How to choose your pet-friendly accommodation?

Holidays are coming, parties are on, time to pack your bags. And pets are increasingly participating in these moments with the family, aren't they?

But when choosing accommodation, is it enough to just look for "pet friendly" written on it? Are all pet-friendly hotels the same? I guarantee you they're not!

Don't be fooled by the "pet friendly" label that many establishments demand. Simply accepting pets doesn't guarantee the desired experience; after all, accepting is different from receiving.

Before making your reservation, it's essential to thoroughly understand the hotel or inn's "pet-friendly" policy and approach to ensure it meets not only basic requirements but also your specific expectations. Some important points to consider:

The destination

Is the city or region pet-friendly? Are the tours and activities you want to do suitable for your pet? If you're going to walk 20km a day but you have an elderly, overweight bulldog, that's not a good combination, is it? Besides thinking about accommodation, it's essential to evaluate all other aspects of the trip, such as transportation, restaurants, tours, and transfers.

In addition to thinking about accommodation, it's essential to evaluate all other aspects of the trip, such as transportation, restaurants, tours, and transfers.

Does the hotel accept pets?

The hotel or inn may be pet-friendly, but actually accepting YOUR pet is another story. Some accommodations have size restrictions, only accepting small or medium-sized pets, some only allow them to be carried, and there may also be limitations on breeds, species, or quantity. Simply using the "pet-friendly" filter is almost never enough, especially if you have a medium or large pet, or more than one. Check all the rules and make sure before booking.

Align expectations.

Just because you saw on the website that the hotel has wonderful pools and is pet-friendly, doesn't mean your furry friend will be swimming in all of them. Check which common and leisure areas allow pets, and if there are any restrictions. Find out if there is a designated off-leash area or leisure facilities specifically for animals. Some hotels accept pets, but they can't roam freely in any area. If you're going to spend the day sightseeing and only come back to sleep, these rules might work for you, but if you expect to enjoy leisure time with your pet, this will be a problem.

Find out about the hotel's physical structure and whether it suits your needs and your pet's. Details like stairs can be complicated if you have an animal that uses a wheelchair, has back problems, or some other mobility restriction, for example. Check if there is a place to eat meals with your pet. Most hotels don't allow animals in restaurants, but some have tables in outdoor areas or specific locations. Aligning expectations beforehand is essential.

Check if there's a place to eat with your pet. Most hotels don't allow animals in their restaurants, but some have tables in outdoor areas or designated spaces.

Aligning expectations beforehand is essential.

Avoid surprises

Ask beforehand about any additional charges for pets. Some hotels and inns charge extra fees for pets, which may be per day or a fixed amount for the stay. Be aware, check beforehand, and avoid surprises on your bill.

Choose establishments that are prepared to welcome pets.

Hotels and guesthouses that are prepared to welcome pets have clear and fair rules, train their staff on how to interact with pets and their owners, and may even offer special services and walks for furry friends. Find out if the establishment has experience, certifications, and training in handling pets; this will certainly make a difference to your experience.