Traveling with a Dog: How to Find Pet-Friendly Hotels

By Sarah Bennett, Certified Animal Nutritionist

The Reality of Pet-Friendly Hotels

The number of hotels accepting dogs has grown substantially over the past decade, driven by the rise in pet ownership and the recognition that travelling pet owners represent a significant and loyal customer segment. However, the term "pet-friendly" covers a very wide spectrum — from boutique hotels that offer dog beds and welcome treats to properties where dogs are technically permitted but tolerated in only specific exterior-facing rooms, with a lengthy list of restrictions attached.

Knowing how to search effectively, what questions to ask, and how to be a model pet-owning guest makes the difference between a smooth hotel experience and a stressful one — for you, your dog, the hotel staff, and other guests.

How to Search and Verify Pet Policies

Use Specialist Pet-Travel Platforms First

BringFido is the most comprehensive directory of pet-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants in the US and internationally. It filters by pet weight, number of pets, and location, and displays the specific pet fee and policy for each property. It is a far more reliable starting point than generic booking sites like Booking.com or Expedia, where pet policies are often listed vaguely or inaccurately.

Other useful platforms include Petswelcome.com for US travel and Holidaycottages.co.uk or Sykes Cottages for UK self-catering properties where dogs are accepted.

Always Call the Hotel Directly

Even after finding a property on BringFido, call the hotel directly to confirm the pet policy for the specific dates and room type you intend to book. Ask these questions explicitly:

• What is the per-night or per-stay pet fee?
• Is there a refundable pet deposit?
• Is there a weight limit, and if so, what is it?
• Are there breed restrictions?
• How many pets per room are permitted?
• Are pets allowed in all areas of the property (lobby, restaurant, pool area) or only in rooms?
• Are there designated outdoor toilet areas for dogs?
• Can pets be left alone in rooms, and if so, are there time limits or crating requirements?

Fees, Weight Limits & Breed Restrictions

Pet fees are now standard at most hotels that accept dogs. Expect to pay:

• Per-night fees: Typically $10–$50 per night, though luxury hotels may charge more.
• One-time cleaning fees: $50–$150 charged once per stay, regardless of length.
• Refundable deposits: Some hotels charge $50–$200 refundable against any damage caused.

Weight limits are common — 25 lbs (about 11 kg) is a frequent cutoff at mid-range hotel chains. Some chains that market themselves as pet-friendly, such as certain Kimpton or Loews properties, have no weight limits at all, making them particularly popular with owners of large breeds.

Breed restrictions remain a reality at many properties, with "bully breeds" (American Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Dobermans) most commonly excluded, regardless of individual temperament. If your dog's breed might fall into a restricted category, confirm explicitly with the hotel before booking — do not assume the standard pet policy covers your breed.

Dog Etiquette in Hotels

Being a considerate guest with a dog is not just courtesy — it protects access for all pet-owning travellers. Hotels that have bad experiences with pet-owning guests quietly drop their pet-friendly status. Your behaviour directly affects what is available for other dog owners.

Crating

Most hotels that permit dogs in rooms expect dogs to be crated when left unattended. This protects both the hotel's property and other guests from excessive noise. If your dog is not crate-trained, do not leave them unattended in a hotel room. Bring your dog's familiar crate from home rather than expecting the hotel to provide one — familiar scent makes crate settling much faster.

Noise

A dog that barks persistently in a hotel room is one of the fastest ways to receive a noise complaint and be asked to leave. If your dog is prone to Separation Anxiety: Causes, signs-cat-loves-you" title="12 signs-cat-loves-you" title="12 Signs Your Cat Actually Loves You (Science-Backed)">Signs Your Cat Actually Loves You (Science-Backed)">Signs & Treatment That Works">Separation Anxiety: Causes, Signs & Treatment That Works">Separation Anxiety: Causes, Signs & Treatment That Works">Separation Anxiety: A 4-Week Desensitization Plan">separation anxiety barking, either do not leave them alone or book accommodation where you can remain with your dog at all times. White noise apps on a phone left playing in the room can help mask corridor sounds that trigger barking.

Housekeeping

Always hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign when your dog is in the room unattended — a housekeeper entering unexpectedly can startle even a calm dog, with dangerous results. Make arrangements with housekeeping for a specific service time when you can be present, or decline housekeeping for short stays.

Common Areas

Keep your dog on-leash in all hotel common areas, even if they are the friendliest dog in the world. Not everyone in a hotel lobby wants to interact with a dog. Ask before approaching other guests. Clean up any accidents immediately and inform staff.

What to Pack for Hotel Stays with Your Dog

• Your dog's crate or travel bed (familiar scent speeds settling)
• A waterproof mat for under food and water bowls
• Old towel for paw-wiping after outdoor walks
• Poop bags and enzymatic cleaner spray (for accidents on carpets)
• Dog's regular food and portable bowls
• A chew or Kong stuffed with frozen food to keep them occupied when you need to work or leave briefly
• Collar with up-to-date ID tag
• Retractable or standard lead for lobby and car park navigation

The AVMA's travel resources offer additional guidance on travelling safely with dogs, including health requirements by destination.