Tips for Bringing Your Dog to a Hotel (Updated for 2024)

Ok, so you’ve done it. The dates of your trip are picked out, you’ve told your boss to take this job and shove it, you’ve searched Google Maps and PetsWelcome to find the best places to vacation with your dog, and you’ve told your mom to stop leaving comments on your Facebook wall about all this. Now what?

Well, now you take the trip with your best friend, your dog. But first, you have to find hotels, motels, bed and breakfast places that accept pets and see if their policies will allow your Great Dane to stay or your pack of ten daschunds. Hey, I don’t know how you ended up with ten little daschunds but they are awfully cute. That’s not the point. The point is to find a place to stay that seems responsible, clean, and does care about you and your pet.

Here are 9 things to look for when bringing your dog to a hotel

Do they require health certificates or copies of vaccines?

When planning to stay in a hotel with your dog, it’s important to check the hotel’s specific requirements regarding health documentation. Many hotels require proof of up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies, as a precaution to ensure the safety and health of all guests and pets. Some may also ask for a recent health certificate from your veterinarian. This documentation serves to verify that your dog is healthy and poses no risk to others in case of an incident, such as a bite. It’s a practical safety measure that protects everyone involved, including your pet. Before your trip, contact the hotel directly to understand their specific requirements and prepare the necessary documents, ensuring a smooth check-in process and a hassle-free stay.

What are the rules for leaving a pet alone in the room?

When considering leaving your pet alone in a hotel room, it’s crucial to understand and adhere to the hotel’s specific rules. Policies can vary widely: some hotels may not allow you to leave your dog unattended at all, while others might permit it only if the dog is securely crated. Checking the hotel’s pet policy before your stay can prevent any surprises and help you plan accordingly. Additionally, some hotels offer pet-friendly amenities like on-site boarding or daycare services, providing a safe and supervised environment for your dog while you explore the area. Always confirm these details directly with the hotel to ensure a comfortable and compliant stay for both you and your pet.

On the hotel grounds, where are you allowed to walk your pet?

When staying at a hotel with your pet, it’s essential to know where on the property you are allowed to walk your dog, especially for those necessary late-night potty breaks. Most pet-friendly hotels designate specific areas for pets to relieve themselves and may provide waste disposal bags and bins to ensure cleanliness. It’s important to inquire at the front desk upon arrival about the designated pet areas and any rules related to pet walks on the hotel grounds. Knowing these locations and following the hotel’s guidelines helps maintain a clean and pleasant environment for all guests, preventing any unpleasant incidents.

Are there pet supplies available such as dog bowls?

When booking a hotel for a stay with your dog, it’s helpful to check if they offer pet supplies such as dog bowls, treats, or even pet beds. Many pet-friendly hotels provide these amenities as part of a pet package, enhancing the comfort of your furry friend during your stay. However, the extent of what’s offered can vary widely—from comprehensive packages including beds and bowls to more basic offerings like a few treats. If you’re concerned about potentially forgetting or losing essential items like a dog bowl, verify with the hotel beforehand whether they have such items available for guest use. This preparation ensures you know whether you need to pack extra supplies or if you can rely on the hotel to help accommodate your pet’s needs.

Do they have a list or resource guide to the nearest dog parks, vets, pet-friendly restaurants in the area?

Many pet-friendly hotels go the extra mile to accommodate their furry guests by providing resources such as lists or guides to nearby dog parks, veterinary clinics, and pet-friendly restaurants. While it’s not a universal standard, hotels that offer these helpful guides enhance the guest experience, making it easier for pet owners to plan outings and ensure their pets’ needs are met during their stay. When booking, you can inquire whether the hotel provides such information. This service can save you time and effort, offering convenient access to local pet amenities directly from the hotel, ensuring a more enjoyable and stress-free visit for both you and your pet.

Are there off-leash and on-leash areas in the hotel?

It’s important to ask about the hotel’s specific policies regarding on-leash and off-leash areas when traveling with your dog. Knowing these rules helps ensure the safety and comfort of all guests and pets, especially in shared spaces like entrances, exits, and the lobby. Many hotels require dogs to be on a leash in public areas to prevent conflicts between pets that may not be comfortable around other dogs. However, some might also have designated off-leash areas where your dog can roam freely under supervision. Inquiring about these details before your stay allows you to prepare and manage your pet appropriately, ensuring a safe environment for everyone involved.

Are there any restrictions based on size and breed?

Many hotels have specific restrictions regarding the size and breed of dogs they allow. These policies can vary significantly between hotels and are often in place to manage safety and comfort for all guests. It’s essential to check these details in advance, especially if you’re planning a trip involving multiple dogs or breeds that might commonly face restrictions, such as larger breeds or those perceived as more aggressive. By clarifying these restrictions before booking, you can ensure that your accommodations will be suitable for all dogs involved in your travel plans, avoiding any unexpected complications upon arrival. This proactive approach helps secure a welcoming environment for your pet and any others joining your vacation.

What’s the maximum number of pets per room (or guests allowed) and what are the fees?

Do they offer any extra services?

It’s always better to go as prepared as possible. Your pet and your peace of mind will thank you.

Finding The Right Hotel For You and Your Dog

When planning a trip with your dog, finding the right hotel is crucial for both comfort and convenience.

Petswelcome is an excellent resource for this, offering a comprehensive database of pet-friendly hotels across the United States and Canada. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily filter options based on specific needs such as hotel chain, amenities, and pet policies. Petswelcome not only helps you find accommodations that welcome pets but also provides valuable resources like travel tips and pet-friendly activities, making it the go-to choice for pet owners looking to ensure a pleasant and hassle-free experience for themselves and their furry companions.

Pet-Friendly Hotel FAQs

How can I determine a hotel’s pet policy?

To find a hotel’s pet policy, the most direct method is to call the hotel and speak with the front desk. Alternatively, you can search online by entering the hotel’s name along with keywords like “pet policy,” “pet amenities,” or “pet friendly” into a search engine. For a more targeted search, use the command “site
.com pet friendly” on Google to search the hotel’s own site, bypassing third-party websites.

Why is it not advised to leave my dog unattended in a hotel room?

Leaving a dog unattended in a hotel room can lead to anxiety or boredom, which may result in undesirable behaviors such as barking, urination, or even property damage. To ensure your dog’s comfort and safety, and to avoid disturbances, consider using services like Rover.com to find local, reputable dog sitters while you engage in activities that aren’t pet-friendly.

Are there additional charges for service dogs in hotels?

Hotels cannot legally charge extra for accommodating trained service dogs or dogs in training. The only permissible questions regarding service dogs are: “Is this service animal required because of a disability?” and “What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?” Falsely representing a pet as a service animal not only undermines the legitimacy of actual service dogs but also complicates accessibility for those who genuinely rely on their assistance.

What Hotel Chains are Pet Friendly?

1. Kimpton Hotels

Kimpton sets the standard for pet-friendly accommodations, welcoming pets of any size, breed, or weight at no additional cost. They offer amenities like pet beds, bowls, treats, and toys. Additionally, many Kimpton hotels host a nightly wine reception where pets are welcome.

2. La Quinta Inns & Suites

Most La Quinta locations are pet-friendly, allowing up to two cats or dogs per room with a minimal fee. They provide specific areas for pet walks and waste stations, making it convenient for pet owners.

3. Aloft Hotels

Part of the Marriott chain, Aloft Hotels offer a program called “Animals R Fun (ARF),” which provides a special bed, bowl, and a doggie bag of treats and toys, all free of charge. They allow pets up to 40 pounds and have various pet-friendly locations across the country.

4. Loews Hotels

Loews loves pets, and their hotels reflect this by offering services like gourmet room service menus for dogs and cats, beds, litter boxes, scratching posts, and soothing music at turn-down. They also provide detailed brochures with information on hotel pet services, local dog walking routes, and area pet services.

5. Red Roof Inn

Red Roof Inn allows one well-behaved pet per room at no additional charge. They are one of the few hotel chains that do not charge a pet fee, making them a budget-friendly option for travelers.

6. Best Western

Best Western hotels charge a maximum of $30 per day for pet fees, capped at $150 per week. They allow up to two dogs in a rented room, with a size limitation of up to 80 pounds each. Other pet types such as cats, birds, monkeys, and snakes are also permitted at the discretion of each property.

7. Four Seasons

While not all Four Seasons hotels are pet-friendly, those that are typically offer luxurious pet services that may include plush pet beds, water bowls, piddle pads, and on-site pet-sitting services.

When planning a trip with your pet, it’s useful to know which hotel chains are known for accommodating pets. Here’s a breakdown of some popular pet-friendly hotel chains and what you can generally expect from them:

When you travel with your buddy, what other questions and things do you look for in a pet-friendly hotel?

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