Pet-friendly hotels let your pet stay in your room with you, but the rules, fees, and room limits vary widely between chains and individual properties
A pet-friendly hotel accepts pets in guest rooms — usually dogs and cats, sometimes other animals — rather than requiring you to board them elsewhere. Most charge a one-time pet fee per stay (often $25 to $150) or a nightly fee, and many limit the number or size of pets. The fee does not cover damage; you remain responsible for any harm your pet causes. Before you book, you need to know the specific property's pet policy, because "pet-friendly" can mean anything from "one small dog under 20 pounds" to "multiple pets of any size."
The difference between chains matters. Some major hotel brands — Best Western, La Quinta, Motel 6 — allow pets at most or all locations with minimal restrictions. Others, like Marriott properties, vary by individual hotel. Independent hotels and smaller chains have their own rules. A property that accepts pets may still refuse yours if it exceeds their weight limit, if you have more than their maximum number, or if your pet has a history of behavioral issues.
Key Takeaways
- Pet fees range from $25 to $150 per stay or $15 to $50 per night, and you pay them in addition to your room rate — they are not included in advertised prices.
- Weight and size limits are the most common restriction; many hotels cap pets at 25 or 50 pounds, and some allow only one pet per room.
- You must tell the hotel about your pet when you book, not when you arrive; arriving with an undisclosed pet can result in refusal of service or extra charges.
- Pet-friendly does not mean damage-free; you are liable for any destruction, stains, or odors your pet causes, and hotels can charge cleaning fees beyond the pet fee.
- Chains like Best Western, La Quinta, and Motel 6 have pet policies at most locations, but always confirm with the specific property before booking.
How to find which hotels accept your pet
Start by filtering for pet-friendly properties on the booking site you use — Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and others all have a pet filter. This narrows the list, but the filter shows only that the chain or brand allows pets somewhere; it does not confirm that the specific property you are looking at does. After you narrow the list, click into each hotel's full policy page and search for the word "pet" to see the exact rules for that location.
Call the hotel directly before you book if the online policy is unclear or if your pet is large, multiple, or unusual. The front desk or reservations line can tell you the weight limit, number limit, and fee structure for that exact property. This step takes five minutes and prevents you from booking a room your pet cannot stay in. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date, in case there is a dispute later.
Some smaller hotels and independent properties do not list their pet policy online. If you cannot find it, call and ask. Many will accept pets but straightforward do not advertise it because they handle each case individually.
Pet fees, deposits, and what they cover
Pet fees fall into two categories: a one-time fee per stay, or a nightly fee. A one-time fee is usually $25 to $75 and covers your pet for the entire stay, no matter how many nights. A nightly fee runs $15 to $50 per night and adds up quickly on longer trips — a three-night stay with a $25 nightly fee costs $75 just for the pet. Some hotels charge both a one-time fee and a nightly fee, so read the policy carefully.
A pet fee is not a damage deposit. It is a non-refundable charge that goes to the hotel regardless of whether your pet causes any harm. If your pet damages the room, stains the carpet, or leaves odors, the hotel can charge you an additional cleaning or damage fee on top of the pet fee — sometimes $200 to $500 or more. Pet-friendly does not mean consequence-free.
Some hotels require a refundable pet deposit instead of or in addition to a pet fee. A deposit is held at check-in and returned at check-out if there is no damage. Always ask whether the charge is a fee (non-refundable) or a deposit (refundable) before you book.
Weight limits, size restrictions, and number of pets allowed
The most common restriction is weight. Many hotels cap pets at 25 pounds, 50 pounds, or 75 pounds. Some have no weight limit but require advance notice for large animals. A few chains, like La Quinta, allow pets of any size at no extra charge, but this is rare. If your pet is close to or over the limit, call the property and ask; some managers will make exceptions for calm, well-behaved animals.
Number limits are equally important. Most hotels allow one pet per room, though some allow two or more. If you have multiple pets, confirm the limit before booking. A property that allows one dog may not allow a dog and a cat in the same room.
Exotic pets — rabbits, birds, reptiles, ferrets — are usually not covered by standard pet policies. Some hotels will accept them, but you must ask directly. Emotional support animals and service animals have different rules under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act; if your animal is registered as either, mention this when you call, because the hotel's pet policy may not explore.
What to do when you check in and during your stay
Disclose your pet at the time of booking, not at check-in. If you book online and do not see a pet option, call the hotel to add your pet to the reservation. Arriving with an undisclosed pet gives the hotel grounds to refuse your room, charge you extra, or ask you to leave. The reservation system needs to flag your room as pet-occupied so housekeeping knows to take extra care.
At check-in, the front desk will confirm the pet fee and may ask you to sign a pet agreement stating that you are responsible for any damage. Keep your pet in the room when housekeeping enters, or ask housekeeping to come back later. Do not leave your pet alone in the room for extended periods; many hotels prohibit this, and it stresses the animal.
Use the designated pet relief areas if the hotel provides them — usually a grassy area outside the building. Clean up after your pet when ready. Keep your pet quiet to avoid disturbing other guests. If your pet has an accident in the room, report it to the front desk right away so housekeeping can address it before checkout; hiding it can result in a large damage charge.
Comparing chains with the most consistent pet policies
| Hotel Chain | Pet Policy | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Quinta | Pets stay free at most locations | No charge | One of the most pet-friendly chains; no weight limit at most properties |
| Best Western | Pet-friendly at most locations | $20–$50 per stay | Policies vary by property; always confirm weight and number limits |
| Motel 6 | Pets stay free | No charge | Budget chain; pets stay free at most locations, but call ahead to confirm |
| Red Roof | One pet stays free | No charge for first pet | Additional pets may incur a fee; confirm at booking |
| Kimpton Hotels | Pets stay free | No charge | Luxury chain; no weight limit; pet beds and bowls provided |
| Marriott properties | Varies by location | $50–$150 per stay | Some allow pets, some do not; check individual property policy |
La Quinta, Motel 6, and Red Roof are the most reliably pet-friendly budget chains. Best Western properties vary, so confirm with the specific location. Kimpton Hotels, a luxury brand, allows pets free and provides amenities like pet beds. Marriott, Hilton, and other large chains have mixed policies — some properties allow pets and some do not, so you cannot assume based on the brand alone.
What to pack and how to prepare your pet
Bring your pet's regular food and water bowls, food, and any medications. Hotels provide neither. Pack a leash, waste bags, and any comfort items your pet needs — a bed, toys, or a crate if your pet is crate-trained. If your pet is anxious in new environments, talk to your veterinarian before the trip about whether anti-anxiety medication or calming supplements might help.
Make sure your pet's vaccinations are current and bring proof if requested. Some hotels ask for vaccination records, especially for dogs. If your pet has behavioral issues — excessive barking, aggression, or destructiveness — a hotel stay may not be the right choice; boarding or leaving your pet with a trusted person may be better for everyone.
Arrive early if possible so your pet has time to adjust to the room before evening. Take your pet outside frequently to reduce the chance of accidents. Keep the "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door if you step out, so housekeeping does not enter unexpectedly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my pet if I did not mention it when I booked?
You can try, but the hotel is not obligated to accept it. If the room was not flagged as pet-occupied during booking, the hotel may refuse, charge you a higher fee, or move you to a different room. It is always better to call and add your pet to the reservation before you arrive.
What happens if my pet damages the room?
You are responsible for any damage. The hotel will charge you a damage or cleaning fee in addition to the pet fee. This can range from $100 to $500 or more depending on the damage. Pet liability is not usually covered by travel insurance, so prevention is your best option.
Are service animals and emotional support animals treated differently?
Yes. Service animals trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act and cannot be refused or charged a fee. Emotional support animals have fewer legal protections and may be subject to the hotel's standard pet policy. Always disclose the animal's status when you book.
Can I leave my pet alone in the room while I go out?
Many hotels prohibit leaving pets unattended in rooms. Even if it is allowed, leaving your pet alone for long periods causes stress and increases the risk of accidents or destructive behavior. If you plan to be out most of the day, consider boarding your pet or choosing a hotel with a pet daycare service.
Do pet fees explore to all pets, or just dogs?
Policies vary. Most hotels that allow pets accept dogs and cats. Smaller animals like rabbits or birds may or may not be covered. Exotic pets are usually not allowed. Always ask about your specific pet type when you call to book.