The following are the minimum criteria for an establishment receiving the Pets Welcome Seal of Approval:

1. That the establishment accepts pets.

2. That persons traveling with a pet are not charged an exorbitant fee for having a pet. And that, if a fee is charged, it is a reasonable amount, reflecting the extra cleaning costs or maintenance expenses the lodging incurs for accepting pets. The fee should not represent a penalty to the pet owner for simply bringing an animal to the premises. The pet owner should not otherwise be financially penalized in any way for having a pet.

3. That persons traveling with a pet are not relegated to a smoking room or any other sub-standard accommodation in that establishment.

4. That pets are not forced to be kenneled in sub-standard facilities while owners are away.

Obviously we'd like an establishment that's friendly to pets to provide amenities that benefit pets such as a walking area and fresh drinking water. Finally, though, we're more concerned that travelers with pets are at least treated equally and do not feel like second-class citizens upon arriving with their pets.

Once an establishment is nominated for the Pets Welcome Seal of Approval by one of our visitors, we will verify that the previously listed conditions are met, place the seal next to their listing, and assist the establishment in becoming even more pet-friendly by providing them with a list of local pet sitters, veterinarians, and other pet services to provide to their customers if requested.

This charter, then, serves to promote consistent standards of pet-friendliness, as well as the recognition of those standards, through the joint efforts of petswelcome.com and traveling pet owners everywhere.