Travelling with Pets: A Complete Guide to Pet-Friendly Hotels in 2026

The Rise of Pet-Friendly Travel

Pet ownership surged during the pandemic, and the travel industry has responded. In 2026, the question isn't whether you can travel with your pet — it's where to find hotels that genuinely welcome them, rather than merely tolerate them. There's a vast difference between a hotel that charges a £50 pet fee and puts a water bowl in the room, and one that offers dog beds, pet menus, walking routes, and a pet concierge.

What 'Pet-Friendly' Actually Means

Not all pet-friendly hotels are created equal. Before booking, always verify:

• •Weight and breed restrictions (some hotels cap at 15kg)
• •Whether pets can be left unattended in the room
• •Pet fees — some charge per night, others a flat cleaning fee
• •Whether pets are allowed in common areas (restaurant, pool, lobby)
• •Nearby green spaces and walking routes
• •Available pet amenities (beds, bowls, treats, grooming)

International Pet Travel Requirements

Taking your pet abroad adds complexity. Most countries require a pet passport or health certificate, current rabies vaccination, and microchipping. The EU requires an EU pet passport. The UK has specific entry requirements through the Animal Health Certificate. Australia and New Zealand have some of the strictest quarantine rules in the world — plan months in advance.

The Best Truly Pet-Friendly Hotels

Our pet-friendly hotel collection features properties where your animal is genuinely part of the experience. The Gritti Palace in Venice provides dog-sized bathrobes. Rosewood London has a 'Rosewood Paws' programme with personalised welcome letters for dogs. Montage Laguna Beach in California offers dog-friendly beach access and pet spa treatments.

Flying with Pets: What to Know

Airlines vary wildly in their pet policies. Some allow small dogs in the cabin; others require cargo hold travel for all animals. Always book pet travel early — most airlines limit the number of animals per flight. For cabin travel, invest in an airline-approved carrier your pet is comfortable in before the trip.

Road Trips with Pets

For many pet owners, driving is less stressful than flying. Plan your route with pet-friendly rest stops, never leave animals in parked cars, and book hotels along your route in advance. Our best pet-friendly hotels guide covers road-trip-friendly properties with ground-floor access and easy outdoor areas.