"My dog sleeps in the bed with me. So, just like I'm exposed to bed bugs at night in the bed, so is she," Charlotte says.

It's a valid concern, says Jeffery White of Bedbug Central. In fact, a recent survey found 67% of pest management companies have treated bed bugs in hotel rooms. He says all pets are fair game. "Dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs. Any pet, for instance, could be a food source for a bed bug."

While bed bugs don't tend to live on pets long term - like fleas and ticks - that doesn't mean your pet can't bring them home, warns the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Kimberly May of the American Veterinary Medical Center warns, "Pets can transport bedbugs. Just mechanically, the bed bug hitches a ride on your pet and gets into your house."

More commonly--they can snuggle up in your pet's bedding.

"Their carrier could have a bed bug inside of it and that's how you introduce bed bugs into your home," May says. She adds, "You need to check their bedding. You also need to check their soft toys, because there could be bed bugs in there."

So how can you keep your pets, and your home safe? First, experts say, when traveling, thoroughly inspect your hotel room for bugs--before you bring your pet through the door. The bugs are visible to the naked eye.

"One of the most common areas that you want to inspect when you stay in a hotel room is either the headboard, where bed bugs will typically hide, or the bottom of the box-spring," White explains.

Second, consider leaving your pets' bedding in the bathroom... where there will be less chance of bugs. and consider treating the carrier with a pet safe bed bug repellent spray. When you check out...make sure to examine your pet's bedding thoroughly. Take further precautions once you get home.

"Immediately launder it in the hottest water that you can. If there are any rips or holes in it, you want to discard it," May says. Consider laundering your pet as well.

While none of these precautions can guarantee to keep your pets and home bed bug free, experts say they can cut down the risk. Something Charlotte is determined to do. "Bed bugs can travel anywhere. Always be prepared."

Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs aren't known to carry disease. Their bites are merely irritating and itchy to pets and people. Also, while there's no research to prove that flea and tick sprays can help keep pets bed bug free, experts say it can't hurt to use them, and will at least keep your pet protected from other, more dangerous parasites.