For dog owners who love to travel, there’s no longer the tough choice between hitting the road and spending time with a treasured pet. Here’s what you should know about pet-friendly hotels when traveling with your dog.
How to find pet-friendly hotels
Hotels across the nation have opened their doors to pets and their owners. Once only an option for hotel chains, many boutique hotels now offer dog-friendly policies. According to an American Hotel & Lodging Association survey, more than 75% of the economy, mid-scale, and luxury hotels accommodate pets. Hyatt, one of the leading hotel chains, boasts an impressive 94% of its hotels are pet-friendly, making it a top choice for pet owners.
The best way to find a pet-friendly hotel is to start with internet research. There are also travel-specific sites that pool information into a central repository. Trips with Pets is a great resource to get you started. The Humane Society also lists local pet-friendly hotels on its websites, so check online for the branch in your destination city. You can also look for a luxury stay and check out Condé Nast Traveler‘s Best Pet-Friendly Hotels.
What are the most popular pet-friendly hotel chains?
If you’d rather stick with affordable options or hotels you’d likely find on a road trip, visit the main websites for pet-friendly hotel chains. The most popular pet-friendly hotel chains include Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn and Suites, Motel 6, Homewood Suites, Best Western, Sheraton, La Quinta Hotels, and Westin. You can always call ahead and see if they offer pet-friendly rooms.
What dog-friendly hotels require from guests and their pets
While making your reservation, be sure to discuss any specific pet policies, as they differ between hotels.
Common hotel policies cover:
- Room availability: Hotels usually have a limited number of pet-friendly rooms, so call ahead to ensure you can book one during the dates you need.
- Weight limits: Many hotels only accept dogs weighing less than 40 pounds.
- Owner supervision: Not all hotels will allow you to leave the dog alone in your hotel room while you’re out.
- Surcharges: Expect extra fees for bringing your dog along; some hotels charge much more than others.
Perks of staying at dog-friendly hotels
There are so many amenities pet-friendly hotels might offer. Some chains offer a pleasant room, while others offer the ultimate spa experience.
The range of offerings includes:
- Veterinary references
- Dog-walking services
- Dog-sitting services
- Maps to local dog-friendly trails, parks, and beaches
- In-hotel grooming
- Dog-friendly restaurants
- Fresh-baked dog treats
Will non-pet-friendly hotels accept ESAs?
Some hotels that usually do not accept pets may make an exception for emotional support animals (ESA) if you provide a verified letter from a mental health professional. Of course, emotional support animals are not protected by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Hotels are not legally required to allow ESAs because they are not service animals. However, service animals are legally protected by the ADA and are always welcome at hotels. Additionally, hotels cannot charge a pet fee for service animals.
Hotel living with your dog
Although your pet-friendly hotel may provide every accommodation, it’s best to prepare in advance so you’re ready to deal with daily necessities and unexpected problems.
Here are a few tips for your trip:
- Pack as carefully for the dog as for yourself. Put together a collection of medications, favorite toys, familiar bedding, food bowls, and treats. It’s also not a bad idea to bring along pee-pee pads since unfamiliar environments can induce anxiety in some dogs.
- Check on the local availability of your dog’s brand of food. Switching their diet suddenly can cause stomach upset, so if their normal fare is hard to find, bring your own supply.
- Talk to the concierge in advance about the daily schedule. You’ll want to know about dog-walking possibilities, dog-sitting services, housekeeping visits to your room, and any other events impacting your dog. If there is a noisy convention happening, that might also be important to know.
Can you leave your dog alone in your hotel room?
Many hotels require you to crate your pup if you leave them alone. Some even have policies that do not allow pets to be left unattended. Be sure you are clear on the policies that best fit your needs when traveling. If you plan to leave your dog alone and your hotel allows this, you’ll want to ensure your pup is prepared for some alone time in a new space.
Prevent separation anxiety by spending the first few hours with your dog. Hang out in the room together, then go on a first outing nearby. Next, leave the room for short periods — 10 minutes to go downstairs for a newspaper, for instance. This will help your dog understand that, although you leave, you also return. If possible, don’t leave your dog alone in the room at all.
How do I choose a pet-friendly hotel?
To find a pet-friendly hotel, start by reading reviews. Pay close attention to comments about the treatment of you and your dog by staff and other guests. Additionally, watch for any potential pet fees; while some hotels charge minimally, others might surprise you with hefty additional charges.
When planning a hotel stay with your dog, make the hotel your travel partner. Learn the rules and ask the concierge or hotel staff for advice on the area. You should also research more tips for traveling with your dog to make the most of your adventure. So, whether your pup needs to get ready to spend hours in a high-quality dog car seat for a road trip or learn how to navigate TSA at the airport for your next flight, you’ll both be prepared for the journey ahead.
