Traveling with pets has never been easier — or more popular. Across the United States, hotels are adapting to a new kind of guest list that includes furry family members. Whether you’re taking a cross-country road trip, visiting national parks, or simply escaping for a weekend, the right pet-friendly hotel ensures everyone — two-legged and four-legged — enjoys the journey.
Here’s your 2025 guide to the best practices, top destinations, and hotel brands that make pet travel effortless.
🧳 Why Pet-Friendly Travel Is on the Rise
In 2025, more than 60% of American travelers say they plan to bring their pets along on vacations. Hotels have taken notice — upgrading their amenities to include dog parks, pet menus, and even in-room grooming services.
Pet travel is no longer a compromise; it’s a lifestyle choice.
The result: a new wave of hospitality built around companionship, convenience, and care.
💡 Fun Fact: Some hotels even offer “Paw-cation Packages” — complete with treats, beds, and complimentary walking maps.
🏨 Top Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains in the USA
| Brand | Pet Policy Highlights | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Kimpton Hotels | No pet fees, welcome treats, mats & water bowls | Urban stays and luxury travelers |
| Loews Hotels | Pet-room service menus, grooming kits, walking guides | City breaks and business trips |
| Red Roof Inn | Pets stay free, nationwide coverage | Budget road trips |
| Motel 6 | Always pet-friendly, no deposits required | Long-distance travelers |
| Hyatt Place | Moderate fees, pet-designated floors | Family vacations |
| Marriott Bonvoy Portfolio | Over 2,000 pet-friendly properties | Loyalty program members |
🐶 Traveler’s Tip: Always confirm each property’s exact pet policy — fees and weight limits can vary even within the same brand.
🗺️ Best Pet-Friendly Destinations in the USA
🐕 Asheville, North Carolina
With scenic hiking trails and pet-friendly breweries, Asheville is paradise for outdoorsy pets.
Stay at: The Omni Grove Park Inn — dogs receive handmade biscuits and mountain-view patios.
🌲 Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Snow or sunshine, Tahoe offers year-round adventure for pets.
Stay at: Basecamp Tahoe South — pet welcome bags and fire-pit evenings make for cozy nights.
🌆 Austin, Texas
Live music and dog parks galore. Many hotels around South Congress welcome pets with open paws.
Stay at: Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt — pets are greeted by name, no matter their size.
🌉 San Francisco, California
Known for its walkable waterfront and dog beaches, San Francisco is a model pet city.
Stay at: Argonaut Hotel — provides dog beds, bowls, and access to Fisherman’s Wharf trails.
🌄 Denver, Colorado
A dream city for active pets, with mountain trails just 30 minutes away.
Stay at: The Curtis — playful rooms, dog treats, and easy access to city parks.
🐾 What to Look for in a Pet-Friendly Hotel
Choosing the right hotel goes beyond checking the “pets allowed” box. Look for these essential features before booking:
- Outdoor walking areas: A must for morning walks and exercise breaks.
- Reasonable pet fees: Ideally under $100 per stay; avoid hidden daily surcharges.
- Easy access to vet or pet supply stores: Especially for longer trips.
- Soundproof rooms or corner units: Great for pets that get anxious.
- Pet amenities on-site: Bowls, beds, toys, waste bags, and local walking maps.
🦴 Pro Tip: Always pack your pet’s own blanket or toy — familiar scents help calm them in new environments.
✈️ Flying or Driving? How to Prepare
| Travel Mode | Key Tips | Checklist |
|---|---|---|
| By Car | Stop every 2–3 hours for breaks | Water, collapsible bowl, leash, waste bags |
| By Plane | Confirm airline pet policies early | Carrier, vet certificate, ID tags |
| By Train | Amtrak allows small pets on select routes | Carrier, quiet toys, treats |
| By RV | Choose campgrounds with dog runs | Portable kennel, cooling mat |
🚗 Note: Always call ahead to ensure hotels have ground-floor access or nearby green areas for walks.
🌆 Pet-Friendly City Hotels vs Countryside Lodges
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| City Hotels | Close to attractions, convenience stores, pet spas | May have limited outdoor space |
| Mountain / Countryside Lodges | More open space and trails | Distance from vet services |
| Beach Resorts | Scenic walks, pet-friendly patios | Restricted beach zones in some areas |
🐾 For city breaks, prioritize rooftop or terrace rooms; for nature trips, look for fenced yards or hiking trail access.
🐩 Hidden Gem Hotels for 2025
- The Goodtime Hotel (Miami Beach, FL): Trendy art-deco style with pet welcome cocktails (for owners too!).
- Limelight Hotel (Aspen, CO): Pets stay free and join mountain picnics.
- Staypineapple Hotels (Seattle, Chicago, San Diego): Known for playful branding and adorable “doggie robes.”
- The Maven Hotel (Denver, CO): Combines industrial chic design with pet-friendly rooms and open courtyard spaces.
💬 Insider note: Boutique hotels often go beyond policy — they personalize. Many will add your pet’s name to a welcome board or deliver snacks from local pet bakeries.
🌼 Etiquette for Responsible Pet Travelers
- Keep pets leashed in public areas unless explicitly marked off-leash.
- Avoid leaving pets alone in rooms for extended periods.
- Bring a lint roller — housekeeping will thank you.
- Respect noise limits; not every guest is pet-friendly.
- Always carry waste bags — and use them.
🐕 Hotel Insight: Some properties reward courteous guests with “return discounts” for repeat stays when pets cause no damage or noise complaints.
🏖️ Best Seasons for Pet Travel
| Season | Benefits | Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Mild weather, blooming parks | Charleston, Nashville, Santa Fe |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Road-trip season, lake resorts | Lake Tahoe, Maine coast, Seattle |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Fewer crowds, scenic hikes | Vermont, Oregon, Colorado |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cozy cabin escapes | Colorado, Utah, Smoky Mountains |
🌤️ Tip: Avoid high-heat destinations in peak summer — asphalt and sand can burn paws quickly.
🐾 Final Thoughts
Your pet deserves a vacation, too — and in 2025, the United States offers more welcoming stays than ever before.
From coastal resorts with pet patios to mountain lodges offering dog-friendly trails, traveling with pets is now seamless, safe, and full of heart.
The best pet-friendly hotels combine convenience with care — not just allowing pets, but celebrating them as family.
So grab the leash, pack the treats, and let your next adventure include every member of the family — paws and all. 🐕✨