pet question

[princess_grace]

OK so I realize that none of the disney hotels allow pets and I have been researching hotels in the Orlando area that allow pets but my problem is that none that I can find allow pets over 80lbs. Well my child/dog is well over 80 lbs. We thought instead of kenneling him back home we would travel with him (he actually loves to travel) and then use the disney kennels during the day and then have him with us at night. He does well in kennels in the day as he is used to doggie play groups, etc but he is very spoiled and very attached to his family and I am just not sure that he would make it a week or more without us. I am also not sure that my hubby could make it a week without him since he takes our doggie everywhere with him. Our doggie child is simply not used to being without us. He really is a full member of family, which I know a lot of people don't understand. But I really need advice here. I can not deprive my human child of a trip to Disney but what do I do with my overly spoiled canine child? If anyone has any experience traveling to Disney and finding not only a pet freindly hotel but a pet friendly hotel for BIG pets pleae help.

 

[mudman]

We are leaving behind our dog too for our upcoming trip. From everything that I've ever been told (by trainers and vets) dogs don't have a sense of time like we do. This is why they greet us with so much vigor wheter we've been gone an hour or a week.

With this in mind it makes me feel a little better.

 

[Cass]

He will survive a week without you and you will survive a week without him.

 

[disnut8]

I didn't see where you are from but here we have several pet sitting options. It s a great service. First of all, you physically met your caregiver. They come out and talk with you, meet your dog and you tell him/her all of the requirements. They have your cell phone number and will call if anything happens. They also leave a daily sheet to let you know what is going on. You either leave a key for them in a secure place or you give them their own key (they are bonded).

You pick your level of service. If you want them to come out several times in the day, they can do that. If you want them to pick up the dog waste from the back yard, they can do that. If you want them to play a tape with your voices on it, they can do that. If you want him taken for a walk, they can do that.

The dog stays at the house. He's in his comfortable surroundings. The caregiver will even do more than care for your pet. They will take in your newspapers, your mail and rotate your blinds and lights if you want. They will even water your plants.

We have had our service ever since we moved to outside the Atlanta area. Our first caregiver went on to become a vet's assistant but we are on the second one now and she's great. We have four cats and they really never know we are gone.

It's not that expensive either. Check with your vet to see if there are services like this in your area. It's total piece of mind while you are on vacation.

Trust me, I know what you are talking about. Our cats are our family. Our human son is their brother. We are "mom" and "dad". My in-laws come and we say "your grandparents will be here tomorrow".

Pets are just humans that can't talk.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

We love our dogs, but would never in a million years dream of taking them on a trip to Disney. We pay a neigbor to come and let them out and feed them a few times a day for short trips, and have a family member house and dog sit for us for week long trips. It works out well for us. Hope you can find a similar situation for yourself. Trust me you will both be much happier this way!

 

[PlutoPony]

Go to the Orlando Hotels and Attractions forum on the Dis and there's a sticky on Pet. It gives info on pet friendly hotels and vacation rentals. Many of them do have weight limits so you'll have to research your options but it's a place to start.

 

[princess_grace]

Go to the Orlando Hotels and Attractions forum on the Dis and there's a sticky on Pet. It gives info on pet friendly hotels and vacation rentals. Many of them do have weight limits so you'll have to research your options but it's a place to start.

Thanks so much for the tip!
I know I sound like a "crazy dog lady" but my dog is not just a dog he is a member of our family...I really think if there is a way to travel with him, why not try to make it work. It won't hurt anything to try and I him being with us gives me so much peace of mind. We take him with us on beach vacations, etc so why not try to make this work out too. If it doesn't work, it isnt the end of the world but at least I can't say I didn't try, right?

 

[wilde_oscar]

We are leaving behind our dog too for our upcoming trip. From everything that I've ever been told (by trainers and vets) dogs don't have a sense of time like we do. This is why they greet us with so much vigor wheter we've been gone an hour or a week.

With this in mind it makes me feel a little better.

i disagree with this, only because my dogs greet me different depending if I have gone and run errands for an hour or so, vs. being gone all day, vs. coming back from vacation. And I understand completely wanting to take em with ya, but it is just not practical... I have a place for mine, they stay out on the family farm. When i get them after being gone a few days they are tuckered out.

 

[twinklebug]

i disagree with this, only because my dogs greet me different depending if I have gone and run errands for an hour or so, vs. being gone all day, vs. coming back from vacation. And I understand completely wanting to take em with ya, but it is just not practical... I have a place for mine, they stay out on the family farm. When i get them after being gone a few days they are tuckered out.

I agree - my cats certainly know how to tell how long we've been gone for. Although they measure time in meals and naps, not hours and days. WOW do we get the royal snub from the calico after being away for a week. She certainly doesn't act that way after we've been away to school & work or even gone one night.

OP - My feeling is the best arrangement for your pet is the one he'll be most comfortable and SAFE with. I prefer to have a pet-sitter check on my cats, but dogs need more attention. Can anyone stay with him or do you have a responsible neighborhood teen willing to make a few $. Add in a wii to your living arrangement to play with and they'll be giving the pooch plenty of companionship Just make sure they understand the importance of water & shade. I knew a pup who died of heat exhaustion in April as there were no leaves on the trees for shade and her pet sitter hadn't checked on her for a while.

Come to think of it... kennels aren't bad are they?

 

[Lizboo]

We have just started planning our September vacation and I get so excited and then I look at my little furbutt and hate the idea of leaving her behind. BUt I know that if I brought her with me, I would cut short my days, miss most of the night time fireworks, wonder if she was being treated well at the kennel, lonely in the hotel, etc. I am very lucky that my best friend lives within walking distance of my house and drops my little one off everyday when they go to work and pick her up on the way home. At least this part of her routine doesn't change.

I am suprized that Disney has realised yet how many of us out there consider their dogs to be family members and haven't created a resort just for that, with doggy daycares, dog walking services, dog parks, etc. Maybe even a doggy spa Maybe one day.

I wish you well in your search and hope you find the solution that works best for every member of your family.

 

[5 for WDW]

We always have someone come and stay with our two very spoiled dogs when we go on vacation.
It is much easier and great for them since they are in their home.
We usually have a couple of different people volunteer since the house will be nice and quiet and as another poster mentioned, our Wii and Guitar Hero are usually a big draw!

We went into NYC on Monday and Tuesday for Opening Day at Yankee Stadium since it was delayed on Monday. I had my sister come and hang out here both days so they wouldn't have to be alone.

So...I know all too well about taking care of spoiled pets.

 

[princess_grace]

I agree - my cats certainly know how to tell how long we've been gone for. Although they measure time in meals and naps, not hours and days. WOW do we get the royal snub from the calico after being away for a week. She certainly doesn't act that way after we've been away to school & work or even gone one night.

OP - My feeling is the best arrangement for your pet is the one he'll be most comfortable and SAFE with. I prefer to have a pet-sitter check on my cats, but dogs need more attention. Can anyone stay with him or do you have a responsible neighborhood teen willing to make a few $. Add in a wii to your living arrangement to play with and they'll be giving the pooch plenty of companionship Just make sure they understand the importance of water & shade. I knew a pup who died of heat exhaustion in April as there were no leaves on the trees for shade and her pet sitter hadn't checked on her for a while.

Come to think of it... kennels aren't bad are they?

Thanks for the advice. We have a cat as well, but she does not require nearly as much attention as our dog. Before the doggie came along we would take vacations and get a neighbor or family member to come over and feed and water her, let her out to play, etc. and she was perfectly fine. I know this sounds crazy but she really doesnt like that much attention. She "lets" you pet her only when she wants to be pet and then she pretty much keeps to herself.
But oh the dog...There is a kennel that is attached to our dogs vet and so I am totally OK with the thought of leaving him there as far as him being safe, etc. As far as a pet sitter, I really don't know of any one to leave him with but it would have to be a house sitter as well. The breed I have is a breed that demands constant human companionship. He is not a loner and does not like to be left a lone even for 5 minutes. He will literally get up and follow me from one room to another even if I am only going to be away for one minute and then return to original room. He is also a breed that does not like heat or extreme cold and requires little exercise so having someone leave him outside for a while even with water and shade is not option, they would need to stay with him. He really is a high maintainance dog but my families lifestyles allows for that and it is not a complaint...we choose this breed for those characteristics...I guess we just didn't think ahead to vacation time but we really don't take many vacations so it isnt a big deal. We have taken him places with us but only if we were staying in a house...hotels in Orlando are a different story. Like I mentioned most have weight requirements which really baffles me because I promise you my BIG dog is much less destructive, noisy, etc than many small dogs that I know...I think it should be based on other things besides size...but getting off my soap box now
I know that vets, trainers, etc all say that dogs have no real sense of time but I am not always so sure about that. Different pets are treated differently and I really think it depends on the pet itself and what it's normal routine is. If it is a pet that is constantly surrounded by human attention then I think it will notice when it's family is not around to give it to him. I know this is a disney thread and not a pet pychology thread so back to the original point...I just think if there is a way it can be done I want to try it. I know it is a vacation and it would be easier would without him and in the long run everything would be fine. But my normal rountine involves my dog and I would not mind spending time on vacation with him and including him in that fun.

Has anyone out there taken their dog to Orlando and stayed in a "big dog" friendly hotel. I would love to hear an experience.

Thanks for all of the comments, suggestions, and reassurance so far!!!

 

[princess_grace]

We have just started planning our September vacation and I get so excited and then I look at my little furbutt and hate the idea of leaving her behind. BUt I know that if I brought her with me, I would cut short my days, miss most of the night time fireworks, wonder if she was being treated well at the kennel, lonely in the hotel, etc. I am very lucky that my best friend lives within walking distance of my house and drops my little one off everyday when they go to work and pick her up on the way home. At least this part of her routine doesn't change.

I am suprized that Disney has realised yet how many of us out there consider their dogs to be family members and haven't created a resort just for that, with doggy daycares, dog walking services, dog parks, etc. Maybe even a doggy spa Maybe one day.

I wish you well in your search and hope you find the solution that works best for every member of your family.

Amen to the comment about the doggy resort!!! Let's keep our fingers crossed on that!!!

 

[J&J]

wish we could take our sweetheart with us. in the past we have taken our dog on an overnight near home and the best one we found was the sheridan. there are web sites for traveling with pets and some hotels will take pets over 100 lbs. try the westin the charge but are also pet friendly. good luck hope you do take him with you.

 

[maxiesmom]

What you are decribing is a dog who need constant human companionship, and I'm afraid that no hotel near Disney will provide that. Your dog will be left alone, at some point. Wouldn't he be happier alone at home than alone in a hotel or kennel? I completely understand your dog being a member of your family, I feel the same way. And I do miss mine when I am at Disney. But you will not be able to spend much time together at Disney World. That is a fact. Don't you have a friend/relative who would house sit for you and be able to keep your dog company?

 

[princess_grace]

What you are decribing is a dog who need constant human companionship, and I'm afraid that no hotel near Disney will provide that. Your dog will be left alone, at some point. Wouldn't he be happier alone at home than alone in a hotel or kennel? I completely understand your dog being a member of your family, I feel the same way. And I do miss mine when I am at Disney. But you will not be able to spend much time together at Disney World. That is a fact. Don't you have a friend/relative who would house sit for you and be able to keep your dog company?

I realize that even if I can take him with us that at some point he will not be with us. The plan that we hope to have is to take him with us, kennel him at the disney kennels during the day, and then have him with us at night in our room. My husband has severe back problems and so even though my daughter and I will be on the go from dusk til dawn there is a chance that his back would force him to sit out a day or two and so my husband would actually spend time in the hotel room and would be able to spend time with him. He would also be more than happy to go to the kennel during the day and walk him (I read that is a requirement at the disney park kennel). This would give him a break from walking on the pavement (which actaully causes his back to hurt) and standing in long lines (that just isnt his idea of fun).
To answer your question, unfortunately I do not have a friend/relative that is in a position where they would be able to pet/house sit. I wish I did because it would make things so much easier but I don't.

 

[sherry8253]

OK so I realize that none of the disney hotels allow pets and I have been researching hotels in the Orlando area that allow pets but my problem is that none that I can find allow pets over 80lbs. Well my child/dog is well over 80 lbs. We thought instead of kenneling him back home we would travel with him (he actually loves to travel) and then use the disney kennels during the day and then have him with us at night. He does well in kennels in the day as he is used to doggie play groups, etc but he is very spoiled and very attached to his family and I am just not sure that he would make it a week or more without us. I am also not sure that my hubby could make it a week without him since he takes our doggie everywhere with him. Our doggie child is simply not used to being without us. He really is a full member of family, which I know a lot of people don't understand. But I really need advice here. I can not deprive my human child of a trip to Disney but what do I do with my overly spoiled canine child? If anyone has any experience traveling to Disney and finding not only a pet freindly hotel but a pet friendly hotel for BIG pets pleae help.

I think the universal hotels are pet friendly. I always want to take my big moose with me but I never do. There is a great kennel at home where he stays. Heck I could stay at the All Stars or Pop for what I pay for him to stay at doggie camp . I think Disney is going to open a kennel in the next year or two. If my pooch is still with me then (he is 9 now), we are going to take him to doggie camp at Disney.

 

[heartbeeps]

have you tried Loews at Universal?

is it a secret breed or can you tell us what kind of dog you have?

 

[princess_grace]

have you tried Loews at Universal?

is it a secret breed or can you tell us what kind of dog you have?

I have not tried there...thanks for the tip!
Not a secret at all He is a bullmastiff.

 

[iloverags2]

We take our 50+ lb dog (she's a shepherd/lab mix) with us on every trip to Disney and put her in the Ft. Wilderness kennel. Prior to Disney outsourcing the kennels to Best Friends Pet Care, guests were required to walk their pets 2-3 times a day. Best Friends now does the walking, but we still go over and walk her several times a day just so we can play with her. They have always been absolutely wonderful, and although it is difficult to leave her at night (especially since she's afraid of the dark), she never resists staying at the kennel. Best Friends is building a pet resort/spa, which will be located somewhere near the golf course close to Ft. Wilderness.

If this doesn't appeal to you, there is a Residence Inn not too far from WDW, located just behind The Crossings shopping plaza, which is relatively new and allows pets. We have stayed here once before and loved it. You may want to check with them. Their website is http://www.marriottresidenceinnlbv.com/accommodations.htm