Pet-Friendly Lodgings Jump 8 Percent in 2004, Says AAA

Business Editors/Travel Writers

ORLANDO, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 17, 2004–The number of lodgings that are now accepting pets has increased by 8 percent in the last year, says AAA. Now, more than 38 percent of all lodgings rated by AAA accept pets.
“The lodging industry has had a tough time since 2001, and we believe this is one way hoteliers are trying to make it easier for the public to travel,” said Bill Wood, director, AAA Publishing, which publishes Traveling With Your Pet, the AAA PetBook(R). “This is great news for those who don’t like to leave their pets at home during summer vacations.”
The book has a listing of more than 12,000 properties that accept pets including any fees and restrictions imposed by the hotel. Also, it includes detailed information and tips on traveling with pets by car or by air.
If you are planning a summer vacation for the whole family, including the four-legged ones, AAA offers these tips for staying at a hotel with your pet.

Inquire about pet policies before making a lodging reservation. Some properties may have a size or weight limit for pets, or may designate certain rooms for travelers with pets. Expect to pay an additional fee or deposit which may be per room or per pet.
Keep pets on a leash in public and only in designated, animal-approved areas of the hotel. Restaurants and pool areas are generally off limits for animals.
Once in the room, check for hazards such as small hiding spaces and electrical cords. Give the pet time to adjust to the new surroundings under your supervision.
If you must leave your pet alone, crate or otherwise confine your pet. This may keep your pet and the housekeeper from having an unexpected encounter.
Don’t allow your pet on the furniture. If your pet insists on sleeping on the bed, bring a bedspread or sheet from home and place that on top of the hotel bedding.
Clean up after your pet immediately, inside and outside the room, and leave no trace of your pet behind when checking out.

In addition to listing more than 12,000 lodgings that accept pets, Traveling With Your Pet, the AAA PetBook, includes information on preparing your pet for travel, how to pack for your pet and selecting a carrier or crate. It also offers special advice on traveling by car or air, what to do in an emergency and travel between Canada and the United States.
Traveling With Your Pet, the AAA PetBook is available at AAA club offices, online at www.aaa.com/barnesandnoble and at bookstores. It sells for $16.95 US/$26.50 CDN.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its 47 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

AAA news releases can be found online at www.aaa.com/news