Traveling with your dog might feel overwhelming, but the more prepared you are the easier it gets. I still remember the first time we stayed in a hotel with Chase, I was so worried that he’d get nervous and bark as people passed by or any new sounds. Luckily, things went well, and we’ve stayed in dozens of hotels since. To help you navigate staying in pet-friendly hotels, here are some of our tips and recommendations from doing your hotel research to avoiding accidents and complaints.

Where to start: Do your hotel research

As I’m sure you already know, not all hotels are pet-friendly. Most hotels that are pet-friendly will advertise it clearly on their website through the booking process, FAQ page or pet policy. If you can’t find information on their website then it’s best to contact the hotel directly. Doing so also gives you more up-to-date information in case their rules have changed.

It’s also important to note that some hotel chain’s pet policies are different for each location, so don’t assume that because you stayed at one Hilton, for example, that all Hilton’s have the same rules.

Some popular pet-friendly hotels are:

StayPineapple – A chain of cute boutique hotels that are all pet friendly.

Kimpton – Owned by IHG hotels and resorts, this chain welcomes cats, dogs, and pets of all sizes at no extra charge.

Red Roof Inns – Pets are welcome and stay free, but keep these rules in mind.

La Quinta – Find their pet friendly locations here.

Book the pet-friendly rooms and check for any pet restrictions or fees

It’s critical to follow up with the hotel on any pet restrictions or fees. This might include, but isn’t limited to size (weight), number of pets, or even breed restrictions. Failing to check these details could mean you’re turned away at check-in.

Many hotels also require a pet deposit or a pet stay fee. These fees might be a flat fee or charged per night. Once you’ve double checked all the rules and fees and you’re ready to book, be sure that you’ve selected the pet-friendly room at a hotel, and if possible, consider booking a ground-level rooms for more convenient bathroom breaks. For some, this can also help alleviate potential anxiousness around elevators. If we do end up on the second or third floor then we request a room close to the stairwell. While our dogs are fine in the elevator, we like having the option of running up or down the stairs for a quick bathroom break versus waiting for the elevator. It’s usually less crowded this way, too.

Preparing for your trip & What to pack

Now that your hotel is booked, it’s time to get ready for your trip. While some hotels might provide some pet-friendly items like beds and bowls, the majority do not. Here’s how we pack for success:

• Bring a travel bed or blanket that’s their own and they’re already familiar with.
• Pack plenty their normal food and treats. Sometimes we pack a special treat but you shouldn’t change your pet’s diet when traveling.
• Keep a set of travel bowls handy for food and water.
• Bring chews and/or enrichment toys to keep them entertained. If your pet is on the more anxious side, you might consider bringing calming chews.
• Have a copy of your pet’s vaccination records handy.

We also like to review some obedience training before we travel. We usually brush up on behavior like loose leash walking, sit and stay, and spending some time in public spaces to avoid barking at new sights or sounds.

For additional travel packing tips, check out our Planning Dog-Friendly Road Trips.

Stick to a schedule

Dogs like routines. Sticking as close to your regular schedule as much as possible can help your dog feel a little less anxious. One thing we know that benefits our dogs the most is sticking to their regular wake up and meal times.

Leaving your pet in your room

Hotels have different rules around leaving pets unattended in rooms. Always double check if this is permitted and whether or not they need to be crated. If leaving your pet in the room is permitted, be sure to prepare them for success. Give them time to acclimated to the new space, and start by only leaving them for short periods of time. If it’s their first time staying in a hotel, it’s probably best not to leave them alone.

Note: be sure to use the do not disturb signs (or some pet-specific sign if provided) when you are out of the room.