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For many of us, leaving our four-legged family members behind just isn’t an option. The good news? Traveling with pets is easier than ever — but finding the right pet-friendly hotel still takes a little digging. Not every place that claims to be “pet-friendly” is truly welcoming (or budget-friendly), so knowing where to look — and what to ask — makes all the difference.
Here’s how to make sure your next trip is smooth for both you and your furry sidekick.
Start with Recommendations
Nobody knows the ins and outs of traveling with pets like other pet owners. Before you start Googling, ask around. Friends, family, or even local Facebook groups are goldmines for real-life experiences. Headed somewhere new? Search for a community group in your destination and ask for their best pet-friendly lodging tips.
And don’t forget about local tourism boards or chambers of commerce — many will happily send welcome packets and can point you to pet-approved options in their area.
Use Booking Filters
Most major hotel booking sites now let you filter specifically for pet-friendly properties, which cuts down on wasted time. From there, double-check the hotel’s own site or call directly to confirm the details — “pet-friendly” sometimes only means a handful of rooms, or dogs under a certain weight.
Travel apps like BringFido and PetFriendly.io are also fantastic tools for quickly locating hotels, vacation rentals, and even dog parks on the road.
Call Your Favorite Chains
If you tend to stick with the same hotel brand, give their customer support line a call and ask for a list of pet-friendly locations. Many chains — like Kimpton, La Quinta, and Red Roof Inn — are famously welcoming to pets. Creating a quick spreadsheet of your go-to brands and their rules can make planning last-minute trips much easier.
While it may take a bit of time, if you take the time to contact all of your favorite chain hotels and compile a spreadsheet of their pet-friendly options, it can make traveling a lot easier. All you would have to do is open your list and search for your destination location to find several options at your fingertips.
Think Beyond Hotels
Hotels aren’t your only option. In fact, some of the most comfortable stays for pets are in non-traditional accommodations:
- Vacation rentals or condos (Airbnb, Vrbo, Vacasa often have pet filters)
- Cabins for a rustic retreat with space to roam
- RV or motorhome rentals for road-tripping pets
- Resorts with designated pet-friendly units
- Staying with family or friends (sometimes the easiest option of all!)
These can often mean fewer restrictions, more outdoor access, and a better experience for everyone.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Even if a hotel says “pets welcome,” the fine print matters. Here are the key questions to ask before you commit:
- Fees & Deposits: Are there nightly pet fees or refundable deposits? Are they charged upfront or only if there’s damage?
- Pet Types & Sizes: Do they only allow dogs, or are cats (and other pets) welcome too? Many have weight limits.
- Room Types: Can you get a ground-floor room with easy outdoor access? Are pet-friendly rooms also non-smoking?
- On-Site Amenities: Are there walking areas, cleanup stations, or even pet-sitting/kennel services available?
- Restrictions: Where are pets allowed? Some hotels limit them to certain floors or exclude common areas.
- Supplies: Do they offer extras like water bowls, treats, or crates for rent? (Some boutique hotels really go the extra mile!)
Asking these upfront avoids surprises at check-in.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with pets used to feel impossible. Now, more hotels and rentals than ever are rolling out the welcome mat for four-legged guests — you just need to know how to find them. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip, doing a little homework upfront means less stress and more tail wags once you arrive.
Whether you are taking a longer vacation with many hotels along the way, or you will be traveling for just a few nights, this list gives you a great base to follow when looking for a pet-friendly hotel. You will find many more hotels accommodating your needs, as well as your pets.
