By Amy Tokic,
Traveling with your dog has never been easier. More hotels and vacation rentals are welcoming four-legged guests than ever before, giving dog owners plenty of options when planning a trip away from home.
Whether you’re planning your first hotel stay with a dog or simply want to know what to expect before you book, understanding how pet-friendly hotels work — and what they typically ask of guests — can make the experience smoother for everyone.
Check that it’s pet-friendly
Since not all hotels welcome animals, confirming a hotel’s pet policy before booking is crucial. Most pet-friendly hotels advertise this on their website, though it’s worth double-checking even then, as policies can change and previously pet-friendly hotels may no longer accept animals.
If you’re booking through a third-party site and can’t find the hotel’s pet policy, reach out to them directly via phone, email, or the booking platform’s messaging feature — though if using the latter, make sure you’ve booked a cancellable room first.
It’s also worth noting that “pet-friendly” means different things at different hotels. At a minimum, it means some pets are permitted, but not necessarily all. Some hotels go further and offer amenities like pet beds, food bowls, or designated relief areas, while others simply allow animals on the premises with no additional provisions.
Ground floor room
When booking a pet-friendly hotel, ask whether ground floor rooms are available. Many properties set aside these rooms specifically for guests with dogs, and they often include a direct door to the outside — a practical feature that makes bathroom breaks much easier. You won’t have to rush through lobbies or navigate elevators with a dog that can’t wait another minute.
It’s also worth requesting a room away from high-traffic areas. Hallways with constant foot traffic can be unsettling for dogs, and the steady stream of passing strangers may trigger barking — which is stressful for your dog and disruptive for neighbouring guests. A quieter corner of the property can make a noticeable difference for everyone.
Use a dog crate or play pen
Bringing a crate or pen is a smart move when staying in a hotel with your dog. It keeps them safe and contained in an unfamiliar environment where curiosity can quickly lead to chewed furniture or other unwanted surprises. A crate also prevents the stressful scenario of a dog bolting out the door the moment it opens.
For dogs that are already crate-trained at home, the crate can actually be a source of comfort — a small, familiar space in the middle of an unfamiliar place. Even if your dog doesn’t typically use a crate, packing their bed or a favorite blanket can help them settle more quickly. A familiar scent goes a long way toward making a strange room feel a little more like home.
Mind your mess
Every hotel has its own pet policy, so take the time to read the rules and follow them. Many properties don’t allow dogs on beds or upholstered furniture — and even at hotels that do, it’s good practice to bring your own sheets or blankets to protect surfaces. It’s also worth doing a quick check before heading back inside after a walk; a muddy dog tracking through a hotel room is nobody’s idea of a good time.
The same courtesy extends outdoors. Before you arrive, ask the hotel where dogs are permitted to relieve themselves, and always clean up after your dog. Pack plenty of waste bags — and a few wipes for good measure. Keeping the grounds clean is one of the simplest and most visible ways to show hotel staff that pet owners can be trusted guests.
Think about mealtimes
A hotel with great dining is one of the pleasures of travel — but it raises a practical question for dog owners: what happens to your dog while you linger over a long dinner or a leisurely breakfast?
It’s worth thinking through your options before you arrive. Some dogs are perfectly comfortable being left alone in a hotel room for a couple of hours; others may bark, become anxious, or cause damage. If your dog falls into the latter category, check whether the hotel offers dog-sitting services — some do, though usually for an added fee. It’s also worth asking whether any dining areas welcome dogs, as some pet-friendly properties have outdoor terraces or designated spaces where your dog can join you at the table.
Before you hit the road on your next adventure with your dog, make sure your hotel digs are ready for you — and you’re ready for them. With just a bit of planning, your stay will be a five-star experience.
