Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains: Fees, Policies, and What to Expect

Most major chains allow pets, but each charges differently and sets its own rules

The largest hotel chains — Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Choice Hotels, and Wyndham — all permit pets at most locations, but the fee structure, size limits, and deposit requirements vary widely. A pet fee at one chain might be a flat $50 per stay, while another charges $35 per night. Some chains cap pet weight at 25 pounds; others allow animals up to 100 pounds. The policy that applies depends on which specific hotel you book, not just which chain it belongs to, because individual owners can set stricter rules than the chain allows.

Before you book, you need to contact the specific hotel directly or check its individual listing — the chain's website shows what is permitted chain-wide, but the property you want may have different terms. A Marriott in one city might charge $75 per stay with a 50-pound limit, while a Marriott 20 miles away charges $100 per night with a 25-pound limit. This variation exists because franchisees own and operate individual properties and can impose additional restrictions.

Key Takeaways

• Pet fees range from $25 to $150 per stay depending on the chain and specific hotel, and some properties charge per night instead of per stay.
• Weight limits vary from 25 pounds to 100 pounds, and some hotels restrict certain breeds or species entirely regardless of chain policy.
• You must call the specific hotel property to confirm its current pet policy before booking, because chain websites show only the maximum allowance, not what that property actually permits.
• Most pet-friendly chains require you to disclose your pet at check-in and may charge an additional cleaning fee if damage occurs, separate from the standard pet fee.
• Budget hotels and independent chains often have lower or no pet fees but may have stricter size or breed restrictions than luxury chains.

What the major chains charge and allow

Marriott properties (including Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Sheraton, and Westin) permit one pet per room at most locations for a fee that ranges from $50 to $150 per stay. Weight limits are typically 25 to 50 pounds, though some properties allow larger animals. The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program does not waive pet fees for members.

Hilton properties (including DoubleTree, Hilton Garden Inn, and Hampton) allow pets at most locations for $50 to $75 per stay, with weight limits usually between 50 and 100 pounds. Some Hilton properties charge per night instead of per stay, which can cost significantly more on longer trips. Hilton's pet policy is one of the more permissive among major chains, but individual properties still set their own caps.

IHG properties (including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and InterContinental) charge $25 to $50 per stay at most pet-friendly locations, with weight limits typically 25 to 50 pounds. IHG's fees are generally lower than Marriott or Hilton, but fewer of its properties participate in the pet program — you must verify the specific hotel allows pets before booking.

Choice Hotels (including Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Clarion) charge $20 to $50 per stay, with weight limits usually 25 to 50 pounds. Choice properties tend to be budget-oriented and often have lower pet fees than luxury chains, though policies vary significantly by location.

Wyndham properties (including Days Inn, La Quinta, and Ramada) charge $25 to $100 per stay depending on the brand within the group. La Quinta, which is part of Wyndham, is known for allowing pets at no additional charge at most locations, making it one of the cheapest options if you can find one in your destination.

How to find the actual pet policy for the specific hotel you want

The chain's website shows the general policy, but you cannot rely on it to tell you what that particular property charges. Call the hotel's front desk directly and ask: the pet fee amount, whether it is per night or per stay, the weight limit, any breed or species restrictions, and whether you need to notify them at booking or at check-in. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date, in case the policy changes or is misapplied at check-in.

If you are booking through a third-party site like Expedia or Booking.com, search for the hotel's name plus "pet policy" to find its official page, then call the property. Do not rely on the third-party site's pet information — it is often outdated or incomplete. Some booking sites allow you to filter for pet-friendly properties, but the results are not always accurate, so verification by phone is still necessary.

When you call, also ask whether the pet fee is refundable if you cancel your reservation, and whether the hotel will charge an additional cleaning or damage fee beyond the standard pet fee. Some properties charge both a nightly pet fee and a separate one-time cleaning fee. Others charge a pet fee only if damage occurs.

Budget and independent chains with lower or no pet fees

La Quinta (part of Wyndham) allows one pet per room at no charge at most locations. This is the most pet-friendly major chain by cost. Verify the specific property still honors this policy, as some franchisees may have opted out or added restrictions.

Motel 6 allows pets to stay free at most locations, though the chain is budget-oriented and properties vary in condition. Like La Quinta, individual properties can set stricter rules, so call ahead.

Red Roof Inn allows one pet per room free of charge at most locations. Again, verify with the specific property before booking.

These budget chains typically have lower or no pet fees because their business model relies on high volume and lower per-room rates. They may have fewer amenities and less upscale furnishings, which can make pet damage less of a concern for the property. However, breed and size restrictions still apply at individual locations, and some have stopped participating in their chain's pet program.

Breed and size restrictions that override chain policy

Even if a chain allows pets, individual properties can refuse specific breeds, sizes, or species. Some hotels restrict pit bulls, German Shepherds, or other breeds regardless of the chain's stated policy. Others have weight limits lower than the chain allows. A few properties do not allow cats, or allow only service animals.

These restrictions are set by the property owner or manager and are not always listed on the chain's website. You will discover them only by calling the specific hotel. If a property refuses your pet, ask whether another location of the same chain in your area has a different policy — sometimes nearby properties have different owners and different rules.

What happens at check-in and what extra charges to expect

At check-in, tell the front desk you have a pet, even if you disclosed it when booking. The hotel will confirm the pet fee and may ask you to sign a pet agreement stating you are responsible for any damage. Keep your pet in the room when you leave, or ask the front desk whether the property allows pets in common areas like the lobby or restaurant.

If your pet damages the room — scratches on doors, stains on carpet, broken furniture — the hotel will charge a damage fee separate from the pet fee. This can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the damage. Some properties charge a flat damage fee (for example, $200) if any damage is found; others charge the actual repair cost. Ask about this policy when you call to confirm the pet fee.

Some hotels require a refundable pet deposit in addition to the pet fee. This is less common than a flat fee, but it does happen. The deposit is refunded if no damage occurs and charged if damage is found.

Comparing pet fees across a trip

If you are staying multiple nights, the difference between a per-night fee and a per-stay fee matters. A hotel charging $50 per night for a pet costs $250 for a five-night stay, while one charging $75 per stay costs $75 total. When comparing hotels, calculate the total pet cost for your entire stay, not just the nightly rate.

For longer trips, budget chains with free or low pet fees (La Quinta, Motel 6, Red Roof) can save significantly, even if the room itself is less expensive. A $60-per-night room with a free pet policy costs less over five nights than a $75-per-night room with a $50-per-night pet fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to tell the hotel I have a pet when I book, or can I just mention it at check-in?

Call the specific hotel and ask. Some require disclosure at booking so they can assign you a pet-friendly room; others allow you to mention it at check-in. If you do not disclose and the hotel finds out, you may be charged a higher fee or asked to leave. It is safer to disclose upfront.

What if the hotel's website says pets are free but the property charges a fee when I call?

The property owner may have changed the policy or opted out of the chain's pet program. Ask the person on the phone to confirm the policy in writing via email, or ask for the name and date of the conversation. If you are charged a fee at check-in that contradicts what you were told, dispute it with the front desk manager and request a refund or credit.

Are service animals treated differently from regular pets?

Yes. Service animals (dogs trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities) are not considered pets and are not subject to pet fees or size restrictions under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Emotional support animals are not legally considered service animals and may be subject to pet fees depending on the hotel's policy. Call the hotel and clarify whether your animal qualifies as a service animal before booking.

Can I leave my pet alone in the room while I go out?

Most hotels allow this, but ask when you check in. Some properties require you to keep your pet in a crate or carrier, or to notify housekeeping not to enter the room. Never leave a pet unattended for more than a few hours, and always provide water. If your pet damages the room or disturbs other guests, you will be charged.

What if my pet has an accident or gets sick in the room?

Clean it up immediately and report it to the front desk. The hotel may charge a cleaning fee, but disclosing the incident yourself is better than having housekeeping discover it and charging you a larger damage fee. Ask what the cleaning charge will be before you agree to it.