Traveling with a pet or service animal requires a lot of logistical planning. It can get even more complicated when certain businesses aren’t clear with their policies but simply use phrases like, ‘The property is pet-friendly.’ What exactly does that mean, and what can you expect if you travel there with an animal?
The exact pet policy of hotels and restaurants that say they are pet-friendly can vary quite a bit. We’ll cover some of the basics to help you better navigate the confusing world of pet-friendly businesses.
Traveling with a Service Animal
It’s important to know your rights if you have a service animal. A trained and certified service animal does not fall into the same category as a pet. Thanks to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), a service animal is considered necessary medical equipment to help a person with disabilities, similar to a wheelchair or blood sugar monitor.
Even if a business does not allow animals, a service dog can accompany their owner. If someone tries to stop you or charges you an extra fee to have your service animal with you, they are violating the law.
If you’re traveling with a service animal, you don’t need to limit yourself to pet-friendly hotels because your animal companion is not a pet. However, emotional support animals are not under the same protection as service animals, so in that case, you will want to choose a hotel that allows pets.
In some states or under some larger hotel chains, ESAs may get some special treatment, such as not having to pay a fee, but this is not standard across the board. Choosing a pet-friendly hotel will make it easier for you to be accommodated since hotel policy may not consider them service animals. If you present an ESA card at check-in, your fee may be waived, but prepare to pay just in case.
Pet-Friendly Hotels
Some hotels will say that they are pet-friendly but will not provide other details on their website. If they advertise that they are pet-friendly, it means they do allow animals on the property, but they may charge a fee, and there may still be some restrictions.
Pet Deposits
Some hotels will charge guests with pets a deposit at check-in, usually on a credit card. This is to pay for any damages that the animal might cause while in the hotel room or any public space. Once you check out and the staff has checked your room, the deposit will be returned to your card, or the payment may simply be canceled.
Sadly, some pet owners can be irresponsible and leave their animals alone in the hotel room for hours at a time, which could result in the animals toileting indoors. Or they may become stressed in an unfamiliar environment and scratch or otherwise damage the furnishings.
The deposit ensures that the hotel can fix or replace any damaged items if that happens. Since they don’t personally know every guest or pet, this is considered the simplest and fairest option by many hotels.
Nightly Pet Fee
Instead of holding a deposit, some hotels charge an additional nightly fee for animal guests. These fees can vary from hotel to hotel. Similar to the way some hotels charge more for additional people in a room, they charge for pets as well.
This may seem more unfair than the pet deposit since you’re being charged extra regardless of how your pet behaves. Sadly, it is unfair. Many hotels do it for their convenience rather than yours. It can also be a tactic to deter people from traveling with their pets, particularly for long trips where that nightly fee can stack up.
We recommend calling ahead to see what fees you can expect at a hotel before booking it, especially if their website is unclear.
Pet Amenities
While pet-friendly usually signals that animals are welcome at the hotel with their owners, some hotels are truly hospitable to their animal guests as well. Dog walking areas might be provided, along with waste bags and trash cans for the owner’s convenience.
Some hotels may offer pet beds for the hotel room so your pet can have their own comfortable spot to rest. Others may provide food and water bowls or even treats, so you have less to prepare for your trip.
Search for stays around your intended destination on online forums to find which hotels are truly pet-friendly in the area so your dog gets the vacation they deserve too.
Rules for Pets
Even pet-friendly hotels may have restrictions on where animals can go. For example, non-service animals may not be allowed in the hotel breakfast room or restaurant for hygiene reasons.
Often, in public spaces like the lobby or hallways, dogs will have to be leashed. Other animals will also have to be on a tether or in a carrier as well. Most hotels will also not allow pets in the gym or swimming pool for safety if they have those amenities.
More boutique hotels designed for pet owners may offer dog parks or dog-friendly swimming areas on the premises. So, if that’s important to you, make sure to search for those amenities.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants
You may also encounter the term pet-friendly when it comes to restaurants. While service animals are allowed in any restaurant, pets usually aren’t because it’s harder to keep up cleanliness standards with many animals around. Some restaurants may make exceptions, and certain cities are known for being more pet-friendly than others.
If a restaurant is pet-friendly, it may have a designated area for pets and their owners to eat together. If there is an outdoor patio, animals may be allowed there, but not inside the regular dining room. Or there may be a specific indoor dining area for people with dogs.
Restaurant Etiquette for Pets
Typically, pets should stay on their leash in a restaurant setting so they don’t bother other diners or start a fight with other animals if there are others there. Dogs will usually be required to sit on the floor next to their owner or under the table rather than allowing them to sit on a chair.
If a restaurant is designed for people with pets, not merely tolerating them but encouraging their presence, they might have some seating just for them. They also might have menu items so your dog can enjoy a meal with you. Even if they don’t have a pet menu, they will be able to provide water for your dog.
Other Pet-Friendly Spaces
Besides hotels and restaurants, you may encounter other pet-friendly places. Many parks will post their policy on signs, letting you know whether dogs are welcome or not. In some cases, dogs might be restricted because there may be wildlife that lives in the park, or they are concerned about the owner not cleaning up after them. But many public parks are open to people walking their dogs.
Many towns will have a fenced-off dog park area where dogs can go off-leash. This allows them to play and mingle with other dogs freely while you supervise nearby.
Most large retailers only allow service animals, but if you visit small local businesses, they may be more flexible. Especially in pedestrian districts where people frequently walk their dogs, little independent businesses may allow dog owners to bring their pets inside for convenience. Typically, dogs will need to stay on their leash and avoid the merchandise. Owners of small and curious dogs may also opt to simply carry them when inside.
Many pet-friendly businesses will place a bowl of water outside for passing canines to refresh themselves. They may also have treats inside for dogs that visit the store.
If you aren’t sure, pop your head in first and signal an employee to ask if your dog can come inside.
How to Prepare Your Pet for Public Spaces
Dogs are the most common animal people take in public with them. However, dogs are also one of the top animals people are afraid of. To help both your dog and the people around you feel more comfortable, make sure they are well-socialized from a young age. A confident dog is less likely to bark at strangers or other dogs.
Increasing your bond with your dog will help them to feel more secure as well. If you’re with them, they have less reason to be afraid if they’ve come to see you as someone they can always depend on.
Be sure to teach them basic commands that can recall them to you, even in a noisy or busy public place.
Also, be sure to check local laws about dogs. Many towns can charge steep fines if your dog gets off-leash or if you don’t clean up after them, so always be prepared. Pack snacks, water, a collapsable dish, and poop bags for an outing with your dog. Make sure their collar and leash are comfortable for both of you as well. Dogs who pull may do better with a harness for all-day wear.
The Meaning of Pet-Friendly
As you can see, the term pet-friendly can encompass a lot. It can mean that a space is designed with amenities for pets and pet owners to be comfortable. It can also mean that pets are allowed, but only in restricted areas or for an extra fee. You may get to enjoy your meal in a dining room where your dog is fed as well, or you may end up sitting outside on the patio.
More and more places are offering some level of accommodation to guests who are bringing their pets along. Not everyone is on the same page yet, but if they say they are pet-friendly, that’s a good place to start.
If any business’s policies aren’t clear online, we recommend calling ahead so you can get a clearer picture of exactly how they treat animal guests. Be sure to have them spell things out for you before you commit to staying or dining there, and you can even ask for a manager to confirm so that there are no unpleasant surprises.
Travel in Peace with Your Pet
It may add some complication to your travel prep, but it’s worth it to be able to travel with your pet. You don’t have to worry about arranging a pet sitter or causing your animal stress due to being away from you.
If your pet serves as an ESA, it can be even more vital to have them with you, despite the fact they don’t currently have the same protection as service animals in most states. A pet-friendly option makes it possible to have your ESA with you.
We hope you can enjoy pet-friendly travel to whatever degree you need. You and your pet deserve a peaceful getaway together.