"Pet friendly" on a hotel listing only means pets are allowed under some conditions. Those conditions vary enormously: fees (from zero to a charge per night), weight limits, a maximum number of pets, breed restrictions, and rules about leaving your dog alone in the room. Before you book, ask about all five — and get the answer in writing.
In this guide
- The five things "pet friendly" can hide
- Per night vs. per stay: do the math
- Two chain policies, as examples
- How to book without surprises
- What to pack for a hotel stay
- Being a good hotel guest
- Service animals are different
- A two-minute room safety check
- Vacation rentals: a different set of rules
- If something goes wrong
- Frequently asked questions
This guide explains what each policy term means, which questions to ask, how two well-known chains handle pets, and how to be the kind of guest that keeps hotels pet friendly.
The five things "pet friendly" can hide
| Policy | What you'll see | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | None; a flat fee per stay; a fee per night; a refundable deposit; a cleaning fee | "Is the pet fee per night or per stay, and is any of it refundable?" |
| Weight or size limit | Often stated in pounds per pet | "What's the weight limit, per pet?" |
| Number of pets | Commonly one or two per room | "Can I bring two dogs, and does the second cost extra?" |
| Breed restrictions | Some properties exclude certain breeds | "Do you have any breed restrictions?" |
| Unattended pets | Allowed if crated; not allowed; allowed with notice to the front desk | "Can my dog stay in the room if I go to dinner?" |
Also ask about room types (some hotels assign pets to specific floors or ground-floor rooms) and where to walk your dog on the property.
Per night vs. per stay: do the math
A per-night pet fee adds up fast on a longer trip. A modest nightly fee over a week can cost more than a larger one-time fee. When comparing hotels, calculate the total pet cost for your whole stay, not the headline number.
Two chain policies, as examples
Kimpton: no fees, no size limits
Kimpton, an IHG Hotels & Resorts brand, is known for one of the most generous policies in the industry: pets of any size, weight and breed are welcome at its hotels with no extra fee and no pet deposit. Many Kimpton properties add extras like beds and bowls on request.
Red Roof: first pet stays free
Red Roof, a budget chain, advertises that a well-behaved pet stays free. Details such as weight limits and charges for a second pet can vary, so check the policy for your specific property before you book.
Chain policies are a starting point, not a guarantee. Individual properties — especially franchised ones — can set their own rules. Always confirm with the specific hotel.
How to book without surprises
- Filter for pet-friendly properties on the hotel's own site or your booking app.
- Read the pet policy for that exact property, not just the brand page.
- Call the hotel directly and ask the five questions above.
- Add your pet to the reservation, noting weight and number of pets.
- Get it in writing — a confirmation email mentioning the pet saves arguments at check-in.
- Ask for a ground-floor room near an exit if you'll be taking your dog out often.
What to pack for a hotel stay
- Your dog's bed or a familiar blanket
- Food and bowls, plus a mat for under them
- A crate, if your dog is crate-trained — and required if you'll leave it alone
- Waste bags, and a roll of paper towels
- Enzyme cleaner for accidents
- A lint roller (hotels notice fur on bedspreads)
- Vaccination records — some hotels ask
Being a good hotel guest
In the room
- Keep your dog off the bed unless the hotel allows it; if it's allowed, bring your own sheet or blanket to put on top.
- Put the "Do Not Disturb" sign up whenever your dog is in the room, so housekeeping doesn't walk in on a surprised dog.
- Crate when you're out, if leaving your dog is allowed at all. New places make dogs anxious, and anxious dogs bark and chew.
- Tell the front desk if you'll leave your dog, and leave your number.
Around the property
- Leash in all public areas — lobby, elevators, hallways.
- Take the stairs or wait if someone in the elevator seems uneasy about dogs.
- Use the designated pet area, and pick up every time.
- Keep your dog out of the restaurant and breakfast area unless it's clearly allowed.
Barking
Barking is the number one reason hotels regret allowing pets. Walk your dog well before settling in for the night, give it a long-lasting chew, and white noise (a fan or phone app) can mask hallway sounds that trigger barking.
Service animals are different
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, hotels must generally allow service animals — dogs trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability — and can't charge pet fees or deposits for them, though guests can be charged for damage. Emotional support animals and pets don't have these protections at hotels, so pet policies apply to them.
A two-minute room safety check
Hotel rooms aren't dog-proofed. When you arrive, take a quick look before letting your dog explore:
- Under the bed and furniture: previous guests' pills, wrappers or food are common, and some are dangerous to dogs.
- Cords and chargers: keep them off the floor for chewers.
- Balconies: make sure your dog can't squeeze through railings, and never leave it on a balcony alone.
- Toiletries and cleaning supplies: keep bathroom counters clear.
- The door: dogs can slip out when housekeeping or room service knocks. Crate or hold your dog before opening it.
Vacation rentals: a different set of rules
Private rentals can be great for dogs — more space, sometimes a yard — but their pet rules are set by each host. Check the listing for pet fees, limits on number and size, whether dogs may be left alone, and whether the yard is fully fenced. Ask the host before booking if anything is unclear, and keep the conversation in the booking platform's messages.
If something goes wrong
Accidents happen. If your dog damages something or has an accident on the carpet, tell the front desk right away rather than hoping it goes unnoticed. Offering to pay for cleaning or repair up front is usually cheaper — and it keeps hotels willing to host dogs.
Frequently asked questions
What does "pet friendly" mean at a hotel?
It means pets are allowed under certain conditions, which can include fees, weight limits, a maximum number of pets, breed restrictions and rules about leaving pets alone in the room.
Which hotel chain has no pet fees?
Kimpton accepts pets of any size, weight and breed with no extra fee or deposit. Red Roof advertises that a pet stays free. Always confirm with the specific property.
Can I leave my dog alone in a hotel room?
It depends on the hotel. Some allow it if the dog is crated, some require notice to the front desk, and some don't allow it at all. Ask before you book.
Do hotels charge fees for service animals?
No. Under the ADA, hotels can't charge pet fees for service animals, though guests can be responsible for damage.
How can I avoid surprise pet fees?
Call the hotel, ask whether the fee is per night or per stay and whether any part is refundable, and get the answer in your confirmation email.
Sources: Kimpton Hotels (IHG) pet policy; Red Roof pet policy; U.S. Department of Justice ADA guidance on service animals. Hotel policies change and vary by property — confirm before booking.
