Going on a trip or out to eat is even more fun if you can take your dog along. These days, more hotels and restaurants are dog friendly than ever before.
Here are seven hotel and restaurant chains that cater to dog owners by welcoming well-behaved canines.
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Marriott. It's great when an upscale hotel chain like the Marriott boasts about its pet-friendly amenities. Many Marriotts welcome dogs, although some weight restrictions apply. Your dog will be expected to behave himself in the room, which means no barking, and staying in a dog crate when left alone in the room. Most pet-friendly Marriott-owned hotels belong to the Residence Inn chain, and can be found in every state, plus Washington, D.C. -
Choice Hotels. The Choice Hotels chain consists of 11 pet friendly hotels brands, including Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, Ascend, Mainstay, Rodeway Inn, Sleep Inn and Econo Lodge. While not all individual hotels accept pets (the Boston Comfort Inn has a no-pet policy, for example), many of the hotels in smaller markets do allow dogs.
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Motel 6. When it comes to hotels that welcome dogs, you can count on Motel 6 to accept your pet without question. Motel 6 does not have weight requirements on canine guests, and pet stay for free. Dogs are a common sight at Motel 6's around the country, especially at facilities located close to interstate highways. Motel 6's are a favorite of dog-owning travelers because they are both plentiful, conveniently located and affordable.
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Starbucks. Everyone's favorite coffee hangout is also a great place to take your dog. If you want to sit and relax with your pooch, Starbucks patios are a great choice. You can check your email or surf the 'Net with free wifi. The Starbucks staff will be happy to give you a cup of water for your dog, along with an off-the-menu treat: the Puppucino. Ask for it and your dog will get a small cup full of yummy whipped cream. (This works for the drive-thru, too.)
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Dairy Queen. This national ice-cream chain is well known for its great soft-serve. No need for your dog to go without when you stop by or drive through to indulge your sweet tooth. Tell the staff you have a dog with you and you'll get a small helping of vanilla ice cream topped with a dog treat to offer your pup. -
In-and-Out. This famous hamburger chain is only in California, Texas, Utah, Arizona, Oregon and Nevada, but it's known all over the country. When you order your burger "animal style," you can also ask for a Pup Patty--a plain hamburger patty without any trimmings.
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Johnny Rockets. Patio dining at this sit-down hamburger chain allows dogs and offers them their own meal: a plain hamburger patty, cut up in dog-sized pieces. Your waiter or waitress will also bring your dog a bowl of water.
Make sure your dog is well behaved around people and other dogs before you take advantage of these pet-friendly establishments. Dogs that are good guests make great ambassadors for their species, encouraging other businesses to open their doors to canine customers.
