Sign your name to the Give Big Dogs A Break petition to help show your support against weight restrictions in place at many ‘pet friendly’ hotels. Dog owners know that the size of dog isn’t nearly as relevant as the temperament and training and dogs should be evaluated based on these criteria instead.
We believe size should not be a factor in deciding which pets are appropriate hotel guests. Other factors, such as training, temperament and level of socialization are far more indicative of a well-behaved pet.
By instituting alternative policies, such as cleaning charges and crating requirements, hotels can welcome large dogs and avoid the undesirable outcomes their weight restrictions are designed to prevent.
While it’s not impossible to find places, like the Hotel Monaco in Washington DC, that cater to large dog owners, you can sign this petition (no sign up required) and help the Give Big Dogs A Break project reach its goal of 1,000 signatories. The project was created by Leila of And A Small Dog and Amy and Rod Burkert (whom I interviewed last year) who are the founders of Go Pet Friendly. They both happen to travel with their (over 25lbs) dogs Ty and Buster, and according to their blog poll, many of you travel with dogs in that weight range. So why not, give big dogs a break?
[photo by: MiND iN R4vE]
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for promoting this cause with your blog post. While we’ve got a little more than 300 signatures, we’re still a ways away from our goal of 1000. By the way, the current poll on our blog site indicates more than 1/2 of people who travel with a dog do so with one that weighs more than 50 pounds.
I do hope that you reach your goal. Any dog can be good or bad in a hotel, the size or breed isn’t nearly as relevant and I don’t think you can truly be a ‘pet friendly’ hotel if you have restrictions of 25lbs or less.
A well mannered dog is, well, a well mannered dog.
Some dogs might be unruly guests if allowed – hey some people are unruly hotel guests. Any dog – tiny or giant – can be very hotel friendly – it just depends on how well they are trained to respect inside spaces. Quiet, calm dogs can be excellent hotel guests. ‘Pet Friendly’ Hotels will recognize that this is true.
It’s NOT the size that matters…
I also think there would be a great business opportunity for the hotels. I don’t think even a few unruly dogs (likely a very low percentage no matter the size) could offset the huge potential there.
Thank you for your support! While my dog is just 17 lbs, I don’t think its fair that so many of my clients have dogs “too big” to have vacations. Hopefully we can make some changes with our petition. FYI – we also have printable petitions if anyone wants to get more involved in their local communities. Thank you!
Thanks Leila and good luck on your way to 1,000!