Planning to stay at a hotel with your furry best friend? You’re not alone. More hotels are welcoming dogs than ever—but that doesn’t mean anything goes. A little etiquette goes a long way when you’re traveling with your pup.
Whether you’re at a boutique inn or a pet-friendly chain, following these unwritten (and written) rules will help keep you—and your dog—welcome guests wherever you stay.
Before You Arrive
1. Confirm the Pet Policy
Don’t assume all locations of a chain hotel are pet-friendly. Always call ahead and ask about:
- Breed or weight restrictions
- Pet fees or deposits
- Number of dogs allowed
- Whether pets can be left alone in the room
2. Bring the Essentials
A well-packed dog bag includes:
- Food and water bowls
- Leash, collar, and ID tags
- Bed or crate (familiar items reduce anxiety)
- Poop bags and cleaning wipes
- Treats, toys, and chews
Hotel Check-In Etiquette
3. Keep Your Dog Calm and Leashed
Not everyone in the lobby is a dog lover. Avoid chaos by keeping your pup close, quiet, and on a short leash at all times.
4. Be Honest About Your Pet
Don’t sneak your dog in to avoid fees—it’s against policy and puts the hotel’s pet policies at risk for future guests.
Room Etiquette
5. Never Use Hotel Towels for Your Dog
Bring your own dog towels, especially if your pup is wet or muddy. Using hotel linens for your dog can lead to extra cleaning fees—or worse, bans.
6. Keep Barking Under Control
Excessive barking can disturb guests nearby. Use calming chews, white noise machines, or crate training to help your dog relax when you’re away or sleeping.
7. Use a Crate When You Leave
If your dog must stay alone in the room (and the hotel allows it), leave them crated with a toy or chew to prevent accidents or destruction. Never leave a barking or anxious dog alone—it’s stressful for them and inconsiderate to others.
8. Take Frequent Potty Breaks
Stick to your pup’s usual potty schedule to avoid indoor accidents. Always clean up after your dog and dispose of waste in the proper bins.
Common Area Rules
9. Avoid Breakfast Buffets and Pool Decks
Even in dog-friendly hotels, dogs are typically not allowed in areas where food is served. Respect boundaries and ask the front desk about designated pet zones.
10. Greet Staff and Guests Politely (Or Not at All)
Not every guest wants a tail-wagging hello. Only allow your dog to greet others if invited. When in doubt, a smile and a polite nod go a long way.
Check-Out Gracefully
11. Leave the Room as You Found It
Pick up any fur, wipe down messes, and throw away used bags or pads. A little cleanup shows respect—and keeps pet policies alive.
12. Tip Housekeeping (Especially if There’s Fur!)
Extra cleaning? Leave a thank-you note and a few bucks to show appreciation. It’s a nice gesture that goes a long way.
Final Thoughts
Hotels that welcome dogs are doing us a favor—let’s return the kindness by being respectful, clean, and courteous guests. When you practice good hotel etiquette, you help keep the doors open for more paws to follow.
Happy travels—and give your hotel pup a treat for behaving like a five-star guest!
