What is a pet-friendly hotel?

By
published

Wondering, 'What is a pet-friendly hotel?' Here's everything you need to know before your stay.

Dog and cat sitting on top of an orange suitcase
(Image credit: Getty Images/Bogdan Malizkiy)
Jump to:

What is a pet-friendly hotel? You might have noticed that more and more hotels are labeling themselves as 'pet-friendly', and be curious as to what this means.

There's nothing worse than leaving your fur friends behind when you go on vacation, so you might want to stay somewhere that permits pets. Even though you can check up on them using the best pet cameras, it's always nicer to take them along with you if you can.

Below, we've explained what a pet-friendly hotel is and the policies that you might have to follow. We've also given our top tips for choosing the right place, and how to prepare for your stay.

What is a pet-friendly hotel?

As the name suggests, pet-friendly hotels allow your furry friend to sleep over too. This term is quite vague and some places offer more services than others, like pet sitting, grooming, or play areas.

Every hotel has its own set of rules, so it's important to look these up before you decide to book somewhere. You might have to pay additional fees for cleaning or follow special rules, (like not letting your pet sleep on the bed) so ensure you are happy to adhere.

In the US, 75% of luxury, midscale and economy hotels are pet-friendly, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Foundation. That means that it's easier than ever to find somewhere to stay with your pet.

However, if you decide to leave them at home, you might need help choosing between a pet sitter vs boarding and wonder 'how much does a pet sitter cost?'

Dog and cat sitting on top of an orange suitcase

(Image credit: Getty Images/Lavju)

How to choose a pet-friendly hotel

Before you book your stay, you should consider whether the hotel offers everything you need and if you're happy with the rules. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Additional charges: Ask the hotel about any additional charges or cleaning fees you might need to pay, including how much these could be.

Types of pets allowed: Some hotels only let dogs stay over, so it's worth clarifying which pets are able to stay in advance. While you're there, you should also ask if there are any restrictions on breeds and sizes.

Rules: Find their pet policy and print it out - it's always handy to have it in writing. This should explain how many pets are allowed in one room, whether you can leave your pet unattended, and if there are any restricted areas. The hotel might also require your pet to wear a leash and sleep in the best dog crate as opposed to the bed.

Extras: To make your pet's stay more enjoyable, find out if they have any extra amenities, like play areas or classes. It's worth taking advantage of everything they have to offer — especially if it's included in the price.

Access to the room: If you plan to leave your pet alone, find out who has access to the room. You might want to opt out of services like housekeeping, as this might frighten your pet or give them an opportunity to escape.

Cat and dog lying on a pet friendly hotel bed

(Image credit: Getty Images/WebSubstance)

Preparing to stay at a pet-friendly hotel

To make your stay easier, here are some things you'll want to prepare and consider:

1. Basic training and obedience

Ensure your pet has mastered basic training and obedience skills. Training recall in dogs is one of the most important ones, along with 'sit' and 'heel'. This will give other guests (and yourself) the reassurance and trust in your dog. If you have a feline or rabbit, they should be able to use the best cat litter box or the best rabbit litter box.

2. Anxiety

Staying in a new environment might trigger anxiety in dogs or anxiety in cats, so it's worth being prepared for this. You might want to pack a soft blanket with a familiar scent, a stress-relieving spray, or if recommended by a vet, anti-anxiety medication. Pets still need mental and physical stimulation when they're on vacation, so make sure you continue to play with them regularly and meet all their needs.

Pet Remedy Spray

Pet Remedy Spray

Containing valerian and vetiver, this calming spray will help settle your anxious pet. Thanks to the pH neutral formula, you can apply it to furniture, toys, and their skin and coat. It's suitable for cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, horses, and birds.

View Deal

Cat looking anxious under the bed covers

(Image credit: Getty Images/Anjie Qiu)

3. Get them vaccinated

Ensure your pet is up to date with all their vaccinations. If you're visiting a new country, inform your vet and ask if there's any new ones that they'll need.

4. Pack the essentials

Don't forget to pack the following:

  • Food and treats
  • Bowls
  • Harness
  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Bed
  • Crate (if required)
  • Litter box
  • Carrier
  • Medication
  • ID tag
  • Best pet tracker (optional)
  • Pet first-aid kit
  • Toys
  • Familiar items
  • Scratching post (for cats)
Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker

Pawfit 3 GPS Pet Tracker

The Pawfit tracker lets you locate your pet from anywhere in the world, making it perfect for traveling. It features real-time GPS tracking and alerts you if your dog goes too far. We voted it as the best pet tracker with voice commands in our buying guide.

View Deal

You might also like to read: How to go on a road trip with a dog or 32 tips for traveling with pets.

Megan Milstead
Megan Milstead
Staff Writer

Megan is a Staff Writer on PetsRader, covering news, features and buying guides. She has a wealth of experience looking after animals, having grown up with dogs, cats and horses all of her life. She’s particularly interested in pet happiness and behavior, which she loves to research in her spare time. You’ll often find her watching webinars on reactivity in dogs or researching cat body language. She loves going the extra mile for her cats Chilli and Nala (who also help out with testing the best products for our buying guides).

Megan studied BA Journalism at the University of Westminster, where she specialized in lifestyle journalism and was editor of Smoke Radio’s online magazine. She also graduated from West Herts College with a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Journalism. Before joining the PetsRadar family last year, she worked on the editorial team at Harrods and has spent most of her career writing for specialized titles, like RunningShoesGuru, Licklist and Mr. After Party.

Megan works alongside qualified vets and accredited trainers to ensure you get the best advice possible. She is passionate about finding accurate and helpful answers to your pet-related questions.