Hampton Roads is a fantastic destination for a staycation, offering a blend of coastal charm, historical sites, and vibrant city life. But what about your furry friend? Should they join you on your local adventure? Let's weigh the pros and cons in "Staycations: Should You Bring Your Pets?"
Why Bring Your Pets?
Unconditional companionship: There's nothing better than relaxing on vacation with a beloved pet.
Memories: It's always fun to look back on a vacation and relive the captured moments. When our pets go to the Rainbow Bridge, those photos can bring much-needed comfort.
Potential cost savings: Pet boarding and kenneling can be expensive, especially for longer stays. But, that depends on the hotel you choose; hotel pet fees are rising.
Reduced stress: Your pet might experience less anxiety staying with you than in a new environment. This is particularly true of a pet with separation anxiety.
Pet-friendly amenities: Some hotels and attractions now cater to pet owners. From a friendly welcome gift for your pup to an epic dog park or trail, these experiences are great for the whole family.
Why Leave Your Pets at Home?
Limited activities: While there are pet-friendly options, some attractions and restaurants may not allow pets, which limits the places you - the humans - can enjoy. Activities like boating, for example, may not be ideal for pets who aren't accustomed to boating.
Potential stress for your pet: New environments and routines can be overwhelming for many pets.
Unexpected costs: You might incur additional expenses including hotel pet fees, nonrefundable deposits, and potential damages caused by your pet.
Homebody pets: Many pets prefer the comfort of their own home. We find that most pets prefer to remain at home, especially if it's an overnight staycation. Longer staycations work better for our loyal creatures of habit.
Multiple pets: If you have more than 2 pets, bringing pets along may be more trouble than it's worth. Most properties limit the number of pets to two and transporting and sharing a hotel room with three or more pets can be challenging, which is not what anyone wants from a staycation.
Tips for a Pet-Friendly Staycation
If you decide to bring your pet, here are some tips:
Research pet-friendly accommodations: Ensure your chosen hotel or vacation rental allows pets and has any necessary amenities like outdoor spaces, if needed.
Verify by species: Not all "pet-friendly" hotels and inns welcome cats. If you are traveling with a cat, call ahead and ensure they welcome feline companions before booking.
Pack essentials: Bring your pet's food, bows, medications, a bed or blanket, and a favorite toy.
Plan pet-friendly activities: Research local parks, beaches, and trails that welcome dogs. Check out this previous blog for pet-friendly fall activities nearby.
Consider pet sitting in the hotel: If you're a Hearts at Home client and are staying at a hotel within our service area, we'd be happy to come by and check on your pet while you're out exploring.
Keep your pets safe: Don't forget flea and tick prevention, collars with ID tags, and microchips.
Hampton Roads Pet-Friendly Highlights
Pet-friendly hotels: Several hotels in the area offer accommodations for pets. I like to use BringFido to begin my search. Their reviews come from real pet parents, which can be invaluable, especially if the reviews are recent.
Historic properties: One of the best parts of living in this area is our rich history and the many historical properties that now house touristic attractions, hotels, and inns. The Hornsby House Inn on Main Street in Yorktown, for example, is a beautiful place to staycation and it's pet-friendly too! Just contact them to verify your dates and species before you book as pet-friendly status can change without warning.
Wineries & Breweries: Virginia wines and craft beers are a treat, as are the venues where these fabulous spots are housed. Many of these establishments have patios and outdoor spaces that welcome companion animals for an afternoon refreshment or a meal. Again, call ahead to ensure they aren't hosting a private party before you make your way there. You don't want to be stuck driving around from spot to spot with your pet in the vehicle.
Restaurants: Lots of Hampton Roads restaurants - from casual to fine dining- welcome pets in their patios. If you're going to bring your pet along, they might as well try some of the local culinary treasures, right? Here's a list of Yorktown restaurants that are pet-friendly per BringFido.
Ultimately, the decision to bring your pet on a Hampton Roads staycation depends on your pet's personality, your travel plans, and your personal preferences. Careful planning and consideration will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend.
If you choose to leave your pet(s) behind, count on us to provide a fantastic staycation for them at home. We'll come over and walk them, play with them, feed them, scoop their litter and more. We'll bring in your packages, water indoor plants, and ensure that your home appears occupied. It's okay to need a break from all responsibility - we're happy to pick up where you left off until you're ready to come home.
We offer in-home dog walking and pet sitting services in Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News, and Hampton, Virginia. To register your pet(s) or home with us, please complete a new client questionnaire here. Existing clients may request services here. Those outside our service area are encouraged to find a pet sitter near you at the Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters websites.
Please visit our website or contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868 to learn more. We look forward to making your staycation dreams a reality by providing loving care for your pet family.
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