Advice on how to care for my dog at Universal

[LizEN]

I've tried searching for this topic and so far haven't found anything. I am thinking of spending the extra money to stay at one of the on site Lowes hotels because their pet policy seems so good, but I can't tell how much money it will really run me. It seems like I can leave my dog in the room but I'm not sure.

That's really the only reason I would stay on site, since we'll be there in early Feb and I don't feel a great need for early entry or express access at that time of year.

I'm worried about the on-site kennel at Universal because they say you have to return to walk the dog yourself. Not a problem in itself, but I worry that he is just going to be shoved into a cage all day. Sounds scary!

Normally I would not take my dog on a trip, but we are only staying for 2-3 nights then heading for a much longer stay with family and can't leave the dog with our normal sitter at home.

Any advice would be welcome.

TIA!

 

[macraven]

if you stay onsite, this is Loews policy for pets:


Loews Loves Pets; Restrictions apply
Cleaning fee of $25 will be charged per room (once during the stay)
No more than two pets may occupy any one guestroom
Guests with pets must be booked into a pet friendly room category (upon arrival if guest is reserved in a non-pet room they will be re-assigned to one)
Arrangements must be made with housekeeping for daily room cleaning
Dogs may be walked in designated areas only
If the dog’s behavior results in complaints by other guests, the owner may be asked to board the dog in an outside shelter
Pets are not allowed in the pool/lounge or restaurant areas
Pet friendly rooms include:
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Non-smoking Garden View & Bay View rooms only.
Hard Rock Hotel: Non-smoking Garden Views.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort: NON-smoking standard rooms only.
Club rooms do not participate in the program
Your pet(s) should have all recommended vaccinations currently up-to-date, and you agree to obtain and provide current records from a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet(s) should Loews Hotels request this information from you at any time. Click here for the complete Loews Loves Pets Policy.





Thank you for choosing to visit Loews Hotels with your pet(s). It is our intent to provide you
with not only a wonderful and enjoyable stay, but also a safe one. For the comfort and safety
of all guests and pets, we kindly request that all pet owners act responsibly with their pets.
Please read, adhere and agree to the following hotel pet policies.

Your pet(s) should have all recommended vaccinations currently up-to-date, and you
agree to obtain and provide current records from a licensed veterinarian regarding
your pet(s) should Loews Hotels request this information from you at any time.

Loews Hotels charges a one time $25 fee for allowing a pet in your room.

Loews Hotels allows a maximum of two pets per room.

Pets should be leashed or restrained at all times in public spaces in the hotel or on
the property.

Pets should be supervised at all times while in the hotel or on the property. You have
been provided with a list of local pet sitting services which can be arranged for you
through the hotel’s concierge. Since these services are not provided by Loews Hotels
we can not be held responsible for any pet service engaged by you.

A $10 per hour “time out” fee is assessed by Loews Hotels if a pet is left unattended
and needs to be removed from a guestroom.

Guests should display the special Loews Loves Pets “Do Not Disturb” sign to alert
housekeeping that a pet is in residence.

Pets are not allowed in food & beverage, pool or fitness center areas.

Guests are responsible for pet waste clean-up inside the hotel and throughout the
property grounds.

Guests are responsible for all personal injuries and/or property damage related to
their pet(s).

Guest agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Loews Hotels, the hotel, its operators
and owners and their respective affiliates from all liability and/or damage suffered as
a result of their pet(s).

Loews Hotels reserves the right to remove guests whose pets are deemed noisy or
disruptive.



if you stay offsite, this is the policy for kennel boarding at Loews:

Guests can board their pets for the day (no overnight boarding) at the Studio Kennel. Located in the parking structure, boarding costs $15.00 per pet per day and will close 2 hours after the last park closes. There is a phone outside the kennel to contact security to assist in picking up a pet after the kennel has closed.

Guests must provide food and return periodically to walk their pet(s). Upon arrival to the parking garage, ask the toll-plaza attendant for directions to the Studio Kennel.

Premier Passholders receive 50% off for the first pet on day of visit, and full price for any additional pets (subject to availability). Guests should bring food and plan to visit their pet at least once during the day.

Please call (407) 224-9509 for further details.

*Prices are subject to change.



your dog is your pet, a family member.....

you should return to the kennels periodically to walk your dog.
if you were at home, wouldn't you do some outside walking then?

dogs need to relieve themselves, they also need to see their owners when in a strange place.

you are only asked to come walk your dog one time while being in the kennel.

 

[bumbershoot]

you should return to the kennels periodically to walk your dog.
if you were at home, wouldn't you do some outside walking then?

dogs need to relieve themselves, they also need to see their owners when in a strange place.

you are only asked to come walk your dog one time while being in the kennel.

I don't think it's the walking that is the issue, but rather where the dog is for the rest of the day.

 

[macraven]

I don't think it's the walking that is the issue, but rather where the dog is for the rest of the day.

i gather that bumber but he would be there unannounced on the walking time and could see for himself that the doggie is doing okay and not shoved in a crate.

the tm's working it all love animals.
the pp can check everything out in advance when he arrives for peace of mind.

if the dog is there all day, he does have to return and feed him.


i always want to say bumberbee.....it's a cute nickname...

 

[LizEN]

i gather that bumber but he would be there unannounced on the walking time and could see for himself that the doggie is doing okay and not shoved in a crate.

the tm's working it all love animals.
the pp can check everything out in advance when he arrives for peace of mind.

if the dog is there all day, he does have to return and feed him.


i always want to say bumberbee.....it's a cute nickname...

Well, thanks I guess. I don't know why I didn't see the full notice on Lowes' site but glad to know all that. As to the Universal Kennel--was hoping for a review from someone with experience with them or who has used other local options that they liked. It's hardly going to make sense to check them out once I get there. If I don't like the situation, then I'm stuck. I wouldn't plan to send my child to a babysitter that I didn't have a reference for.

Why the lecture

 

[damo]

If you are bringing your pet to Universal, you have to be able to walk it during the day. Neither the hotel or the kennel do anything other than store the dog. It will most likely be more comfortable to leave the dog in the hotel room and return periodically to walk it. If you stay at the HRH, it is only a few minute walk back to the hotel from the parks.

Lots of people bring their pets to the Universal hotels. It is very commonplace.


Oh and when you ask for advice on caring for your pet on a message board, you'll probably get advice. I think that's all the macraven was doing.

 

[christophfam]

We've brought our dogs to RPR before. The pet park is quite adaquite and we all (dogs included) enjoyed our stay. The biggest concern would be if your dOgs are barkers. Ours aren't so we had no problems leaving them in the room while we were at the parks. There was no need to use the kennels and returning to the room for visits and walks was easy.

We have used the kennels at Disney (before best friends took over). They were just large crates where the dogs slept while we were at the park. I put my two dogs in one 'crate' so they are very large as I have a boxer and a border collie mix. I would assume it would be similar at Universal. Not bad but the hotel room gave them so much more room and a homey feeling vs a kennel.

 

[phamton]

At the kennel, the dogs are placed in a cage like you see at the vets. It is air conditioned where the cages are. It is not a dog run. They do talk to the dogs and give them extra attention at the kennels but they don't walk them.

If you do decide to leave them in your room onsite, make sure you put the "No Maid Service" or "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door so that the cleaning people don't go in. Also make sure your dogs aren't barkers or destructive if you leave them at the hotel alone.

 

[LizEN]

Thanks for all the info, this is really helpful. Can you tell I am a first time dog owner? Just to avoid being considered a total idiot owner, we have always fully intended to walk our dog mid day as we do at home.

I think we will opt for something other than the kennel. We have a shelter dog and don't feel good about tight quarters for him after his long caged experience. A bit nervous about leaving him in the room against policy, so will have to give that more thought but good to know we would not be the first.

Also, want to give to all my apology for being so defensive in response to Macraven's post. No way to respond to someone taking time on my account.

Best
--Liz

 

[francie57]

There is a website for a pet resort in Orlando that sounds good (haven't used it though). The site is vipet.net/orlando - they have rooms for the dogs - not crates, with beds and TV so that may be an option.

 

[damo]

Thanks for all the info, this is really helpful. Can you tell I am a first time dog owner? Just to avoid being considered a total idiot owner, we have always fully intended to walk our dog mid day as we do at home.

I think we will opt for something other than the kennel. We have a shelter dog and don't feel good about tight quarters for him after his long caged experience. A bit nervous about leaving him in the room against policy, so will have to give that more thought but good to know we would not be the first.

Also, want to give to all my apology for being so defensive in response to Macraven's post. No way to respond to someone taking time on my account.

Best
--Liz

Leaving him in the room isn't against policy. You are more than welcome to leave the dog in the room. Just put the do not disturb sign on the door and no one will come in to clean. You don't want him barking his head off all day though and setting off a chain reaction with the rest of the dogs on the floor ;

 

[4greatboys]

Thanks for all the info, this is really helpful. Can you tell I am a first time dog owner? Just to avoid being considered a total idiot owner, we have always fully intended to walk our dog mid day as we do at home.

I think we will opt for something other than the kennel. We have a shelter dog and don't feel good about tight quarters for him after his long caged experience. A bit nervous about leaving him in the room against policy, so will have to give that more thought but good to know we would not be the first.

Also, want to give to all my apology for being so defensive in response to Macraven's post. No way to respond to someone taking time on my account.

Best
--Liz

I read your original post as you were worried about the dog being in a crate all day and not that you had an issue walking the dog. I can understand how you would not want the dog in the crate all day.

Good luck finding a place you and your dog will be comfortable with. If you stay onsite at Disney any I have a friend who used the Best Friends resort and it was really nice. Her doggie even had a tv

 

[phamton]

I would be very glad to watch your dog while you are at Universal. We live right next door to the themepark. I usually work evenings and not too many hours in February except during Mardi Gras at Universal which is usually late in the month of February. I wouldn't want to be paid though--just to do it as a friend.

 

[macraven]

Thanks for all the info, this is really helpful. Can you tell I am a first time dog owner? Just to avoid being considered a total idiot owner, we have always fully intended to walk our dog mid day as we do at home.

I think we will opt for something other than the kennel. We have a shelter dog and don't feel good about tight quarters for him after his long caged experience. A bit nervous about leaving him in the room against policy, so will have to give that more thought but good to know we would not be the first.

Also, want to give to all my apology for being so defensive in response to Macraven's post. No way to respond to someone taking time on my account.

Best
--Liz

Liz, thank you but i wasn't offended, really. i do understand that people read posts differently.

i'm more laid back on the universal forums just like a lot of the other homies.
(homies are anyone that posts in UO and that is family, darkside style...)

i didn't post back to your first statement towards me.
i just figured you were more concerned about being a good pet parent and didn't need me to mention about walking the dog since he is a family member.
i should have said this earlier, sorry if i hit a nerve on the way i phrased that post.

i try to post what is found on the website so you have the exact information on the pet policy at the loews hotels.



(the way i read your request, i thought you didn't find the pet policy for the hotel. and the info on the kennel. i was only trying to be helpful.)

if someone is not familiar with the darkside in any way, many of here try to quote from the website and also share our experiences.

if you read any other of my posts in other threads, you will see i talk too much.....

since you do not want to use the kennel, and if you stay onsite, it might work out for you with leaving your doggie in the room.

you can contact the front desk for them to call you if your dog starts barking.
tell them you think he will be fine alone but since this is a new room for him, he might be upset.
ask if they will call you so you can return to take care of him.

that way, you won't encounter any major issues with management.


or, use the phamton dog service........

but if you do, your doggie might never go home with you as phamton will spoil your dog to pieces.......




you sound like a very loving dog owner that only wants the best care for your dog.
there should be more homies like you!

 

[LizEN]

i should have said this earlier, sorry if i hit a nerve on the way i phrased that post.

snipped

i try to post what is found on the website so you have the exact information on the pet policy at the loews hotels.

snipped

or, use the phamton dog service........

but if you do, your doggie might never go home with you as phamton will spoil your dog to pieces.......

The perils of written posts LOL--thanks and glad we are good. I DID need the hotel info, in fact it's the "do not leave pet unsupervised" section that I never saw and has me worried. Apparently that doesn't seem to mean you can't leave the dog in the room...?

And thanks for the "warning" about Phamton

 

[damo]

The perils of written posts LOL--thanks and glad we are good. I DID need the hotel info, in fact it's the "do not leave pet unsupervised" section that I never saw and has me worried. Apparently that doesn't seem to mean you can't leave the dog in the room...?

And thanks for the "warning" about Phamton

I think that unattended part only applies if your dog is barking continuously and needs to be dealt with by hotel staff as they can't contact you.

 

[LizEN]

I would be very glad to watch your dog while you are at Universal. We live right next door to the themepark. I usually work evenings and not too many hours in February except during Mardi Gras at Universal which is usually late in the month of February. I wouldn't want to be paid though--just to do it as a friend.

Oh my, what a sweet offer! I appreciate that. Right now we are not even 100% going. Waiting for my mom to decide if she is taking a place in Jupiter, FL for Feb. (ok, can you tell I'm an obsessive planner?)

I think the room will end up being fine and give me an excuse for staying on site but I really will keep it in mind. And NO WAY would I let you do it for nothing!

Wow, you all on the dark side seem like a pretty jolly bunch. Can't wait to see what I've been missing

 

[christophfam]

If you have to bring the dog along, the Loews resorts are really the ideal solution. Now the pet rooms at RPR are not in a prime location, nor do they have great views, but they are instead close to the dog walking area.

We have family in FL and at times make a stop at Uni before we go to their home for extended stays. In instances like that, it is great to be able to bring them along. My dogs do really well in the hotel since all of our 'stuff' is in the room with them. Our smells, clothes, etc are there when we are at the parks and of course we bring their beds so they are comfortable too. They know we aren't going anywhere for very long since all of our things are there.

 

[macraven]

christophfam made a great statment and gives a lot of valuable insight.

having the dog stay in the room that has your belongings and scent is perfect!

the pet rooms are the lowest floor in the hotels.
if any one has been able to use the 2nd floor with pets, i don't remember reading it.

it is so easy to walk out of the building for the pet area outside.


like damo said, you need to leave the sign on your door that you are out of the room . the hotel will give you the special sign for your door to indicate you have a pet in the room.

housekeeping is not allowed to enter any room that has an animal.
you have to be present when they are in there to clean, or make other arrangements.

the animals do NOT have to be in a cage when left in the room while you are in the parks.

the hotels do have the policy of no barking.
if you can hear the barking in the hallway, a guest or employee will/can call the front desk.

if that would happen in your case, do what i mentioned before.
cell-callyou- return for situation.


loews loves pets program
http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Royal-Pacific-Resort/experiences/pets


Put Simply: Loews Loves Pets.
Our Pet Friendly Hotel Welcomes Furry Friends
Loews has the most pet friendly hotels around, and you'll realize it from the moment you and your pet check in.

All pets receive their own gifts including a pet tag, bowl and a special treat to start their vacation.

As part of the Loews Loves Pets program, your VIP (Very Important Pet) will be waited on hand and paw, traveling in first-class comfort at our Orlando pet friendly hotel.

At our Orlando hotel, you have everything you need to feel right at home with your four-legged friend:
Gourmet room service menus for cats and dogs, prepared by our award-winning Master Chef
Creature comforts like specialized bedding, leashes, collars, litter boxes (and litter), pooper scoopers and more
Tail-wagging amenities such as dog-walking routes, pet placemats, water bowls, treats, doggie poop bags and more
Purr-fect indulgences like rawhide bones, catnip and scratch poles
Pet-walking and pet-sitting services

Note: Loews Hotels limits the number of pets to two per room and in the hotel overall. Loews Hotels takes all necessary measures to ensure the safety and comfort of all hotel guests and pets. For a complete list of our pet policies, contact us.

Owners receive a detailed brochure with information on hotel pet services -- such as our Loews Loves Pets room service menu, local dog walking routes, and area pet services, including veterinarians, pet shops, groomers, and much more.

Additional items available for guests with pets include dog and cat beds (different sizes), leashes and collars (different sizes), rawhide bones, catnip, scratch pole, litter boxes and litter, pooper scoopers. We pay special attention to our guest rooms which accommodate pets by conducting extra thorough cleaning.

Loews Hotels charge a one-time fee of $25 per stay.



the pet walking by staff is done by outside contractors.
the hotels staff do not do that but work with you to secure the service if you ask.