Bringing the dog: the hotel's pet rules, explained

Which pets are allowed?

Cats and dogs only, up to two per room, and each one up to 50 lb, which is about 23 kg. Most medium-sized dogs fit; a large retriever or a shepherd may not. If you are close to the limit, say so in your request and we will ask rather than guess.

What does it cost?

For a two-night stay with one dog that is $49 + $49 + $49, so $147 before tax. With two pets in one room the arithmetic is less clear: the hotel's wording does not say whether the nightly fee is charged per pet or per room, so we ask before quoting.

Where can pets not go?

Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier in public areas. They may not be left alone in the room, and the general house rules add that they may not be left unattended anywhere on the property, including in your car. They are not allowed on the gaming floor (service animals excepted), in food and drink areas, in the pool area or the fitness centre. Housekeeping has to be booked in advance for a time when you and your pet are both out of the room.

So who looks after the dog during dinner?

That is the real planning question. Pets cannot go into the hotel's restaurants and cannot stay alone in the room. In practice that means dinner in shifts, a takeaway eaten in the suite, or a dog-friendly patio in Port Perry in the warmer months. We cannot vouch for any particular patio's policy, so call ahead. The tourism office's restaurant list is a good place to start, and our eat-and-drink page has the on-site options.

Where can we walk the dog?

Port Perry's waterfront trail system runs about 5 km along Lake Scugog, from Highway 7A to Scugog Line 8, on limestone, pavement and woodchips. The Millennium Trail starts at the beach in Palmer Park and loops back to Water Street. The Rotary Environment Park trail follows the natural shoreline and has a boardwalk. All are about a quarter of an hour by car from the hotel. Check posted signs for leash rules and beach access.

What do we need to bring?

The hotel's general rules ask that pets be well-behaved, vaccinated and leashed, and say guests are responsible for any damage their pets cause. We would add a towel for muddy paws after a lake walk, a crate if your dog is used to one, and the vaccination record in case anyone asks.

Planning a weekend with a pet? Mention the weight and the number of animals in your request notes; it saves an email back and forth.