Pet-friendly hotels: how to book and what to check

Pet friendly is not a yes or no: it is a scale. It can mean a warm welcome with a bed and a bowl, or small dogs only with a steep fee and a page of rules. That is why the things to pin down before booking are the fee and the rules, in writing. Here is what to ask and how to prepare the trip, so you and your animal arrive relaxed.

The pet policy

Which animals, and how many

• Dogs only, or cats too? Is there a size or weight limit, a maximum number of pets, breed restrictions?
• How many pets are allowed per room?

The pet fee

• Is there a charge for the pet, and is it per night or per stay?
• Is it a refundable deposit or a non-refundable cleaning fee? Get that stated clearly.

Put it in writing

• Confirm the policy, the fee and the accepted size in writing, and register the pet when you book; pet friendly on a listing guarantees none of it.

In the room

• Can you leave the pet alone in the room? Many hotels forbid it or require a crate.
• Are there pet-designated rooms or floors, and is there easy outdoor access?
• Hard floors or carpet? Useful to know for shedding and the occasional accident.

Amenities and common areas

• Do they provide a bed, bowl or treats, or do you bring your own?
• Is there a park or green space nearby for walks, and dog-walking or pet-sitting services?
• Are pets allowed in the common areas, the restaurant, the breakfast room or the pool area? Often not: ask first.

Rules and etiquette

• Vaccinations up to date, pet on a lead in common areas, never left barking alone.
• Always clean up, and tell housekeeping when the pet is in the room.
• A well-behaved four-legged guest keeps hotels open to pets for everyone.

Assistance animals

• Service and assistance dogs are generally exempt from pet fees and no-pet rules in many countries, but the rules vary.
• Still confirm with the property and carry your documentation, to avoid any misunderstanding on arrival.

Before you go: the practical part

• Filter for pet friendly, but always call or email to confirm the policy and fee and to register the pet.
• Ask for a ground-floor or easy-access room, near a green space.
• Pack food, a bowl, a bed, waste bags, vet records and a familiar toy.
• Plan the journey: breaks, water and time to stretch.

Your pet-friendly checklist

• Which animals, sizes and how many are allowed per room?
• What is the fee, per night or per stay, deposit or cleaning?
• Can I leave the pet alone in the room, or is a crate required?
• Are there designated rooms and easy outdoor access?
• Is the pet allowed in the common areas and the breakfast room?
• Are the policy, fee and size confirmed in writing?
• Do I have food, bowl, bed, waste bags and vet records packed?

Good to know

Does pet friendly mean any animal is welcome? No; it is a scale. Ask which species, sizes, numbers and breeds are allowed, and get it confirmed in writing.

How much does bringing a pet cost? It varies a lot: it can be a fee per night or per stay, a refundable deposit or a cleaning charge. Ask the exact amount first.

Can I leave my dog alone in the room? Often not, or only in a crate. Ask the rule, and never leave it barking alone.

Do assistance dogs pay? Generally not, and in many countries they cannot be refused, but the rules vary: confirm with the hotel and carry documentation.

How do I pick a good pet hotel? Compare the hotels, read the reviews from people who travelled with pets, and confirm the policy with the hotel; on Edenfinder you compare hotels, you do not pay on Edenfinder.

Compare pet-friendly hotels, then confirm the fee and rules with the property. Search hotels in Rome or search hotels for your destination.