The Rise of Pet-Friendly Hotels: What Travelers Really Want

Traveling with pets has become the new normal. More families are bringing their furry companions along on vacations, and hotels are racing to adapt. In fact, the pet industry in the U.S. has exploded—worth over $136 billion in 2022—and a big part of that growth comes from pet owners who expect hotels to welcome their dogs and cats just like any other guest.

But here’s the real question: what do travelers actually want in a pet-friendly hotel? A recent study published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management (Zhang, McGinley, Mao, & Liu, 2024) dug deep into online reviews and guest feedback to find out. The results may surprise you.

What Makes a Hotel Truly Pet-Friendly?

Not all pet-friendly hotels are created equal. Some simply allow pets in rooms, while others go the extra mile with pet beds, treats, and outdoor play areas. The study found that travelers judge hotels on two main things:

1. Utilitarian attributes – the practical stuff, like room cleanliness, pet relief areas, and noise control.

2. Hedonic attributes – the fun, emotional touches, like staff greeting your dog with a treat or having water bowls in the lobby.

Here’s the catch: if the practical basics aren’t met (clean rooms, no bad odors, safe walking areas), the fancy extras don’t matter much. Travelers first need the essentials, then they can appreciate the perks.

Cleanliness Tops the List

The number one thing guests talked about in their reviews was room cleanliness. Pet stains, lingering odors, and scratched furniture were instant deal-breakers. On the flip side, guests raved when hotels managed to keep rooms spotless, even after hosting pets.

For hotels, this means investing in pet-friendly flooring, deep cleaning routines, and designated pet rooms. These changes not only improve satisfaction for pet owners but also help non-pet owners feel comfortable staying in the same property.

Pet Amenities Guests Love

Once the basics are covered, guests really notice the extra touches:

• In-room pet beds and bowls

• Treat stations in the lobby

• Designated outdoor spaces for walking dogs

• Waste bags and disposal stations

These small details make a big difference in how pet owners perceive a hotel’s friendliness. As one reviewer put it: “Our dog was treated to a bone-shaped mat and homemade treats—he was as happy as we were!”

The Barking Problem

One of the biggest complaints from both pet owners and non-pet owners was noise, especially barking dogs. Guests reported being woken up at night or feeling uncomfortable passing noisy pets in hallways.

The takeaway? Hotels need clear pet policies (like requiring pets to be crated when left alone) and smart room allocation strategies. Some travelers even suggested having pet-free floors to give non-pet owners peace and quiet.

Friendly Staff Makes a Difference

Another major theme was staff attitude. Guests loved it when employees were warm and welcoming toward their pets—petting them, offering treats, or simply showing kindness. These hedonic touches boosted guest satisfaction, especially when other services were lacking.

But when staff seemed untrained or indifferent about pet policies, complaints piled up. This shows how important it is for hotels to train employees on handling pet-related situations, from resolving barking complaints to directing guests to pet-friendly areas.

Balancing Pet Owners and Non-Pet Owners

An interesting part of the study looked at non-pet owners who stayed in pet-friendly hotels. Their top concerns were cleanliness, barking, and pets in public areas like lobbies and restaurants.

Hotels that managed to balance both groups—by offering pet-free rooms, soundproofing, and clear communication of rules—earned higher ratings overall.

What This Means for Hotels

The research makes it clear: being pet-friendly is more than just saying “pets allowed.” Hotels need to design the right blend of utilitarian and hedonic attributes:

• Start with the basics: clean rooms, odor control, safe walking areas.

• Add thoughtful touches: pet beds, bowls, treat stations.

• Train staff to be welcoming and knowledgeable about pet policies.

• Consider non-pet guests by offering pet-free zones and managing noise.

Hotels that do this well can attract loyal pet-owning travelers and stand out in a crowded market.

Tips for Pet Owners

If you’re traveling with your furry friend, here are a few ways to make the most of your stay:

• Research hotel reviews for real guest experiences.

• Look for properties that provide dedicated pet amenities, not just “pet-tolerant” policies.

• Bring your own essentials (like crates or blankets) in case the hotel doesn’t supply them.

• Be mindful of other guests—keep barking and mess to a minimum.

Final Thoughts

As more people travel with their pets, pet-friendly hotels are becoming the new standard. But not all hotels deliver the same experience. The best ones focus on practical cleanliness and safety first, then add delightful touches that make pets feel like VIP guests.

For travelers, this means more options than ever to enjoy vacations with their furry companions. For hotels, it means an opportunity: create truly pet-friendly spaces and you’ll not only attract pet owners—you’ll win their loyalty.