Pet-Friendly Hotels: How to Find and Book a Hotel That Welcomes Your Dog
How to find genuinely pet-friendly hotels in the UK, US and Australia: pet fees, size limits, questions to ask, hotel etiquette and tips for a smooth stay with your dog.
Key takeaways
- 'Pet-friendly' can mean anything from 'allowed with restrictions' to 'treats and beds provided'; always check the policy.
- Expect fees, weight limits and limits on the number of pets.
- Book direct or call to confirm, and mention your pet in the reservation.
- Assistance animals are treated differently from pets under disability law.
In this guide
Travelling with your dog makes a trip feel complete, but finding a hotel that truly welcomes pets can be tricky. Here is how to find the right place and make the stay a success.
What "pet-friendly" really means
The term covers a wide range:
- Pets allowed with fees, size limits and rules.
- Pet-friendly rooms only on certain floors or with outdoor access.
- Pet-welcoming hotels with beds, bowls, treats, dog-walking areas and even pet menus.
Always read the specific policy rather than relying on a filter.
Typical policies to check
| Policy | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Fee | Per night, per stay, or a deposit? Refundable? |
| Size / weight limit | Is there a maximum weight? |
| Number of pets | One or two per room? |
| Types of pets | Dogs only, or cats and others too? |
| Room allocation | Specific rooms or floors? |
| Leaving pets alone | Allowed, crated only, or not at all? |
| Public areas | Allowed in lobby, bar, restaurant? |
| Cleaning fee | Extra for shedding or damage? |
How to find pet-friendly hotels
- Use filters on booking sites but always verify.
- Check chain policies. Several large chains have pet-friendly brands or properties, with policies set at hotel level.
- Call or email the hotel to confirm, and get the answer in writing.
- Look for rural and coastal hotels, which are often more dog-friendly.
- Read reviews from pet owners.
Country notes
United Kingdom
Britain is known for dog-friendly pubs, cottages and countryside hotels. Many coastal and rural hotels welcome dogs, sometimes with dog-friendly dining areas. Some beaches have seasonal dog restrictions, so check before you go.
United States
Many US hotel chains accept pets at some or all locations, and dog-friendly travel is widely catered for. Fees and weight limits are common. National parks have specific rules for pets on trails.
Australia
Pet-friendly accommodation is growing but more limited than in the UK or US, particularly in cities. Many national parks do not allow dogs. Holiday homes and caravan parks are often the easiest options. Check state rules on dogs at beaches.
Etiquette for a smooth stay
- Bring your dog's bed, bowls, lead, waste bags and a familiar toy.
- Use a crate if your dog is calm in one.
- Put a "pet in room" sign on the door, or tell housekeeping.
- Do not leave your dog alone if it barks or is anxious.
- Walk and clean up after your dog in designated areas.
- Use a towel after walks on rainy days to protect furnishings.
Assistance and service animals
Assistance dogs (UK and Australia) and service animals (US) are not pets. Disability and equality laws in all three countries generally require businesses to admit them, and hotels typically cannot charge pet fees. Definitions differ: for example, US federal rules under the ADA define service animals as dogs trained to perform tasks, and emotional support animals are treated differently. Carry relevant documentation where appropriate.
Questions to ask before you book
Copy this list into an email to the hotel:
- Do you accept dogs (or cats), and is there a size or weight limit?
- What is the pet fee, and is it per night or per stay?
- Is there a refundable deposit?
- Which rooms or floors are pet-friendly? Do any have outdoor access?
- Can pets be left alone in the room? If so, must they be crated?
- Are pets allowed in the lobby, bar, restaurant or garden?
- Are there nearby walking areas or dog-friendly parks?
- Do you provide beds, bowls or treats?
Packing list for your dog
- Lead, harness and spare collar with ID tag.
- Food (enough for the trip plus extra) and treats.
- Bowls for food and water.
- Bed or blanket that smells of home.
- Waste bags.
- Towels for muddy paws.
- Any medication and vaccination records.
- A familiar toy.
- A crate if your dog uses one.
Travelling abroad with pets
Taking a pet abroad involves more than finding a hotel:
- From the UK: travelling to the EU requires an animal health certificate and other requirements such as microchipping and rabies vaccination. Rules can change, so check GOV.UK.
- From the US: requirements vary by destination country; the USDA APHIS website has guidance.
- To or from Australia: strict biosecurity rules apply, and importing pets involves permits and quarantine. Check the Department of Agriculture website well in advance.
Dog-friendly holiday ideas
- UK: Cornwall, Devon, the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Northumberland and the Scottish Highlands have many dog-friendly cottages, inns and hotels.
- US: Coastal towns in Maine and Oregon, Asheville in North Carolina, and many national forests and state parks.
- Australia: coastal towns in New South Wales and Victoria, and Tasmania's dog-friendly walking areas (national parks generally exclude dogs).
The bottom line
Read the full pet policy, confirm by phone or email, and pack for your dog as carefully as for yourself. With the right hotel, travelling with your four-legged friend can be the best kind of trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do pet-friendly hotels charge extra?
Many do, either per night or per stay, and some take a refundable deposit. Some hotels and chains allow pets free. Always check the current policy.
Can I leave my dog alone in a hotel room?
Many hotels do not allow pets to be left unattended, or require them to be crated. Check the hotel's rules, and tell reception if you must leave your dog briefly.
Are service dogs allowed in all hotels?
In the UK, US and Australia, disability laws generally require hotels to allow assistance or service animals, and hotels usually cannot charge pet fees for them. Rules differ, so check local law.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
