Short answer: to find a truly pet-friendly hotel, filter for pets on the booking site, then check four things before you book: weight and breed limits, how many pets are allowed, the pet fee (per stay, per night or a deposit), and what recent reviews from pet owners say. Add the pet fee to the room price before you compare hotels, because a cheap room with a big pet fee can end up costing more.
Traveling with your dog (or cat, or very well-behaved rabbit) is the best. Finding a hotel that actually wants them there? Slightly less fun. “Pet-friendly” can mean anything from a welcome bowl and a treat to “fine, but the dog stays in the bathroom.” Here’s how we’d sort the real ones from the reluctant ones.
Read the pet policy like a lawyer
Hotels that accept pets almost always come with rules, and they can make or break your booking.
- Weight limits. The most common one. Many hotels only take dogs under a certain weight, often 25, 50 or 75 pounds. Big dogs have fewer options, though some hotels take all sizes.
- Breed restrictions. Some properties ban certain breeds, often because of insurance rules, no matter how sweet your pup actually is.
- Number of pets. Some hotels allow one pet per room, others two or more. Traveling with a whole crew? Confirm before you book.
- Type of pet. Most pet-friendly hotels mean dogs and cats. Birds, rabbits and reptiles might not be welcome, so ask.
Pet fees: the part that sneaks up on you
Hotels charge for pets in a few different ways, and they add up faster than you’d think.
- One-time cleaning fee. A flat fee per stay, which you pay whether your pet makes a mess or not.
- Refundable deposit. You get it back if nothing gets damaged. Just know that some hotels define “damage” pretty generously.
- Nightly fee. The sneaky one. A $25 nightly pet fee adds $175 to a week-long stay.
Luxury and boutique hotels sometimes charge more. If the pet fee or deposit terms aren’t clear on the listing, message the hotel before you book so there are no surprises at the front desk.
Signs a hotel actually loves pets
The best pet-friendly hotels go beyond “allowed.” Look for:
- Pet beds, bowls or welcome treats in the room.
- A pet relief area close to the building, with waste bags. Older dogs and rainy nights will thank you.
- Dog walking or pet sitting services, or at least a list of local pet sitters, for when you have plans your pet can’t join.
- Dog parks, trails or pet-friendly beaches nearby.
Trust reviews from other pet owners
Reviews from guests who brought pets tell you more than the official policy ever will. Look for comments on how the staff treated animals, how clean the relief areas were, whether the fees felt fair, and whether the room smelled like the last five dogs.
One bad review can be a fluke. A pattern is a warning. If several pet owners mention unfriendly staff or surprise charges, move on.
Pet-friendly hotel chains
Some chains have a reputation for welcoming pets. Kimpton is well known for it, and plenty of Red Roof, La Quinta, Motel 6 and Best Western locations accept pets too. But policies change, and individual hotels in the same chain often have different rules and fees. Always check the policy for the specific property you’re booking.
Get your pet ready for the hotel
- Training first. Your pet should be house-trained, and crate-trained if they’ll be in a crate while you’re out.
- Tire them out. A tired dog is a quiet dog. Plan plenty of exercise before and during the stay.
- Bring home with you. Their regular food, bowls, bed, toys, leash, waste bags and any medication. Familiar smells help them settle in.
- Update their ID. Put your cell number on their tag, and consider a microchip. New places make escapes more likely.
Hotel manners for pets (and their humans)
Being a good pet guest keeps hotels pet-friendly for everyone.
- Don’t leave your pet alone in the room for long. Anxious pets bark, and some redecorate.
- Clean up right away, everywhere, and always carry bags.
- Keep your pet on a leash in public areas unless there’s an off-leash zone.
- If your pet tends to be vocal, ask for a room away from other guests.
- If something gets damaged, tell the hotel. Honesty goes a long way.
When a hotel isn’t the right fit
If the pet-friendly hotels are full or pricey, vacation rentals on sites like VRBO often welcome pets with fewer restrictions. Private homes sometimes take bigger dogs or more than one pet. There are also pet-focused hotels and resorts with extra perks, usually at a higher price.
Compare the real cost, pet fees included
Pet-friendly hotels come in every price range, so compare. Booking.com and Agoda both have a pet filter, which gets you a list of hotels that accept pets right away. Then open the ones you like and check what the same room costs on other sites. That’s where Hotel Ninja comes in: our free Chrome extension shows the final checkout price for the same room on other booking sites, with taxes and fees included.
Pet fees are usually paid at the hotel, so add them yourself before you decide. A $120 room with a $50 nightly pet fee costs more than a $150 room with no pet fee. Your pet would want you to do the math.
Frequently asked questions
How much do hotels charge for pets?
It varies a lot. Some charge a one-time cleaning fee per stay, some charge a fee every night, and some ask for a refundable deposit. A few hotels charge nothing. Check the policy for the exact property and add the fee to the room price before comparing.
How do I find pet-friendly hotels?
Use the pet filter on booking sites like Booking.com or Agoda, then read the hotel’s pet policy and recent reviews from guests who brought pets. Confirm weight limits, breed rules and the number of pets allowed.
Can I leave my dog alone in a hotel room?
Many hotels only allow it for short periods, and some require the dog to be crated. Check the hotel’s rules first. Anxious dogs may bark or cause damage, so a pet sitter is safer for longer outings.
Do pet-friendly hotels accept cats and other pets?
Most accept dogs, and many accept cats. Birds, rabbits and reptiles are less common. Always ask the hotel if your pet isn’t a dog.
