Last summer, I drove eight hours to the coast with my Golden Retriever, Duke, only to discover the “pet-friendly” hotel I’d booked had a 40-pound weight limit buried in the fine print. Duke weighs 75 pounds. At 11 PM, with a tired dog and no backup plan, I ended up at a La Quinta off the highway — which, thankfully, has one of the best pet policies in the business.
That experience taught me something I now preach to every dog owner planning a trip: finding dog-friendly accommodation takes real homework, not just a quick filter click. The good news? Once you know where to look and what to watch for, traveling with your dog becomes genuinely enjoyable. I’ve stayed at dozens of hotels and rentals with my dogs over the years, and I’ve got strong feelings about what works.
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or a two-week vacation, this guide covers everything from decoding pet policies to getting your big dog approved at places that normally say no.
Understanding Pet Policies at Hotels and Rentals
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize — “pet-friendly” doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere. Not even close. Some places genuinely welcome dogs with open arms, water bowls in the lobby, and treat bags at check-in. Others technically allow pets but make the experience so restrictive and expensive that you wonder why they bother.
Before you book anything, you need to understand the three big variables: fees, restrictions, and the property’s actual attitude toward dogs.
Pet Fees and Deposits Explained
Pet fees are all over the map, and they add up faster than most people expect.
Hotels typically charge in one of two ways:
– A flat per-stay fee (usually $25–$75)
– A per-night fee ($25–$150 per night)
That per-night model can get brutal on longer trips. A week at a hotel charging $75/night in pet fees means an extra $525 on top of your room rate. I’ve seen some boutique hotels charge $150 per night for dogs. At that point, you’re basically booking a second room for your pet.
Vacation rentals work differently. Most charge a one-time pet cleaning fee between $50 and $200, regardless of how long you stay. This is almost always the better deal for trips longer than a couple nights.
| Fee Type | Hotels | Vacation Rentals |
|---|---|---|
| Per night | $25–$150 | Rare |
| One-time flat fee | $25–$75 | $50–$200 |
| Refundable deposit | $100–$500 | $200–$500 |
| No fee | Some chains (La Quinta, Red Roof) | Varies by host |
Pro tip: Always ask if the pet fee is refundable. Some hotels frame it as a “deposit” but actually keep it regardless. Get clarity before you hand over your credit card.
Weight and Breed Restrictions to Watch For
This is where things get frustrating, especially if you have a larger dog. Most hotel chains cap pet weight at 50 to 75 pounds. That immediately rules out Goldens, Labs, German Shepherds, and basically every dog over medium size at a huge chunk of hotels.
Breed restrictions are even more aggravating. Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds frequently appear on restricted breed lists — not because of any individual dog’s behavior, but because of insurance policies. I’ve seen the sweetest, most well-trained Rottweiler turned away while a yappy, untrained small dog got the welcome mat. It’s not fair, but it’s reality.
What to do about it:
– Call the property directly. Online policies sometimes differ from what the front desk will actually enforce.
– Ask about the specific breed restriction list. Some hotels restrict by name but don’t actually check or care about mixes.
– Chains like La Quinta and Kimpton have no weight or breed restrictions at all. These are your best friends if you have a big dog.
Pet-Friendly vs Pet-Tolerant Properties
There’s a real difference between a place that welcomes dogs and a place that simply doesn’t ban them. Pet-friendly means dog amenities, staff who smile when they see your pup, maybe a dog park or walking trail nearby. Pet-tolerant means they’ll take your money but you’ll get sideways looks in the elevator.
How to tell the difference before you book? Read reviews from other dog owners. If nobody mentions bringing a dog in the reviews, that tells you something. Check if the property lists specific dog amenities. And honestly, just call them. You can hear it in someone’s voice whether they’re excited about dogs or just reciting a policy.
Best Platforms for Finding Dog-Friendly Stays
Not all booking platforms handle pet-friendly searches equally. Some make it easy to find dog-friendly hotels, while others bury the pet filter under six menus.
Hotel Chains with the Best Pet Policies
After years of traveling with dogs, these are my go-to chains:
La Quinta — No pet fees. No weight limits. No breed restrictions. Up to two pets per room. This is the gold standard for budget-friendly dog travel, full stop.
Kimpton Hotels — No pet fees, no weight limits, no breed restrictions. They’re on the pricier side, but the pet experience is genuinely fantastic. They’ll bring a dog bed and water bowl to your room.
Red Roof Inn — One pet under 80 pounds stays free. Budget-friendly and consistent about it.
Best Western — Allows dogs up to 80 pounds with a $20/day fee (max two pets). Reasonable and widely available.
Hilton brands — Policies vary wildly by property. Some Hilton Garden Inns are great, others don’t allow pets at all. Home2 Suites by Hilton is usually the most dog-friendly option in the Hilton family.
Marriott brands — Same inconsistency as Hilton. Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites tend to be more pet-friendly than the flagship Marriott hotels.
Vacation Rental Sites with Pet Filters
For pet friendly vacation rentals, these platforms make the search process least painful:
Airbnb — Has a “Pets allowed” filter right on the search page. But here’s what most people miss: even with the filter on, you need to read the house rules carefully. Some hosts allow pets but only cats, or only dogs under 20 pounds. The filter just means the host checked a box. My dog friendly Airbnb tips? Always message the host before booking. Tell them your dog’s breed, size, and temperament. Saves everyone a headache.
Vrbo — Pet filter works similarly to Airbnb. Vrbo tends to have more whole-house rentals, which are generally better for dogs anyway. No shared hallways, usually a yard.
BringFido.com — This is the platform most people don’t know about, and it’s specifically built for traveling with dog accommodation tips in mind. Every listing is verified pet-friendly, and they show exact pet policies, fees, and restrictions upfront. I use it as my starting point for every trip.
Dog-Specific Travel Apps and Websites
Beyond the big booking platforms:
- BringFido (app and website) — Hotel search, dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and activities all in one place
- GoPetFriendly.com — Road trip planner that maps pet-friendly stops along your route
- Rover — Not for hotels, but invaluable if you need a pet sitter at your destination for a few hours
- Google Maps — Seriously. Search “dog-friendly hotels near [destination]” and check the reviews. The crowd-sourced info is often more current than booking site filters
How to Get Your Dog Approved at Stricter Properties
Sometimes the perfect rental or hotel has a cautious pet policy. That doesn’t always mean no. I’ve talked my way into several properties that initially seemed like a no-go, and a “pet resume” was the thing that sealed it every time.
Creating a Pet Resume
This sounds ridiculous. I know. But it works shockingly well, especially with vacation rental hosts who are nervous about allowing dogs.
What to include:
- Your dog’s name, breed, age, and weight (with a photo — make it a cute one)
- Vaccination records (rabies, DHPP, bordetella)
- Spay/neuter status
- A brief paragraph about your dog’s temperament and training
- Any certifications (more on this below)
- Your commitment to cleaning up after your dog and paying for any damages
- References from previous landlords, hotels, or pet sitters
I keep Duke’s pet resume as a PDF on my phone. When a Vrbo host says “we’re hesitant about large dogs,” I send it over. The conversion rate is honestly about 80%. People are nervous about the unknown — a pet resume removes the mystery.
References and Certifications That Help
If you really want to open doors, these credentials carry weight:
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) — This certification proves your dog can behave in public situations. It tests things like sitting politely for petting, walking on a loose leash, and remaining calm around other dogs. Many rental hosts have told me the CGC certificate was what tipped them from “maybe” to “yes.”
Veterinary reference letter — A quick letter from your vet confirming your dog is healthy, up to date on vaccinations, and well-behaved during visits. Takes five minutes to request.
Previous host reviews — If you’ve stayed at pet-friendly rentals before and the host left you a good review, screenshot it. Social proof works.
Preparing Your Dog for a Hotel Stay
A well-prepared dog makes the whole trip smoother. And honestly, most “problem” dogs in hotels aren’t bad dogs — they’re just in an unfamiliar environment without their normal comforts.
What to Pack for Your Dog
I’ve refined this packing list over probably 30 trips:
The essentials:
– Food and treats (bring more than you think you’ll need)
– Collapsible water bowl
– Leash and harness
– Waste bags (way more than you think)
– Vaccination records and any medication
– A familiar blanket or bed from home — this one matters more than people realize
The game-changers:
– A white noise machine or app. Hotel hallway noise is the #1 cause of barking.
– A Kong or long-lasting chew for quiet time
– Enzyme cleaner spray (accidents happen, and hotel carpet is unforgiving)
– A sheet or lightweight cover to put over hotel bedding if your dog sleeps on the bed
– An exercise pen or baby gate if your dog isn’t crate-trained
Hotel Room Etiquette with Dogs
Never leave your dog alone in the room unless you’re absolutely certain they won’t bark. Even five minutes of barking can get you a noise complaint. If your dog has separation anxiety, either bring a crate they’re comfortable in or use Rover to find a local sitter.
Put out the “Do Not Disturb” sign whenever your dog is in the room. Housekeeping opening the door unexpectedly is how dogs escape hotel rooms. This happens more often than you’d think.
Take your dog out frequently — at least every 4 to 5 hours. Use the designated pet relief areas if the hotel has them. And always clean up immediately. One irresponsible dog owner ruins it for everyone else.
Keep your dog off hotel furniture unless you brought a cover. Dog hair on white hotel duvets is a fast track to losing your pet deposit.
Hidden Costs of Traveling with Dogs
The pet fee is just the beginning. Here’s what actually hits your wallet when you’re figuring out how to find dog friendly hotels and working out the full budget:
| Expense | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Hotel pet fee | $25–$150/night |
| Rental cleaning fee | $50–$200 one-time |
| Pet damage deposit | $100–$500 (refundable, maybe) |
| Dog daycare at destination | $30–$60/day |
| Extra gas (more stops on road trips) | $20–$50 per trip |
| Emergency vet visit (unfamiliar area) | $150–$500+ |
| Replacement items (forgotten leash, bowl) | $15–$40 |
On a typical week-long vacation, dog-related travel costs add $200 to $600 to your total trip budget. Know this going in so there are no surprises. And budget an emergency fund — my Border Collie once ate something weird at a beach rental and the after-hours vet visit was $380.
The flip side? Traveling with your dog eliminates boarding costs ($30–$75/day at home) and the guilt of leaving them behind. For me, that tradeoff is always worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Airbnb properties allow dogs?
No. Only properties where the host has enabled the “Pets allowed” setting will show up when you use the pet filter. Even then, many hosts have size or breed restrictions in their house rules. Always message the host before booking to confirm your specific dog is welcome.
What’s the most dog-friendly hotel chain in the US?
La Quinta, hands down. No pet fees, no weight restrictions, no breed bans, and they allow up to two pets per room. Kimpton is the best upscale option with the same no-restriction policy but at a higher price point.
Can hotels legally ban specific dog breeds?
Yes. Hotels are private businesses and can set their own pet policies, including breed restrictions. The exception is service dogs — hotels cannot refuse a legitimate service animal regardless of breed or size under the ADA.
How far in advance should I book dog-friendly accommodation?
At least 2 to 4 weeks ahead, especially during peak travel seasons. Dog-friendly rooms and rentals are limited inventory. During summer and holidays, I’ve seen entire destinations sell out of pet-friendly options a month in advance.
Is it cheaper to board my dog or bring them along?
It depends on trip length. For trips under 4 days, boarding is usually cheaper. For longer trips, bringing your dog often breaks even or saves money — especially if you choose fee-free chains like La Quinta or vacation rentals with reasonable one-time cleaning fees.
The Bottom Line
Finding great dog-friendly accommodation isn’t hard once you know the system. Start your search on BringFido to see verified options, cross-reference with the booking platforms, and always — always — read the actual pet policy before you book. Call the property if anything is unclear.
Build a pet resume for your dog. It takes 20 minutes and will serve you for years. Get that CGC certification if you haven’t already. And pack smart so your dog is comfortable and you’re not stressing about barking or accidents.
The best trips I’ve ever taken have been with my dogs along for the ride. A little planning upfront means you spend your vacation actually enjoying it — not scrambling for a hotel at 11 PM like I did that first time with Duke.
Featured Image Source: Pexels
