Where to go During Emergencies

Jun 15, 2020   Tracey Aston   Pet Safety

We'd all like to believe emergency and disasters won't happen to us and in a perfect world, they wouldn't but we all know that's not the case. In our blog post Emergency Evacuation Plans for Pets we discussed how to get your pets safely out of the house during an emergency or disaster by including them in the family's evacuation plans and what should be include in your pets disaster kit.

Thankfully, you and your faithful companion have made it safely out of the house or area during an emergency or disaster – now what?  What if your home has been destroyed or is not accessible due to flooding or washed out roads? In a pinch, you and your pet can stay in your car, if you have one, but you won't want to do that forever. The next part of having a complete emergency or disaster plan is to know where you are going after an emergency.

Some hotels will allow pets, but it's always best to check for restrictions on size and breed. Due to insurance and liability issues, some hotels will go by weight and unfortunately some do breed discriminate. Of the hotels that do allow pets, some will charge a fee per night, some will charge a fee based on size and unfortunately, the fees can vary greatly from hotel to hotel. Others will allow cats but not dogs.  It's also important to know that many hotels are franchised and independently operated, so while one hotel may allow pets another may not, even if they are the same chain. Therefore, it's important to double check what hotels near you allow pets and what fees they charge, if any. Below is a generalized list of what hotels and motels allow pets.

Motel 6 allows two dogs or cats per room with a combined weight of 150 pounds or less and does not charge additional fees.

Red Roof allows one cat or dog per room and may allow an additional pet for a fee and at their discretion.

Days Inn will allow pets at most of their locations, but are a franchised hotel and pet policies may vary.

Marriott will allow pets at most of their locations, but are a franchised hotel and pet policies may vary.

Candlewood Suites allows pets less than 80lbs, and requires you to sign a pet agreement and show proof of up-to-date vaccinations.

Holiday Inn allow pets at most of their locations but call ahead to check first

Best Western will allow up to two pets with a weight limit of 80 pounds per dog. Some Best Westerns will charge a nightly fee which MAY be refundable at the end of the stay if no damage is caused by the pets.

DoubleTree allows pets but charge a non-refundable fee of $75 per room and not all rooms are pet friendly so it's always best to call ahead.

Four Seasons allows pets under 30 lbs.

If you are able to find a pet-friendly hotel or motel, please realize your pet will be stressed from the event, out of their routine and out of their stable environment and may act differently than they normally would. Don't open any room doors without having your pet on a leash and keep them at your side when taking them on potty trips.  Most pets are lost when they are away from home and a frightened pet may try to bolt. Many pets will also suffer from fear urination or defecation when stressed or anxious, even though they might have been house trained. Before entering your room, make sure you know where your pet can sleep, relieve themselves and eat and never leave your pet in the room alone. A maid may try to enter and could get bitten by startling the pet or could inadvertently let your pet out of the room.  If you have brought your pets crate, it can add a level of security knowing your pet can't dash out of the room, chew on cords, which may not be put up, or get into something that could be potentially dangerous to them.

Take pictures of the room before you stay the night and if any damage is found, bring it to the attention of someone at the hotel immediately - ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAD TO PUT DOWN A DEPOSIT. 

Emergencies and disasters are stressful for us all but having a plan of action will allow you and your faithful friend to have a place to relax and recoup. In the end, you are together and you made it, isn't that what really matters? You did well!