Traveling with a dog can be an amazing experience, as long as you plan carefully to think about all the details. The first step is to look for a pet friendly hotel - that is, a hotel or inn that accepts pets - so that everything is perfect. There are hotels that accept dogs, but they have some limitations such as the number of pets per room and even restrictions on the number of pets.as to the size of the animal (most usually accept only small or, at most, medium-sized animals). However, there are also totally pet-friendly hotels, which are practically heaven on earth for four-legged friends.

This is the case of Pousada Gaia Viva (@pousadagaiaviva), which is located in Igaratá, São Paulo. The accommodation is ideal for those traveling with dogs and offers a whole infrastructure to ensure comfort and lots of fun for the dog and the family. To better understand how a pet friendly hotel works, the Paws of the House went after more information and even interviewed tutors who frequent this type of venue.

How does a pet friendly hotel work?

Every hotel that accepts dogs follows a different logic. Not every animal is always allowed, as the place restricts the stay exclusively to small or medium-sized dogs. There are also usually some rules that limit the pet's access to the common areas of the hotel. But in the case of Pousada Gaia Viva, the real guests are the dogs. "We usually say that we are actually a hostel for dogs.This is because we only receive people accompanied by dogs, and the furry ones have freedom in all environments, including restaurant, swimming pool and accommodation (they sleep with their guardians) ", says the inn.

Precisely because it is a lodging totally destined for pets, this is a pet friendly hotel that does not make any kind of restriction as to size, dog breeds or number of dogs. The most important thing is that the doguinhos are docile with humans and other animals. "We only receive humans accompanied by dogs to ensure that all people here are 'puppy dogs' and will also love to see their dog.furry having a great time, it's a unique experience!"

Pet friendly hotel: what do you need to bring when traveling with your dog?

This is a question that will depend mainly on the type of pet friendly hotel chosen. In some places, the guardian needs to bring absolutely everything: feed bowl, drinking fountain, bed, toys, food and everything that is indispensable to take care of the dog. At Gaia Viva, some belongings - as well as food - also need to be part of the dog's suitcase for the sake of well-being."To avoid any changes that interfere with feeding, it is necessary for owners to bring their furry ones' meals, as well as clothes and bedding, so that they feel at home!".

The drinking fountains are provided by the inn itself and the dogs also have access to a super special space, which is the Pet Care. "In all environments there are pots with water for the furry ones to hydrate, cata-cacas (biodegradable bags for collecting feces), life jackets for dogs that do not know or do not have much experience with swimming and a Pet Care space withbathtub, dryer, blower, shampoo, conditioner and professionals available for bathing and drying".

Some rules need to be followed in pet friendly hotel

Every hotel that accepts dogs has rules. Some places, for example, do not allow free access of animals through all environments, and the dog can only transit on a leash and guide. At Gaia Viva, which is a 100% pet friendly hotel, there is no restriction of environment and the idea is to provide total freedom to pets, but even so some rules are necessary to provide everyone with a stayquiet and safe.

- Dogs cannot be aggressive. It is essential that puppies are docile with humans and other animals. They need to be used to having contact with other furry people in parks and/or pet daycare centers. Aggressive behavior is not allowed.

- Puppy castration. Males need to be neutered from 6 months or as soon as the animal has visible testicles. Females do not need to be neutered, they just cannot be in heat during accommodation.

- The last rule is for humans. It is necessary that the humans are over 15 years old It is also a matter of safety, to avoid risks between children and pets, offering greater freedom for the furry ones.

In addition, whenever you travel with your dog, do not forget to take basic documentation to certify the health of the animal. Even if the trip is made by car, it is always good to have the pet's vaccination card updated. And to travel with a dog it is essential that vaccines, deworming and flea and tick medicine are up to date for the safety of your pet and other animals.

Pet friendly hotels usually offer various activities for dogs

The good thing about traveling to a pet friendly hotel is that the whole structure of the place is designed to entertain the pets and offer maximum comfort to them (and the guardians too, of course). The space of the Gaia Viva inn, for example, offers several activities suitable for dogs: "We have an agility track; heated pool where people and pets swim together; lakes for stand up paddle practice,kayaks and pedalos; plus plenty of natural space, with trails and walks."

The idea is that the experience is a moment to strengthen the bonds between the guardian and the pet, in addition to encouraging the socialization of the dog with other dogs and also with nature. The inn also has a reinforcement in security to prevent escapes: the entire space is surrounded by a 1.5 meter screen.

Traveling with a dog: what is the experience of pet-friendly hotel owners?

Finding a hotel that accepts dogs and treats animals as guests is something that completely transforms the trip of guardians and pets. Tutor Ciléa Saporiti has two Labrador dogs named Joana and Zuca, and says that before meeting Pousada Gaia Viva all experiences with pet friendly hotels were frustrating. "We found more impediments than welcoming to the pets.Our dogs were often not allowed in the swimming pool or the restaurant; dogs were not allowed to walk off-leash in common areas; you couldn't take more than one dog and the animal had to weigh less than 15 kg. So the slogan that the hotel 'accepts dogs' often didn't apply to our situation," she says.

Another guardian, Naira Foganholi, has a medium-sized puppy named Nino who has been traveling with her family since he was a little boy. She reports that although many places allow dogs as guests, the restrictions don't make sense for a place that calls itself pet friendly. "We have had the most varied experiences, both good and bad. As he is passionate about water, the trip turns a lotWe have already rented a house where he could use the pool and arriving at the accommodation he could use the small pool and not the big one, as if it were possible to make him understand that. We have already gone to a pet friendly hotel where he could move around the hotel, but he had to be locked in the room at meal times because he could not attend the restaurant ".

For Naira, an accommodation that does not deprive animals of walking around the environment makes all the difference. "We love Nino's company and we want to enjoy every moment with him. For us it is important that he does all the activities with us, whether in the room, pool, trail, restaurant ... everything!".

How to transport a dog on a trip - here are some tips!

Thinking about the comfort and safety of your dog is also part of the tour, so it is important to know how to take a dog on a trip and what accessories are needed at these times. In the case of both Naira and Ciléa, the dogs are transported in the back seat with a seat belt. However, for small dogs, the ideal is to have a car seat or a transport box for them.Ciléa also adds that she considers other accessories important, such as the vest (so that the seat belt is attached to the vest) and the pet cover for cars.

If the guardian uses other means of transport for the trip, such as airplane or bus, it is also important to check the criteria and rules of each company. Many airlines, for example, establish a weight limit for each animal, which must be accommodated in a transport box for travel. In addition, there are specific documentation for this type of travel with dogs.

What to consider when choosing a dog-friendly hotel?

The best way to ensure that the trip is smooth and fun starts with choosing a good pet friendly hotel. "If you have never traveled with your dog and want to do so, research, ask questions, take a real interest in the trip and accommodation! Ask your questions so you don't get caught off guard and frustrated. Traveling with your dog is a delight and although the pet friendly hotel offer isnumerous, there are few truly pet friendly", advises Naira.

The service is also a point that counts a lot. Ciléa, guardian of the Labradors Joana and Zuca, often stays at Gaia Viva and points out that the place has a team super prepared for coexistence with dogs. In addition, it is a place that leaves the animals totally at ease and takes great care with the cleanliness of the environments. "They care about you and your dog in the same proportion!" They say.You feel comfortable, supported", he says. So, if your intention is to share every moment with your dog, our tip is to look for a per friendly hotel that is fully adapted and inclusive with pets.