Pet owners who need to relocate are often faced with the difficulty of locating "pet-friendly" housing. It is even more difficult when relocating over long distances or in tight housing markets. Many people don't want to impose on friends or family for a prolonged period, and aren't comfortable leaving pets at a boarding kennel. Pets are family, and they want to bring their pets with them.

Fortunately, hotels and other holiday lodging can provide short-term relief while people search for appropriate housing. www.PetFriendly.ca suggests that people who are relocating with their pets consider using vacation accommodations as a short-term solution.

* Ask about longer-term rates. Some accommodations offer significantly discounted monthly rates during certain times of the year.

* Find out what kind of flexibility they can offer in case you need to stay longer or leave earlier than originally intended. How do changes affect the rate?

* Bring references for your pet, and for yourself as a responsible pet owner. This can include references from your vet, previous landlords, or even another vacation accommodation that you and your pet have previously visited.

* Get details about their pet policy. Are pets allowed to be left unattended in rooms? Do they need to be crated? If you need to go to work or otherwise leave your pet alone, you may be able to make arrangements with the hotel manager or your host. Otherwise a dog daycare or pet-sitter may be necessary.

* How close are parks, walking trails, veterinarians, pet supply stores, and other pet-related services?

* Be open to all types of accommodations. Pet-friendly accommodations come in many different varieties, including self-catering cottages or cabins, fully furnished short-term rental apartments, resorts, bed & breakfasts, and, of course, hotels and motels. Call around until you find the best fit for you and your pet.

Once you're in your new community it will be easier for you to locate longer-term housing, since you'll have access to all the local newspapers and other resources. Pet-friendly housing is in high demand so start your search as soon as you can.

The Pet Friendly Canada community connects pet-friendly holiday lodging with the pet-loving public, and can be found on the web at www.PetFriendly.ca