any pet-friendly hotel should require and offer.

The hotel should ask questions about your pet while you are booking your reservation. They should ask size, weight, breed, and how many pets will be traveling. If they do not ask these questions, then a flag should go off in your mind. Not asking these questions can indicate negligence and apathy from the hotel. This may not be a safe or clean place for you, your family or your pooch. When you book your reservation, ask about other policies the hotel may have about animals. You don’t want to stay anywhere with too many or too little restrictions. Too many restrictions can mean that you dog will not enjoy the stay if he is not allowed outside of the room. Too little restrictions can mean that the hotel does not care about the safety of its guests.

Many hotels require forms from the veterinarian showing that your pet is in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations. This may seem like an extra thing for you to have to worry about, but it is good to know that the hotel does not allow unhealthy or unvaccinated animals. It is also a good reason for you to take your pet to the veterinarian. Depending on where you are traveling, your vet may have further recommendations for vaccinations or medication.

Does the hotel offer a smoke-free, animal-friendly room? Often, families with pets are placed in smoking rooms. The hotel you choose should not require that you stay in a smoking room. This often shows that the hotel views your dog as an unwanted odor and, therefore, you do not deserve a clean room. Often, however, hotels have designated pet rooms located on specific floors of the hotel. If this is the case, then check out the room before you accept it. Does it smell like animals? Is it clean? If the hotel is charging a cleaning fee, yet the room is not in good condition, then you may want to reconsider staying at that hotel.

Will your pet have a place to exercise? There should be an area outside of the hotel for you to walk with your pet. It does not have to be a large, grassy field, but there should, at least, be a sidewalk. Your pet will need to get out of the hotel room to stretch his legs and take care of business. As long as you act as a responsible pet owner, then the hotel should allow you to take your pet around the premises. This includes walking through the hotel and out around the pool. If they only allow you to take your pet to and from your room, then you may want to consider your stay. They may not be as “pet-friendly” as they claim to be. No matter what, make sure you have a leash, a scoop, and a few plastic bags to take care of your pet.

There are many things to consider before you reserve a place for your family at a pet-friendly hotel. If the hotel does not ask details about your pet while you are booking your reservation, then it may be a sign that the hotel is not the right place for you and your pet. A good hotel should ask, and possibly require, proof of your pet’s good health. They should also offer smoke-free rooms and allow you to accompany your pet around the premises. Don’t settle for the first pet-friendly hotel you find. There are hundreds out there, so check out a few options and reviews before you book your vacation!