There are two types of travelers: Those who get pet sitters and those who don’t leave home without their four-legged companions. We love and respect both. There’s no one right way to do it. But if you do plan on bringing your furry friend along on your travels, it’s important to know how to do it safely and where to stay along the way. We covered the first part in a previous article but now let’s talk accommodations.
Of course, not every place you can stay will be accepting of pets. And we recommend limiting stays to pet-friendly accommodations only. It may be tempting to sneak your pooch in because you know they’ll be well-behaved. But trust us, it’s not a good idea. If your pet has an accident or is caught, you could end up paying a fine or being asked to leave. It’s much better to plan ahead and stay somewhere that welcomes you.
Home Rentals
Most destinations have hundreds of houses and apartments available for rent on sites like Airbnb or VRBO. And both sites have filters that allow you to limit your search to pet-friendly rentals. This could be your best bet if you want to have a kitchen, a place for a litter box, or even a fenced-in yard. You will likely have to pay a pet fee and sometimes a refundable pet deposit, but many travelers think it’s worth it to have a comfy vacation home that makes their pets welcome.
Kimpton Hotels
As one of the pet-friendliest hotel chains out there, Kimpton really goes above and beyond. They welcome all pets regardless of breed, size, or weight. And here are some extra perks that set them apart:
- No extra pet fee
- They have a Director of Pet Relations on staff and will likely greet your pet by name
- Pet-specific amenities include: dog beds, food and water bowls, and mats
- The concierge has a list of pet-friendly restaurants, parks, and groomers nearby
- Courtesy bags for dog walks
- Special door hangers to let staff know your pet is in the room
Marriott
There are several brands under the Marriott name and some allow pets while others don’t. It’s helpful to note that some of their pet policies regarding which pets are allowed and what the fees are may not be consistent across brands or locations. Your best bet for pet-friendly Marriott brands are Moxy, Element, Aloft, and Westin. Most of these offer pet pets and bowls to make your stay a little easier. Given the inconsistency about allowances, rules and fees, it’s important that you call the specific location where you’d like to stay to find out the specifics.
Hilton
Over the last few years, Hilton has made significant efforts to do a better job at welcoming pets. The Hilton brands that universally allow pets are: Canopy, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton, Tru, Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites. Once again, the rules and rates for pets vary somewhat across these hotels so it’s best to plan ahead to ensure your desired location can accommodate your pet.
Honorable mentions go to Hyatt, Best Western and Wyndham. There are also some small boutique hotel brands that welcome pets with open arms.
While traveling with your pet may require a little extra planning, it’s clear that pet owners have no shortage of options that cover all budgets. Wherever you go, your furry friend can come along for the adventure.
