With the travel industry seeing a boom over the decade, accommodations are also evolving their horizons at a faster pace. The increase in travelers with pets has substantially raised the demand for pet-friendly stays.
But, are there good lodging options that welcome pets? Sure, there are!
But, it could be a challenging hunt if you don’t know where to start.
To ensure a seamless and stress-free trip, here is some essential information on how to find the ideal pet-friendly hotel and some useful tips for a comfortable stay on your vacation with a pet.
What Makes a Hotel Pet-Friendly?
A hotel advertising itself as pet-friendly doesn’t always equal a warm welcome for your pets. Some hotels have an inordinate set of restrictions, extra costs, or, conversely, have a lack of amenities that actually cater to your pet’s needs. Here’s what to look for while choosing a pet-friendly hotel:
1. Flexible and Clear Pet Policy
Check on the hotel website for the pet policy; it also doesn’t hurt to call the hotel directly to confirm. Some hotels restrict by size or breed, are limited in the number of pets allowed per room, and may require specific vaccinations. You need to check for availability for your pet, not just availability for yourself.
2. Pet-Friendly Amenities
These are amenities like extra pet beds, pet food and water bowls, and pet room services. Some offer grooming as part of their pet service while others include pet sitting or dog walking. Having outdoor areas for pet relief, trail walks, or dog parks is an extra treat.
3. Additional Charges that are Reasonable
Hotels may charge fees for pets. For some, it is a flat charge for the entire stay, while others charge per night or merely ask for a deposit in case of damage. Be sure to work these fees into your vacation budget.
4. Location and Surroundings
The best hotels for pets will be nearby parks, dog trails, or other distractions. If you plan to be in a city, find one that offers outdoor cafes and amenities where your pets can chill. Cats will be much less fussy about the neighborhood. Your hotel location should be suitable for both your needs and your pet’s.
How to Find the Best Pet-Friendly Hotels?
Now that you know what to look for, some of the best ways to find perfect accessible pet-friendly accommodation include:
1. Pet-Friendly Booking Sites
Some of the online travel websites specialize in pet-friendly accommodations and are easier to sift through to find pet-friendly options.
BringFido is a popular site that covers pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and other activities.
Several of the online booking platforms have filters to allow you to sort by pet-friendly listings, and many of the home booking platforms allow pets and have yards where they can play.
2. Check the Official Site of the Hotel
Third-party booking sites may not have the most current pet policy, so always check the official hotel site. Then double check by calling the hotel directly. Advance preparation will ensure that your hotel arrangements go smoothly.
3. Read Reviews by Pet Owners
A hotel may label itself pet-friendly, but a guest review may tell another story altogether. Look for mentions on how easy it was to check in with a pet, whether there are enough pet relief areas, and if the hotel staff was accommodating. Anyone can have a poor experience, but look for unresolved patterns that may be problematic.
4. Call the Hotel Directly
If a hotel says they are pet-friendly, but doesn’t prove further information, give them a call. Speak to a representative, and get their name, to find out the current pet policies, specifications, charges, and other details.
5. Consider Your Travel Destination
Some cities and areas are much more pet-welcoming than others. For example, if you are coming to the Smokies, you can find quite a few pet-friendly hotels in Pigeon Forge on the destination website (many of them include information about nearby trails and outdoor eating areas that welcome pets). Don’t overlook destination websites – they are valuable sources of information.
Some Well Known Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains
These hotel chains have kept continuously pet-friendly policies:
- Kimpton Hotels: No breed restrictions, no size restrictions, and no fees.
- La Quinta by Wyndham: Pets accepted at most locations, many with no additional fees.
- Aloft Hotels: Offer complimentary goodies for pets, pet beds, and toys.
- Red Roof Inn: Most locations do not charge for pets.
- Best Western: About 1,600 locations across the world with pet-friendly policies.
Note: Check their official website for detailed information on the policies, prices, amenities, and other important information.
How To Ensure a Comfortable Stay at Your Pet-friendly Hotel?
Once the right hotel is booked, there are things you can do to ensure your stay is comfortable for both you and your pet.
1. Pack the Essentials
Create familiarity and reduce anxiety by including:
- Their regular food and treats
- Water and food bowls
- A comfortable pet bed or blanket
- Their favorite toys
- A leash, collar, and ID tag
- Waste bags to clean up
- Any medication required
2. Give Your Pet Time to Settle In
It’s a new place and environment for them. Let your pet walk around and become at home. Keep their toys and bed around to help them feel comfortable sooner.
3. Follow Hotel Etiquette
Be considerate of other guests and hotel staff so that all goes smoothly:
- Keep your pet leashed in public areas.
- Have them in your company as much as possible.
- Be sure to clean up after your pet in the designated relief area.
- Keep low noise levels so as not to disturb other guests.
4. Find Pet-Friendly Activities Nearby
Isn’t it important that your pet enjoys the trip as you do? Look for some interesting pet-friendly attractions or activities close to your stay. Parks, trails, cafes,and beaches can suit humans and well as pets.
5. Backup Plan
Anything can happen, even with the best-laid plans. Have a contingency plan in case things go wrong or does not turn out the way you had hoped. It can also be reassuring to have information about local veterinarians.
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Mary Jo Manzanares is a founder and the editor-in-chief of The Traveler’s Way, an online travel magazine proving informational and inspirational travel recommendations for curious Baby Boomer travelers. She has been a speaker at various industry events and has a personal travel blog at Traveling with MJ. When she’s not traveling, Mary Jo likes lingering over a cup of coffee, wandering in a museum, sipping wine at a cafe, and sharing it all with friends and readers. Mary Jo’s top travel destinations are Italy, Portugal, and the Caribbean.
