Americans love their pets–now more than ever. Seventy percent of us have one or more pets at home, and collectively, we spend more on our four-legged companions than we ever have before. Our pets are an integral part of our lives, and companies are taking notice, especially in the hospitality industry.
Hotel brands have long been aware that people enjoy bringing their pets along when they travel. This has led to an increase in pet-friendly accommodations across the country. Now, many hotels are going even further in their endeavors to accommodate pets, and rolling out the welcome wagon for furry guests on 100% of their properties.
Brands adopting new changes
Beginning on January 1st, all Homewood Suites became 100% "pets-allowed" -- joining its sister brands, Home2Suites and Canopy by Hilton.
Starting in April, additional hotel brands will be welcoming guests of the furry persuasion, including Tru, Embassy Suites, Hampton, and Hilton Garden Inn.
“This is a big step in the hospitality industry, and it couldn’t have come at a better time,” notes Kim Salerno, CEO/Founder of TripsWithPets. “The increase in pet parenting, coupled with Americans’ eagerness to travel and return to normal, means these changes will be very well received.”
Some hotel brands, such as La Quinta, Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, and Candlewood Suites were early adopters of pet-friendly policies, and have been go-to favorites for traveling pet parents and their furkids for years.
Read the “pet-friendly” fine print
Before you pack up your pooch and head to one of these hotels, make sure to do your homework. Most hotel brands leave specific pet regulations up to individual hotels, which means details such as pet fees, breed, weight, pet type restrictions, pet amenities offered, and rules about where pets are allowed and whether they can stay alone in rooms can vary.
For example, one hotel location of a specific brand may allow up to 2 pets under 25 lbs. and charge a pet fee of $20/ per pet, per night, while another location from that same brand may allow only 1 pet up to 75 lbs. and charge a pet fee of $50/night.
“Given that hotels within most brands have different pet rules, it’s very important to ensure that the specific hotel you’re looking to book can accommodate your needs,” Salerno adds. “Don’t assume that because they are part of a 100% ‘pets allowed’ brand that they will welcome your entire crew.”
With more hotel options available, pet parents will have more opportunities than ever before to bring their pets along on road trips. However, before heading out or booking a room, it’s important to know the hotels’ specific pet rules.
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