📅 Last updated:
The best pet-friendly hotels are the ones whose own property page and front desk confirm your pet’s size, species and fee in writing. To find one, filter for pet-friendly stays on a booking site, shortlist a few properties, then call each directly. Ask about the fee (per night or per stay), weight or breed limits, how many pets are allowed, and whether pets can be left alone in the room. Chains such as Kimpton, La Quinta, Motel 6, Best Western, Hilton, Marriott and Red Roof advertise pet-friendly policies, but each hotel sets its own rules. Policy snapshot checked October 2026.
The call is the step most people skip. A brand may say its hotels welcome pets, but individual properties, especially franchised ones, often set their own rules.
📋 Table of Contents
- How to Find the Best Pet-Friendly Hotels for Your Trip
- Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains Compared (Policy Snapshot)
- How to Find Pet-Friendly Hotels on Booking, Expedia, Kayak and Airbnb
- Questions to Ask Before Booking
- "Pet-Friendly" vs. "Pets Allowed": What the Labels Often Mean
- Hotel Etiquette for Traveling With Pets
- Alternatives: Vacation Rentals and Campgrounds
- What to Pack: The Pet Travel Kit
- Health Paperwork and Cross-Border Travel
- Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Gear for Hotel Stays and Where to Go Next
- Sources We Checked
How to Find the Best Pet-Friendly Hotels for Your Trip
There is no single “best” pet-friendly chain, because policies change often and vary by property. The best hotel is the one on your route whose current rules fit your pet.
Step 1: Filter your search
Most major booking sites and hotel brand apps let you filter results for pet-friendly or pets-allowed properties. Use it to build a shortlist, not to decide. Filter data may be out of date.
Step 2: Read the property page, not just the brand page
Open the listing for the exact hotel and look for a pet policy section. Note any fees, limits and restrictions it mentions. If it conflicts with the brand’s general policy, clear that up on the phone.
Step 3: Call the front desk directly
Call the hotel’s local number rather than central reservations, because front desk staff know how their building handles pets. Ask the questions below, note who you spoke with, and ask for the policy by email or on your reservation.
Step 4: Book and confirm again
Add a reservation note with your pet’s size and breed, then reconfirm a day or two before arrival. Policies can change between booking and check-in.
Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains Compared (Policy Snapshot)
See also: Best Electric Dog Fences for Reliable, Humane Containment • Best Dog Boots for Basset Hound
These are the policies each brand advertises, checked October 2026 against the American Kennel Club’s July 2026 hotel chain guide and the brands’ published pet policies. They are a starting point, not a promise: franchised hotels set their own rules, so verify on the property page and with the front desk.
| Chain | Pet fee | Weight or breed limit | Pets per room | Cats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kimpton | None advertised | No size, weight or breed limit advertised | Check the hotel page | Yes, many species welcomed |
| Motel 6 | None advertised | Check the property | Up to 2 | Yes |
| Red Roof | First pet free; extra pets may carry a nightly fee | 80 lb per pet advertised | Up to 2 | Yes |
| La Quinta by Wyndham | Varies; an optional pet fee is listed in the brand policy | Weight limit at select locations | Up to 2 | Most locations; some exclude cats |
| Best Western | Varies by location | 80 lb per dog advertised | Up to 2 dogs | With prior approval |
| Comfort Inn and Suites | Nightly charge | Varies; breed restrictions may apply | Up to 2 | Yes |
| Hilton brands (Hampton, Home2, DoubleTree) | Varies by property | Varies; breed restrictions may apply | Varies | Yes |
| Marriott | Varies by property | Varies by property | Varies | Yes |
Fees and caps change often, which is why this table does not list prices. Look up the current fee on the hotel’s own pet policy page, and treat any older figure on a third-party site as out of date until the hotel confirms it.
How to Find Pet-Friendly Hotels on Booking, Expedia, Kayak and Airbnb
On Kayak, open the Amenities filters and switch on Pet Friendly. Other booking sites and apps use a similar pets-allowed amenity filter or a pet policy line in the property details, but the label changes, so check what yours calls it. For vacation rentals on Airbnb and similar sites, set the pets filter, then message the host to confirm size limits, fees and whether pets can be left alone.
On a platform such as Klook, or any listing with no clear pet line, open the policies or amenities section and then contact the property before you book. Pet directories like BringFido, GoPetFriendly and PetsWelcome list hotel policies, but they can lag behind the hotel, so use them to build a shortlist and confirm by phone.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
| Question | Why it matters | What to listen for |
|---|---|---|
| Is there a pet fee? | Fees can add noticeably to the cost of a stay | The exact amount, and whether it is refundable or a deposit |
| Is the fee per night or per stay? | On a multi-night trip, per-night fees add up quickly | A clear answer plus any maximum cap |
| Are there weight or breed limits? | Large dogs and certain breeds are sometimes excluded | Specific numbers and breed lists, not “small pets only” |
| How many pets per room? | Many properties limit the number of animals | Whether a second pet adds another fee |
| Can pets be left alone in the room? | Affects dinner plans, sightseeing and events | Rules on crating, time limits, or a total ban |
| Are there designated pet rooms? | Pet rooms may be on a certain floor or near exits | Room type, floor, and whether upgrades are restricted |
| Which areas are off-limits? | Lobbies, restaurants and pools often exclude pets | Where you can walk your pet and where relief areas are |
| Are cats and other animals included? | Some “pet-friendly” policies mean dogs only | Explicit confirmation for your species |
“Pet-Friendly” vs. “Pets Allowed”: What the Labels Often Mean
These terms are not standardized, so they mean whatever a given property decides. “Pets allowed” often means animals are permitted under conditions: a fee, a size cap, limited rooms. “Pet-friendly” can mean the same, or signal extras like treats, bowls, beds or a walking area.
Neither label tells you whether your 80-pound dog is welcome or whether you can leave your cat in the room while you eat dinner. In the US, service animals fall under separate rules, so a service animal policy is not a pet policy. Always ask about your specific animal.
Hotel Etiquette for Traveling With Pets
Good behavior protects your deposit and keeps pet-friendly rooms available.
- Never leave a barking or anxious dog alone. A dog barking in a strange room disturbs neighbors and can get you asked to leave.
- Crate your pet when you step out. A familiar crate keeps your pet safe and protects the room. Hang the do-not-disturb sign and tell the front desk a pet is inside.
- Clean up immediately. Pick up waste outdoors every time, and bring a blanket for the bed or sofa if your pet usually jumps up.
- Keep your pet leashed in shared spaces. Hallways, elevators and parking lots are full of people who may be nervous around animals.
- Stick to your routine. Our guide to crate training an anxious dog has more on keeping pets settled in new places.
Alternatives: Vacation Rentals and Campgrounds
Hotels are not always the best fit. Vacation rentals can offer a fenced yard, more space and a kitchen for preparing your pet’s usual food. The same rule applies, though: filter for pet-friendly listings, then message the host to confirm size limits, fees and whether pets may be left alone.
Campgrounds and RV parks are another option for dogs that enjoy the outdoors. Many welcome leashed pets, but rules on leash length, quiet hours and trail access differ, and some parks restrict pets from certain areas. If you are camping, read up on flea and tick prevention for dogs and ask your vet what suits your pet before you go.
What to Pack: The Pet Travel Kit
A well-packed kit makes any stay easier. These are the essentials worth buying before your trip.
Travel crate or carrier
A crate or carrier gives your pet a safe, familiar den in an unfamiliar room, and many hotels expect pets to be crated when left unattended. Choose one your pet can stand up, turn around and lie down in comfortably. See our guides to dog crates for small breeds, dog crates for medium breeds and cat carriers.
Collapsible bowls and a portable water bottle
Silicone collapsible bowls fold flat and weigh almost nothing. A portable water bottle with a built-in trough makes rest stops quick and keeps your pet hydrated.
A familiar blanket or bed
Your pet’s own unwashed blanket or bed smells like home, helps them settle, and protects hotel furniture.
Waste bags and cleanup supplies
Pack more waste bags than you think you need, plus an enzyme cleaner and paper towels for accidents. Cat owners should bring a disposable or travel litter box.
Vaccination records and ID
Carry a copy of vaccination records, both printed and on your phone. Some hotels and campgrounds ask for proof of rabies vaccination. Make sure your pet’s tag and microchip registration details are current; your vet or the microchip company can update them.
Calming aids and car seat cover
Pheromone sprays, calming chews or a snug anxiety wrap can help nervous travelers, but ask your vet before trying supplements or medication. A waterproof seat cover or hammock protects your car from hair, mud and drool, and pairs well with a crash-tested harness. See our guide to dog car seats for keeping dogs safe in the car.
| Item | Purpose | Packing tip |
|---|---|---|
| Travel crate or carrier | Safe space, often required when pet is unattended | Practice with it at home for weeks beforehand |
| Collapsible bowls | Food and water anywhere | Pack one per pet, clip to your bag |
| Portable water bottle | Hydration at rest stops | Fill before leaving; refill at every stop |
| Familiar blanket or bed | Comfort and furniture protection | Skip washing it right before the trip |
| Waste bags and cleaner | Cleanup outdoors and in the room | Keep a roll in every jacket and bag |
| Vaccination records | Proof for hotels, parks, borders | Printed copy plus a phone photo |
| Calming aids | Reduce travel stress | Test at home first; check with your vet |
| Car seat cover | Protects seats, keeps pet steady | Install before loading luggage |
| Food, treats, leash, medications | Routine and daily care | Pack a day or two extra of food and meds |
Health Paperwork and Cross-Border Travel
Before any trip, confirm vaccination and health requirements with your veterinarian. This is especially important for cross-border travel, which may require a health certificate issued within a specific window before departure, proof of rabies vaccination and sometimes a microchip. Requirements differ by destination and change, so check official government guidance early. A pre-trip checkup is also a good moment to review what to put in a pet first aid kit.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- The front desk says your pet exceeds the limit. Show the email or reservation note from your confirmation call and ask for a manager. This is why getting it in writing matters.
- Your pet will not settle. Set up the crate and blanket first, take a long walk, and keep the TV or a fan on low to mask hallway noise.
- Your pet has an accident. Clean it immediately with enzyme cleaner and tell the front desk. Honesty usually goes better than a surprise charge later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hotel chains are the most pet-friendly?
Kimpton, Motel 6 and Red Roof advertise some of the most generous brand-wide pet policies, but rules differ between properties within the same chain, especially franchised hotels, and fees and weight limits change over time. See the chain policy snapshot above, then filter your search and call the specific hotel to confirm its current policy.
Can I leave my dog alone in a hotel room?
It depends on the property. Some hotels ban unattended pets entirely, while others allow it if the pet is crated and the front desk has your phone number. Even when allowed, only leave a pet that stays quiet and calm when alone, and keep absences short.
Do pet-friendly hotels accept cats?
Many do, but not all. Some policies labeled pet-friendly actually cover dogs only, and a few properties set different fees for cats. Ask specifically about your species when you call, and bring a travel litter box, litter and a carrier so your cat has a secure place to hide.
What documents should I bring when traveling with a pet?
Carry a copy of vaccination records, especially proof of rabies vaccination, plus your vet’s contact details and any medication instructions. For travel across borders, you may need a health certificate issued within a set time frame. Confirm exact requirements with your veterinarian and official government sources for your destination well in advance.
How can I keep my pet calm during a hotel stay?
Bring familiar items like their own blanket and crate, keep feeding and walking times consistent, and exercise them well before settling in for the night. White noise helps mask hallway sounds. For anxious pets, ask your vet about calming aids and practice short trial stays or car trips before the real journey.
Do I have to rent a separate room for my dog?
No. Your pet stays in your room under the hotel’s pet policy. Some hotels assign designated pet rooms, often on certain floors, so ask when you book.
Can my dog sleep on the hotel bed or in a crate?
It depends on the property. Many hotels ask that pets be crated when left alone, and some ask you to keep pets off the furniture. Bring your own blanket and crate and ask what the hotel prefers.
Do pet-friendly hotels allow rabbits or other small animals?
Usually the policy covers dogs and cats only, though a few brands, such as Kimpton, advertise a welcome for many species. Call the property and ask about your species before you book.
Are there breed restrictions or muzzle rules?
Some hotels have breed or size restrictions, and some brands note that breed limits may apply. Ask for the written list and any rules about carriers, leashes or muzzles in shared areas.
Are service animals treated like pets at hotels?
No. Under the ADA a service animal is a dog trained to do work or tasks for a person with a disability, and emotional support animals do not qualify. Hotels cannot restrict guests with service animals to pet-friendly rooms or charge cleaning fees for shed hair or dander, though damage beyond that can be billed. Staff may ask only whether the dog is required because of a disability and what task it performs.
How do I find a pet-friendly resort or island stay?
Use the same steps: filter, shortlist, then call. Ask about the fee, beach and pool rules, restaurant access and whether a pet-sitting service is offered. Check any import or health certificate rules for the destination well ahead.
Gear for Hotel Stays and Where to Go Next
Packing for the trip? See crates for small dogs, crates for medium dogs, cat carriers and dog car seats. To leave your dog briefly, a pet camera helps you check on a settled dog, and calming chews compared is a place to start before you ask your vet. Browse the full Dogs Buying Guide for more dog gear.
Sources We Checked
- American Kennel Club, guide to dog-friendly hotel chains (July 2026)
- Published pet policies of Kimpton, Motel 6, Red Roof and La Quinta by Wyndham
- KAYAK, best hotels that allow dogs (Pet Friendly filter under Amenities)
- ADA.gov, Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA
Hotel policies change and franchised properties set their own, so treat this guide as a starting point and confirm every fee and limit with the hotel in writing.
