Your canine watched you pack a suitcase, now he’s looking at you with pure betrayal in his eyes. Fortunately, you can no longer leave him behind. There are dog friendly hotels that have sprung up all over the travel industry and it’s no longer a matter of settling for a shoddy motel on the outskirts of town anymore.
But not all the properties are pet-friendly. Some levy hidden charges, weigh limits of twenty pounds, or limit you to “one” of the “designated” floors. Therefore, if you know just what makes a good pet stay better than a mediocre one, you will save yourself from paying more for it, the stress of a bad experience, and a self-awareness discussion at check-in.
We’ve taken the time to examine the top choices, fees to look for, pet-friendly resorts, and how to plan your next visit to a pet-friendly hotel more cleverly. By the conclusion, you’ll be aware of what questions to ask before you ever give your credit card away.
Table of Contents
It is easy to see why Dog Friendly Hotels are so popular
Over the last decade people’s travel behaviour has undergone a profound transformation. There are many more people who work from home, many more households have pets, and fewer travelers want to get on a plane with a stranger who has a dog. So, the demand for dog-friendly hotels has grown at all price points, from the budget motels to the five-star hotels.
Moreover, the hotel brands were aware of the change and quickly reacted. Previously, chain hotels were simply accommodating pets, but are now actively selling pet-friendly accommodations, featuring soft beds, welcome goodies, and pet walking paths. Meanwhile the boutique properties are vying for attention with spa days, and room service menus for the furry variety, and even in-room webcams for the rest of the world to watch their pup swimming in the pool.
A role that social media also plays. A well-done and well-liked photo of a golden retriever lounging on the bed of a hotel adds much more engagement than a typical image of a room shot. This means that one by one, spaces are being developed specifically to suit the eyes of a pet owner’s travel blog, which further bolsters the “you can’t tell, I have a dog” trend you see everywhere.
Last but not least, loyalty is crucial. Pets who are well treated by a chain stay with it for years. That’s why big hotel chains don’t seem to be slowing down their pet policies, but continuing to grow more-comprehensive options as they realize that a good dog can lead to a loyal customer.
Comparing Best Dog Friendly Hotels by Chain is easy.
Numbers are more effective in comparing different items than marketing jargon. Use the table below to compare some of the most popular hotels for dogs by fee structure, size limits, and other special features, to ensure you’re on budget before you dial the hotel number.
Browse through the hotel chain and its standout perk for pets. Check out some of the hotel chains and their standout pet benefits!
| Hotel Brand | Pet Fee | Weight Limit | Pet-Friendly Benefits / Requirements |
| Kimpton Hotels | Free | No weight limit | Pet beds, pet bowls, and a complimentary wine hour are available. |
| Motel 6 | Free | 150 lbs combined | Pet-friendly rooms are available at more than 1,400 locations across the country. |
| La Quinta by Wyndham | $25–$75 | Varies by property | Pet rates generally range from approximately $25 to $75. |
| Aloft Hotels | Free | Varies by hotel | Offers an ARF pet program with toys and treats. |
| Fairmont Hotels | Varies | Varies by property | Most properties accommodate dogs and offer gourmet dog menus. |
| Loews Hotels | Varies | Varies by property | Loews Loves Pets amenity kits are available, with pricing varying by property. |
As you can see, some dog-friendly hotels offer no additional cost to bring your furry friend, and others offer luxury extras for your pet. It can all depend on your budget and how spoiled you wish your pups are on the day of the journey.
Top picks for all budget ranges
Budget-Friendly Options
When budget is limited, the motel 6 and red roof inn are both good bet when heading out on a road trip. Both chains earned their reputations for taking pets without nickel and diming the pet owners for every pound. Most motels waive the pet fee and allow up to 2 pets per room with a combined weight limit of Petel6.At Motel 6, pets are allowed in the room at no extra cost (most locations will waive the charge completely), and up to 2 pets may be in a room together with a combined weight limit of Petel6.
Red Roof Inn is another hotel that offers one pet for free at all its units. While they may not provide many frills, these inexpensive lodgings are just what dog owners heading on a road trip need: a clean room, a parking lot for a late-night potty break, and no hassles at check-in.
Mid-Range Picks
La Quinta by Wyndham is in the middle tier and is one of the most widely known pet friendly hotel chains in North America. You can find many of them around the country, with hundreds throughout. The fee for those pets will depend on the property; remember to check fees before booking due to changes in policies since Wyndham’s acquisition many years ago.
Aloft Hotels is also in this category. For a dog, there is even a welcome kit in its ARF program (Animals R Family). Many other hotel properties will not charge any pet fees at all, which is why Aloft is one of the more generous mid range properties on the market today.
Luxury Escapes
If you’re looking to treat your pooch to the ultimate treat, Kimpton Hotels is at the top of the list. Yes, all Kimpton’s properties allow pets of any size and breed, and no, there’s no charge. The brand has been doing this since its founder brought his own dog to work decades ago. Pet beds, food bowls and night time treats are sometimes provided when guests arrive.
Fairmont Hotels go the extra mile in the area of luxury. Gourmet dog menus are created with in-house chefs at select properties and some even have free stays for well behaved dogs. With these luxury homes, it’s clear that owning a dog doesn’t have to compromise luxury comfort and style.
Before you book look for the following:
Pet Fees and Hidden Charges
Be sure to read the fine print before booking any dog friendly hotels. Some properties require a flat fee once, while others charge by the night, so if you’re travelling for a longer period of time you could be charged more. Some hotels also charge a refundable deposit, so be sure to plan ahead before reaching the front desk.
Weight and Breed Restrictions
Some pet-friendly lodging places have weight restrictions that are typically around 50 pounds, and this can rule out some bigger pets. In addition, certain hotels have breed lists, especially those who have had trouble with certain breeds and/or large breeds. Check with the owner to determine if your dog is welcome in advance as this does not always indicate online whether the property will allow dogs or not.
The number of pet tags is limited
Most properties will allow 2 pets per room, but it can differ drastically from chain to chain. If travelling with more than one dog, ensure this is agreed in advance as it may cause unpleasantness at check-in at the front desk.
Nearby walking areas and location.
A hotel may be technically “pet-friendly,” but have poor outdoor facilities. So, read reviews that talk about walking areas, grassy patches or parks nearby. Sometimes, properties that are close to highway exits provide convenient relief areas; other times downtown hotels are a short distance from the nearest green space.
Cleaning fees and damage policies.
In addition to a pet fee, inquire about pet cleaning fees in case of an accident or unexpected damage. Some properties include this in the initial fees, others may have a policy of charging an additional fee when they see too much shedding, staining, and furniture chewing during housekeeping. If you know this, you don’t get a surprise at the end of your bill at the checkout counter.
How to save money on dog friendly hotels.
If you book smart, you can save a lot on your overall cost. The first step is to sign up for hotel reward programs before you travel. Many chains offer free pet fees to members, or a discount on the pet fee that can add up over a longer stay. All of these programs have been known to lower pet fees for those who have long been faithful customers of their hotels: Marriott BonVoy, Best Western Rewards, and Choice Privileges.
Secondly, if you’re staying for longer than a few nights, you should look into extended-stay suites. Some brands such as Residence Inn, Home2 Suites and many others typically have a set price for the week, which can even be lower than the nightly pet fee of a conventional hotel. Also, these suites typically have a little tiny kitchen so that you do not have to spend any cash on meals while you are away from home. This is also better for your dog’s ability to spread out, compared to the standard room they’d be living in, which may be too small for them to move around in for several days at a time.
Verify Pet Policies and Save on Pet-Friendly Stays
Thirdly, always contact the property directly not just the booking site. Not all corporate pet policies are necessarily adhered to by local stores. Call first to learn about fees, restrictions, and availability so you don’t book a reservation that you can’t afford or are not eligible for.
Fourth, research different travel sites prior to booking. Be aware that some aggregator sites may have incorrect pet policies, so check with the hotel’s website if there’s a mismatch. Much of the time a 5-minute comparison will show you a vastly different fee arrangement than the one you initially saw in your search results.
Lastly, avoid travel during peak hours if at all possible. Pet-friendly hotel rates can increase during the summer (when most people take road trips with their dogs), and booking a pet-friendly room at a high occupancy season can be difficult.
Best Dog Friendly Hotels for International Travel – Check the reviews and simply place bookings.
Going abroad with a dog requires additional planning but there are many places that are dog friendly. However, some European cities have an amazing number of places that accept pets, especially in France, Germany and the Netherlands, where the four-legged friend is also accepted in many cafes and shops.
Small to medium sized dogs are common to find at Ibis and Novotel properties all over Europe for a small fee. In the meantime, Canada follows many of the policies of its American counterpart, as chains such as La Quinta and Motel 6 have many cross-border facilities that have similar policies. Don’t forget: when travelling internationally with your pets, there is so much paperwork involved compared to a road trip across state lines. Always check an import country’s requirements and vaccination policies ahead of time.
Check Hotel Websites and Prepare Pet Travel Documents
Language can also be an issue. The best way to find out pet policy information is to go directly to the website of the international hotel you are interested in, rather than a third party aggregator and avoiding any nasty surprises at the front desk.
But before you even arrive at the hotel lobby, you should take airline requirements into consideration. Certain countries may have strict regulations regarding the microchipping of pets, their vaccination history, or requiring a health certificate within a short time frame prior to travel.There might be narrow requirements in certain countries, which include microchipping of animals, a particular vaccination timeline, or the necessity for a health certificate in the lead up to travel. The research leads to pre-planning and not a week before you leave, and keeps things on schedule.
To ensure a seamless experience at a hotel, you will need to bring the following items with you:
When you’re ready to go on a trip with your pets, it makes the trip much smoother. Bring a collapsible water bowl, a familiar blanket, extra food for the trip and a few days in case of a delay. Use a well-fitted harness for the hallway in the hotel rather than a simple collar, as this will provide greater control when near elevators and busy lobbies.
If some properties require proof of vaccinations, bring copies of your dog’s records, particularly rabies (shots). A portable crate can also be of great assistance, in both settling your dog into a new room as well as for any hotel policy that stipulates your dog must be in a secure area when the housekeeping cleans the rooms.
Essential Packing List and Emergency Pet Travel Tips
Don’t overlook waste bags, a leash on which you have total trust, and any medication that your dog is prescribed regularly. A familiar item, such as a favorite toy, can be a help in easing your dog’s nerves and helping him settle into his new home away from home.
You should also bring along a portable stain remover; it wouldn’t be the first time it happens. A dog first aid kit can also be very useful if you’re travelling long distances by car, particularly if you’re going somewhere where you can’t get veterinary attention. Lastly, obtain your veterinarian’s cell phone number and the address of your local emergency animal hospital in case you ever find yourself in an actual emergency situation without your cell phone.
Here are some tips for a wonderful stay
Respects the privilege of the next guest. Don’t leave your dog in a room alone unless the hotel has specifically said it is OK, as barking or destroying property could irreparably spoil the hotel’s reputation as a pet-friendly property. Carry out waste bags and be sure to clean up quickly when you are outside the house.
Also, if your dog is well behaved off-leash at home, keep him on the leash in hallways and where you can in common areas. Some people do not like certain dogs and hotel personnel don’t like owners who are not respectful of shared areas. Bringing a familiar blanket or toy can also help your dog settle into an unfamiliar room more quickly, reducing anxious barking that might disturb neighboring guests.
Good etiquette benefits everyone. When dog owners behave responsibly, hotels feel more confident expanding their pet programs rather than scaling them back due to complaints or costly property damage.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Dog Friendly Hotels
Traveling with a dog no longer means sacrificing comfort, convenience, or your budget. The rise of dog friendly hotels across every price category proves that the travel industry finally caught up with how much people love their pets. Whether you’re chasing budget road-trip stops or planning a luxury getaway, there’s a dog friendly hotel out there that fits your needs perfectly.
Before your next trip, take a few extra minutes to compare fees, restrictions, and amenities across different dog friendly hotels. That small effort upfront can save you money and prevent an unpleasant surprise at check-in. Pack the leash, grab the favorite chew toy, and hit the road. Your dog has been ready for this adventure since the moment you pulled out that suitcase.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Q1: What are the best dog friendly hotels in the United States?
Kimpton Hotels, Motel 6, La Quinta by Wyndham, and Red Roof Inn consistently rank among the best options, thanks to their combination of affordable rates, minimal restrictions, and pet-focused amenities.
Q2: Do pet-friendly properties always charge a pet fee?
Not always. Chains like Kimpton, Motel 6, and many Red Roof Inn locations skip pet fees entirely, while other dog friendly hotels charge anywhere from twenty-five to one hundred fifty dollars per stay.
Q3: Are there weight limits at these hotels?
Many properties cap weight around fifty pounds, though several chains, including Kimpton, have no weight restrictions at all. Always confirm limits directly with the property before booking your stay.
Q4: How many dogs can I bring along?
Most dog friendly hotels allow one or two pets per room, though exact limits vary by chain and individual property. Contact the hotel directly if you plan to travel with more than two dogs.
Q5: Can I leave my dog alone in the hotel room?
Policies vary significantly from property to property. Some allow it if your dog is crate-trained and quiet, while others prohibit leaving pets unattended entirely, so always ask at check-in before you relax.
