Pet Policy Checklist: What to Ask Before Booking a Dog‑Friendly Hotel

Before you book: the hidden costs and rules most travellers miss

Travelling with your dog removes a layer of stress—until you hit conflicting hotel rules, surprise pet fees or a room where dogs are technically allowed but nowhere near the garden. If you want to avoid that last‑minute scramble, this practical pre‑booking checklist collects everything you must ask hotels in 2026: deposits, size and breed limits, where dogs are actually allowed on the property, grooming and care options, accessibility, and nearby dog‑friendly attractions.

Why this matters in 2026: trends that change what you need to ask

Post‑pandemic travel settled into a new normal years ago. By late 2025 and into 2026 the hospitality sector has responded to a clear demand: more guests want to travel with pets for longer stays and mix work with leisure. Hotels are offering more pet services (dog menus, in-room pet tech, dog concierges) and some new developments in cities now include indoor dog parks and salons inspired by residential projects. But policy and implementation vary widely.

That means asking the right questions before booking saves money, keeps your dog safe, and ensures a stress‑free stay. It also protects you from being misclassified—many properties call themselves “pet‑friendly” yet restrict access to public spaces, add hidden cleaning fees, or ban larger breeds.

Quick checklist (printable) — ask these before you book

• Are pets accepted? (Confirm dog types accepted and whether this applies to all room types.)
• Fees & deposits: Ask about nightly pet fees, per‑stay cleaning fees and refundable damage deposits.
• Size, breed & number limits: Maximum weight per dog, breed restrictions, and how many dogs per room.
• Areas allowed: Which rooms, food & drink spaces, gardens, and pools can dogs access?
• On‑site services: Grooming, dog sitting, walking, in‑room bowls, dog beds, and food options.
• Health & behaviour requirements: Vaccination proof, flea/tick treatments, microchipping, and noise behaviour policies.
• Service animals: Clarify legal protections under the Equality Act 2010—no pet fees for assistance dogs.
• Local logistics: Nearby off‑lead parks, beaches, dog‑friendly pubs and veterinary clinics.
• Cancellation & insurance: Pet policy if you cancel, and if the hotel has liability rules for incidents.

Deep dive: what to ask and why it matters

1. Fees & deposits — the real cost of bringing your dog

Hotels vary: some charge a small fixed cleaning fee; others charge a nightly surcharge plus a refundable damage deposit. Ask for the full numerical breakdown and how/when the deposit is returned.

• Sample question: "What are the exact pet fees (nightly or per stay) and is there a refundable damage deposit? How is the deposit held and when is it returned?"
• Why it matters: Knowing totals up front prevents sticker shock at check‑out. Deposits are often held on a card for up to 14 days.
• Actionable tip: Ask for the maximum possible charge scenario in writing (e.g., broken lamp, deep cleaning) so you can evaluate the risk.

2. Size, breed & number limits — small print that changes booking choice

Policies frequently specify a maximum weight or permit only certain breeds. Some properties restrict multiple dogs in a room—even if the ad says “dogs welcome.”

• Sample question: "Is there a weight limit per dog or breed restriction? How many dogs are allowed per room?"
• Why it matters: A 30kg Labrador may be refused on arrival if the property lists a 12kg limit.
• Red flags: If a hotel says “pet‑friendly” but refuses to confirm limits by email, consider this a warning sign.

3. Areas allowed & behaviour rules — where your dog can actually go

Some hotels only allow dogs in designated rooms and never in lounges, restaurants or gardens—others permit dogs almost everywhere. Always clarify exactly where your dog is allowed and whether staff will politely enforce any restrictions.

• Sample question: "Can dogs join me in the bar/restaurant/communal lounge or are they restricted to certain areas? Are there designated off‑lead areas on site?"
• Why it matters: If you imagine dining with your dog nearby, a restaurant ban alters your plans.
• Actionable tip: Ask for an annotated map or directions to the nearest off‑lead area or dog park.

4. Grooming, walking & support services — more than a bed

New hotel offerings often include dog grooming, walking services, or pet concierges. Even if a hotel doesn't provide these services, they may have trusted local partners.

• Sample question: "Do you offer grooming, walking, or sitting services? If not, who do you recommend locally and do you have set rates or vouchers?"
• Why it matters: Knowing whether you can book a trusted local dog‑walker saves time and ensures continuity of care during day trips or dinners out.
• Actionable tip: Ask for contact details of recommended walkers and whether they are insured and DBS checked.

5. Health documentation & behaviour expectations

Most hotels require up‑to‑date vaccinations and may expect dogs to be microchipped. Clarify noise and nuisance policies to avoid fines or removal.

• Sample question: "Do you require proof of vaccinations or microchipping? What is your policy for persistent barking or aggressive behaviour?"
• Why it matters: Hotels can ask guests to leave immediately for aggressive behaviour. Clear rules protect you and other guests.

6. Service animals — your legal rights

Under the Equality Act 2010 assistance dogs and other accredited service animals have protections. Hotels cannot charge a fee for an assistance dog, nor lawfully refuse entry if the animal is legitimately supporting a person with a disability.

• Sample question: "We have an assistance dog. Can you confirm there are no fees or deposits applied to service animals?"
• Why it matters: Knowing your rights in advance prevents discriminatory charges or refusals.
• Actionable tip: Carry any ID or supporting paperwork and, if challenged, politely reference the Equality Act or GOV.UK guidance.

7. Accessibility & safety — stairs, gravel paths, slippery floors

Think beyond the room. If your dog has mobility issues, check for steps, lifts, narrow corridors and nearby vet clinics. If you rely on lifts and ground‑floor access, clarify availability, especially in older buildings.

• Sample question: "Is there step‑free access from the street to our room? Are corridors wide enough for a crate or mobility harness?"
• Why it matters: Accessibility affects older dogs and puppies as much as guests with mobility needs.

Reviews: what to look for and how to verify pet claims

Hotel descriptions are marketing‑driven. Reviews reveal reality. In 2026, review literacy is essential: look for recent mentions (last 6–12 months) of pet experiences, search for photos of dogs in rooms and communal spaces, and note how management responds to complaints.

• Look for: photos of the hotel with dogs, detailed reviews describing fees and access, and replies from management that clarify policy.
• Avoid: one‑line “pet friendly” reviews without detail, or exclusive reliance on third‑party booking sites—always confirm directly with the hotel.
• Actionable tip: Use review site filters for "pet" or search Google with site:hotelreviews.uk "dog" + "hotel name" to find local writeups and recent experiences.

Pro tip: Save or screenshot confirmation of pet fees and limits. Screenshots can resolve disputes at check‑out faster than phone calls.

Local planning: neighbourhoods, parks, pubs and vets

Part of choosing a dog‑friendly hotel is mapping the neighbourhood. Ask for a list of nearby off‑lead areas, dog‑friendly pubs, beaches and emergency vet contacts. Local knowledge saves time—especially when travelling to rural or coastal spots in the UK where access rules differ.

• Ask the hotel: "Can you recommend off‑lead beaches, nearest dog parks, and dog‑friendly pubs within walking distance?"
• Use resources: National Trust pages (for property rules), local council dog walking maps, and charity sites like Dogs Trust for guidance on local dog access.
• Actionable tip: If you plan to take public transport, check local rail and bus companies' pet policies—many impose size or container requirements. See our local planning resources for neighbourhood mapping tips.

Sample message to send to a hotel (copy, paste & edit)

Hello (Hotel name),

I’m booking a (dates) stay in a (room type) and will be travelling with my dog. Please can you confirm the following:
1) Exact pet fees (nightly or per stay) and any refundable damage deposit (amount and hold period).
2) Maximum dog weight/size and any breed restrictions.
3) How many dogs are allowed per room.
4) Areas where dogs are permitted (rooms, lounges, restaurant, garden, pool).
5) Services available (grooming, walking, sitting) or trusted local partners.
6) Health or behaviour requirements (vaccinations, microchip, noise rules).
7) Confirmation that assistance dogs are exempt from pet fees under Equality Act 2010.

Please reply in writing so I can confirm our booking. Thank you,
(Your name)
  

Case studies: what to expect in different property types

City high‑rise (example inspired by One West Point-style developments)

Newer London towers and mixed‑use developments increasingly add pet‑centric amenities like indoor dog parks, obstacle courses and on‑site salons. For city stays, expect:

• Tight access: lifts and corridors, so check for size limitations when using crates or big rugs.
• Premium services: grooming and pet sitting are often available at extra cost.
• Strict rules in communal interiors—restaurants and some lounges may be dog‑free.

Coastal cottage or rural B&B

Cottages often advertise large gardens and off‑lead space. Still, owners may expect dogs to be crated at night or limit access to bedrooms. Look for:

• Ground‑floor bedrooms and enclosed gardens for safe off‑lead time.
• Local beach access and seasonal restrictions (e.g., bird nesting seasons).
• Clear cleaning expectations, especially with hay, mud and wildlife encounters.

Scoring system: rate a hotel’s dog‑friendliness quickly

Use a 10‑point score to compare options. Score categories and weighting (example):

• Fees & transparency — 25% (clear fees, low deposits)
• Access & amenities — 25% (areas allowed, on‑site services)
• Local dog‑friendly attractions — 15% (parks, vets, pubs)
• Reviews & responsiveness — 20% (recent dog reviews, management replies)
• Accessibility & safety — 15% (step‑free access, emergency vet nearby)

Example: a hotel with transparent fees, a dog menu, and a nearby off‑lead park might score 8–9/10. A place that charges large deposits, bans dogs from public areas and has few dog reviews would score 3–4/10.

Red flags to walk away from

• No written confirmation of pet fees or limits.
• Management evasive about where dogs are allowed.
• Many recent negative reviews referencing unexpected charges or aggressive enforcement.
• Uninsured or unvetted recommended dog‑walkers (ask for proof).

Final checklist before you complete payment

1. Get policy details in writing (email or booking confirmation).
2. Confirm refund timelines for deposits and conditions for deductions.
3. Save contact details for the nearest vet and a recommended dog‑walker.
4. Print or save proof of your dog’s vaccinations and microchip details.
5. Note the hotel’s quiet hours and behaviour expectations.

Takeaways: what to do right now

• Ask specifically—don’t assume “pet‑friendly” means the same thing everywhere.
• Get it in writing—email confirmation of fees, limits and allowed areas avoids disputes.
• Plan for contingencies—have emergency vet details and a local walker lined up.
• Score your options—use a simple rubric to compare hotels and pick one that meets your dog’s needs.

Next steps & call to action

Use this checklist before your next booking to avoid surprise fees and keep your dog safe and welcome. Want a curated list of UK hotels that pass our strict dog‑friendliness test? Visit hotelreviews.uk’s dog‑friendly guides for updated, verified reviews and downloadable checklists tailored to city, coastal and countryside stays. Bookmark a printable version of this checklist, and when you find a hotel you like, paste our sample message to get written confirmation before you book.

Ready to travel smarter with your dog? Start with one quick step: copy the sample message above, email your top three hotels, and compare their replies. If you want personalised help, submit your destination and dog’s size/needs at hotelreviews.uk and we’ll shortlist the best options for 2026.

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