Finding Pet-Friendly Hotels When You Travel With Your Pet

How to search for pet-friendly hotels

The fastest way to find pet-friendly hotels is to search directly on hotel booking sites using their pet filter. Most major sites — Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and Airbnb — let you check a box for "pets allowed" before you search. This narrows results to properties that accept animals, though you still need to confirm details like size limits and fees before you book.

If you already have a hotel chain in mind, go to their website first. Major chains like Best Western, La Quinta, Kimpton, and Motel 6 have pet policies listed on their main pages, and you can call the specific location to ask about current fees and restrictions. Some chains allow pets free; others charge a nightly fee or a one-time fee per stay.

Pet-specific travel sites like BringFido, GoPetFriendly, and iExit also list hotels by location and show user reviews from other pet owners. These sites often include details about nearby parks and veterinary clinics, which can be useful if your pet gets sick during travel.

Key Takeaways

• Hotel booking sites have pet filters that show only properties accepting animals, but you must confirm size limits and fees directly with the hotel before booking.
• Pet-specific travel websites like BringFido include user reviews from other travelers and information about nearby parks and veterinary clinics.
• Call the hotel location directly rather than relying on the website, because pet policies and fees can vary between individual properties of the same chain.
• Most pet-friendly hotels charge either a nightly fee (typically $25 to $50) or a one-time fee per stay, and some require a damage deposit.
• Read the full pet policy before booking — many hotels restrict pets to ground-floor rooms, require them to be crated when you leave, or do not allow certain breeds.

What to confirm before you book

Do not assume a hotel that says "pets welcome" will accept your specific pet. Call the hotel directly and ask: the size and weight limit, whether they accept your type of pet (some allow dogs but not cats, or vice versa), breed restrictions, and the exact fee structure. A hotel listing might say pets are allowed, but the individual location may have a weight cap of 25 pounds, which could disqualify your dog.

Ask whether your pet must stay in a crate when you are not in the room, whether they can be left alone for the length of your stay, and if there are any floors or room types where pets are not permitted. Some hotels keep pets to ground-floor rooms only, which limits your options if you have mobility concerns or prefer upper floors.

Confirm the cancellation policy as it applies to pets. Some hotels charge the pet fee even if you cancel, while others waive it. If your pet becomes ill and you need to cancel, you want to know whether you will lose that money.

Understanding pet fees and deposits

Pet fees vary widely and are separate from your room rate. A nightly pet fee typically runs $15 to $50 per night, depending on the hotel's location and class. A one-time pet fee for the entire stay might be $25 to $100. Some hotels charge both a nightly fee and a damage deposit, which you get back if the room passes inspection when you leave.

Budget for the pet fee as part of your total trip cost. A three-night stay with a $30 nightly pet fee adds $90 to your bill. If you are comparing two hotels, factor in the pet cost along with the room rate — a cheaper room with a high pet fee may cost more overall than a pricier room with a lower or waived pet fee.

Ask whether the pet fee is refundable if you do not use the room or if circumstances change. Most are not, but some hotels will credit the fee toward future stays or waive it if you book directly through their website rather than a third-party site.

Preparing your pet for a hotel stay

Before you arrive, make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and has a current ID tag with your phone number. Bring vaccination records in case the hotel asks for proof, and keep them accessible in case you need a veterinarian during your trip.

Pack your pet's regular food and water bowls, their usual food (hotels do not provide this), medications if needed, a leash or harness, waste bags, and any comfort items like a bed or toy. Bring more food than you think you will need in case your trip extends or you cannot find the same brand locally.

If your pet has never stayed in a hotel, consider a practice run at a pet-friendly hotel close to home. This helps you see how your pet behaves in an unfamiliar space and whether they have anxiety or destructive habits that might cause problems during a longer trip.

Rules and restrictions you will encounter

Most pet-friendly hotels require that you do not leave your pet unattended in the room for extended periods. Some allow pets to be left alone for a few hours; others require them to be crated or want you to arrange pet-sitting. If you plan to be out all day, ask the hotel whether they offer pet-sitting services or can recommend a local service.

Many hotels have breed restrictions, particularly for dogs labeled as "aggressive" breeds. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, and Akitas are commonly restricted, though the specific list varies by hotel and location. If you have a restricted breed, you may need to look for smaller independent hotels or pet-specific accommodations like Airbnb rentals.

Noise is another common restriction. Your pet cannot bark excessively or disturb other guests. If your dog barks when you leave the room, a hotel stay may not be practical unless you can keep them calm or arrange for someone to stay with them.

Alternatives if hotels are too restrictive

If standard hotels do not work for your pet, consider Airbnb or VRBO (Vacation Rental by Owner). Many private rental properties are more flexible about pets, allow longer stays, and give your pet more space. You can often find entire homes or apartments where your pet can roam freely, and some owners waive pet fees entirely.

Pet-specific lodging like Kimpton Hotels (which do not charge pet fees) or luxury pet resorts cater specifically to animals. These are pricier but often include amenities like dog parks, swimming pools, or pet-sitting services. They are worth considering if you are traveling with a pet that has high energy or anxiety.

If you are staying with family or friends, ask whether they are comfortable with your pet before you arrive. Offer to cover any additional cleaning costs or pet-related damage, and keep your pet on a leash or confined to a specific area to avoid accidents or conflicts with their pets.

What to do when you arrive at the hotel

When you check in, ask the front desk about the location of nearby parks, walking paths, and veterinary clinics. Get the address and phone number of the closest emergency veterinary hospital in case your pet becomes ill during your stay. Many hotels can provide this information, and it takes only a minute to ask.

Inspect your room for hazards before you let your pet out of their carrier or crate. Check for gaps under doors, exposed wires, toxic plants, or cleaning supplies left in the room. Close the curtains if your pet is anxious about being seen from outside, and put the "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door so housekeeping does not enter unexpectedly and let your pet escape.

Set up your pet's space with their bed, water bowl, and toys in one area of the room. This gives them a familiar spot and makes it easier to keep them contained if you need to leave briefly. Keep your pet's leash and ID tag on or nearby at all times in case you need to leave the room quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave my pet alone in a hotel room while I go out?

Most hotels allow pets to be left alone for a few hours, but policies vary. Some require pets to be crated, and others do not allow it at all. Call the hotel before you book and ask their specific rule. If you plan to be out all day, arrange pet-sitting or ask whether the hotel offers that service.

What if my pet damages the room?

You are responsible for any damage your pet causes. The hotel will charge you for cleaning, repairs, or replacement of damaged items. This is why damage deposits exist. Keep your pet confined to a safe area, use a crate if needed, and inspect the room before you leave to report any issues to the front desk.

Are there hotels that do not charge pet fees?

Yes. Kimpton Hotels do not charge pet fees and actively welcome pets. Some independent hotels and bed-and-breakfasts also waive fees. Check the hotel's website or call directly to confirm, because policies can change and may vary by location.

What if my pet has separation anxiety and cannot be left alone?

Look for hotels that offer pet-sitting services, or hire a local pet-sitter before you arrive. Alternatively, consider a pet-friendly Airbnb where you can rent an entire home and keep your pet with you, or choose a destination where you can bring your pet with you during the day.

Do I need to tell the hotel about my pet if I sneak them in?

No, but you should not do this. Hotels charge pet fees to cover cleaning and potential damage. If your pet causes damage or is discovered, you will be charged a much higher fee, asked to leave, or banned from the hotel. It is cheaper and simpler to pay the pet fee upfront.