Choosing the Right Hotel
When traveling with your pet, not all “pet friendly” hotels are created equal. The label is often used broadly and can mask a wide range of rules, hidden fees, and even breed or size limits. Doing a little homework up front can save you stress (and unexpected costs) later.
What ‘Pet Friendly’ Really Means
Hotels may advertise themselves as pet friendly, but that term can mean different things at each location. Key questions to consider:
Are pets allowed in all room types or only specific ones?
Is your type of pet allowed (some properties allow only dogs, others include cats or even small animals)?
Are there designated pet relief areas on the property?
Watch for the Fine Print
Beyond the marketing language, pay attention to the extra policies that could affect your stay:
Hidden fees: Some hotels charge daily pet fees or refundable (and non refundable) deposits.
Size or breed restrictions: Larger dogs or certain breeds might be restricted even at pet friendly hotels.
Limit per room: There may be a cap on how many pets are allowed in a single room.
Why You Should Call Ahead
A quick phone call can go a long way. Speaking directly with the front desk or reservations team helps clarify policies that may not be detailed online.
Confirm up to date restrictions, fees, and amenities
Get information about pet relief areas and nearby walking options
Avoid unpleasant surprises at check in
Relying solely on a hotel’s website or third party booking pages can leave you with information that’s outdated or incomplete. A five minute call ensures your pet will be genuinely welcomed, not just tolerated.
Prepping Your Pet Before Check In
A little work before you reach the hotel can go a long way in keeping both you and your pet sane. First up: exercise. A solid walk, run, or game of fetch before arrival helps burn off nervous energy. It’s like giving them a reset button before they enter an unfamiliar space.
Eating on the road gets tricky, so keep your pet’s feeding schedule as close to normal as possible. Bring familiar food and collapsible bowls, and avoid switching brands mid trip unless you’re asking for stomach trouble. If you’re dealing with a longer journey, pack meal portions in sealable bags so it’s grab and serve when the time comes.
When it’s time to pack, don’t just think in terms of essentials think in terms of comfort. Their favorite toy or blanket? Bring it. Familiar scents calm anxiety. Don’t forget leash, ID tags, and vaccine records (some hotels ask). A small kit of basics bed, food, water bowl, treats, and waste bags makes you ready for almost anything.
A bit of thought up front means fewer surprises later.
In Room Comfort Setup
Once you’re in the hotel room, your first move is to find the calmest corner. Stay away from elevators, ice machines, or any spot with frequent foot traffic. Pets pick up on noise fast, and random hallway sounds can spike their anxiety.
Next, manage what your pet sees. Close the curtains or blinds if there’s a window facing a busy area stray movement outside can overstimulate them. If your pup tends to bark at every passing shadow or unfamiliar sound, blocking those triggers is a game changer.
If your pet’s not heading out for potty breaks, define an indoor bathroom area early. Pick a corner and use pads or a portable tray, and don’t move it around. Consistency lowers confusion.
The goal is to turn one part of that unfamiliar space into a stable zone. Familiar bedding, a favorite toy, and a tried and true water dish help make it feel like home.
Need more tactical advice? Check out these pet hotel tips.
Being a Thoughtful Guest
When staying at a hotel with your pet, being considerate of hotel staff and other guests is essential. A few simple habits can make a huge difference between a welcome visit and a stressful one.
Communicate With Hotel Staff
Before stepping out without your pet, always inform the front desk:
Let staff know your pet will be in the room unattended
Ask about specific hotel policies regarding pets while you’re away
Confirm whether housekeeping should skip your room or visit at a scheduled time
Use Clear Signage
Don’t rely on hotel staff to remember every detail. Be proactive:
Hang a “Do Not Disturb” or “Pet Inside” sign on your door whenever your pet is alone
Temporarily pause housekeeping if it might upset or stress your pet
Maintain a Quiet, Calm Environment
Noise complaints are one of the fastest ways to end up on a hotel’s no return list. Reduce disturbances by:
Keeping the television or white noise on to mask hallway sounds
Bringing chew toys or puzzle feeders to keep your pet distracted
Monitoring barking, whining, or scratching use calming sprays or treats if needed
Being courteous during your stay not only guarantees a smoother experience it also makes it more likely the hotel will welcome you and your pet again.
Local Walks & Activity
A room’s not enough. Pets need space to move, sniff, and stretch their legs. Start by checking in with the front desk most staff know where the good parks and pet friendly patios are nearby. Some may even keep maps or partner with local businesses that welcome four legged guests.
When heading out, don’t rely just on a leash. If the area is unfamiliar, a harness offers better control, and a GPS tracker adds peace of mind if your pet slips away or gets spooked. Not all areas are equally safe or pet oriented, so a little extra caution goes a long way.
Also, don’t skip the daily walk even if you’re tired. A short burst outside helps burn nervous energy, reduces barking, and makes in room time calmer for both of you. It’s not just about exercise it’s about routine and grounding in a new place.
Departure Day Check
Leaving a hotel with your pet doesn’t just mean packing up and walking out the door. A smooth wrap up ensures you leave a great impression and sets the stage for future pet friendly stays.
Check Every Corner
Before heading out, do a full room sweep:
Look under beds, behind furniture, and in closets for any forgotten toys or pet gear
Double check for bowls, leashes, or medication
Don’t forget items like pet wipes, blankets, or mobile food containers
Clean Up After Your Pet
Just like you’d expect from a courteous guest, leave the room in good shape for the next visitor:
Wipe up any pet messes or spills
Dispose of used pee pads or litter responsibly
Gather pet hair from furniture or bedding if necessary (a lint roller can be a trip essential)
A little cleanup can go a long way in keeping hotels pet friendly.
Leave a Note or Review
If the stay went well, let the hotel know:
Leave a quick thank you note for housekeeping or the front desk
Take a moment to write a review highlighting the hotel’s pet friendly amenities and staff help
Positive feedback encourages more properties to go truly pet friendly.
For more expert advice, don’t miss these essential pet hotel tips.
Final Tips for Smooth Travels
Pets love predictability. Whether you’re crossing state lines or crashing at a highway motel, keeping daily routines intact helps your pet stay grounded. That means feeding times, walk schedules, and even the order of play and rest try to keep it close to home rhythm.
The travel carrier? Don’t treat it like a punishment box. If the only time your pet sees it is when you’re headed to the vet or a plane, it’s going to carry all the wrong energy. Leave it out at home with cozy bedding. Toss a treat inside now and then. Let your pet explore it on their terms.
As for hotel skills, don’t expect perfection overnight. Start with short overnight stays close to home. Get your pet used to the sounds, smells, and routine of hotel life in small doses. You’re building confidence. One night turns into two, then three eventually, the chaos dies down and travel feels normal.
