You booked a hotel that claimed to love pets — and you ended up paying a $75 fee for a musty room with stains on the carpet. Not quite what you had in mind.

Fortunately, there are hotels that love your dog or cat as much as you do! We’ll tell you what to look for.

First: Does Travel Insurance Cover Pets?

We’re so glad you asked. When it comes to your travel insurance plan, pets are not generally covered by benefits and are not included in the definition of “family member.” This means that if your dog gets sick or hurt before your trip, for instance, that would not be considered a covered reason for trip cancellation. (Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are considered family members.)

Travel insurance can be invaluable in certain situations when you’re traveling with your pet. For example:

• You pre-pay for doggy daycare at your destination, but then you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason. Trip cancellation benefits could reimburse you for those pre-paid, non-refundable costs.
• You’re traveling with your German shepherd, and you find out that the hotel you’d booked doesn’t accept large dogs. You could call your plan’s concierge service to ask for help making reservations at a different, dog-friendly hotel.
• On a road trip with your Siamese, you get into a car accident and must go to the hospital. Call 24-Hour Hotline Assistance, and our Assistance experts can find a place to board your cat while you’re being treated. (Please understand that the insured traveler is responsible for paying any costs associated with special services that aren’t covered in your plan, such as pet boarding.)

Planning a vacation soon? Buy travel insurance as soon as you make your travel plans, so you can maximize your coverage window. Get a quote.

The best pet-friendly hotels are enthusiastic about all four-legged friends.

There are plenty of dog-friendly hotels out there, but not as many that welcome cats, rabbits or iguanas. The Kimpton chain is a standout in this department: “At every Kimpton boutique hotel, we invite you to bring your furry, feathery or scaly family member — no matter their size, weight, or breed, all at no extra charge,” the company says. “If your pet fits through the door, we’ll welcome them in.” Not only does Kimpton lend guests pet beds and dishes, but at some locations, you can bring your ocelot or cockatiel to the nightly wine reception. Best of all, a few Kimpton hotels have adorable Directors of Pet Relations, like Marvin the bulldog in Seattle and chihuahuas Bandit and Bowser in Boston.¹

The best pet-friendly hotels have reasonable fees — or none at all.

Many hotel chains let pets stay free. Aloft welcomes dogs up to 40 pounds, and offers a complimentary dog bed, water bowl, treats and toys.² Motel 6 welcomes up to two pets (dogs, cats and other well-behaved animals) per room, as long as their combined weight is under 150 pounds.³ And Red Roof Inn allows one pet per room (cat or dog), within certain weight limits.⁴

Other properties’ fees and policies vary by location. If you don’t see details on the website, call the front desk.

The best pet-friendly hotels offer experiences your dog will love.

Vacation’s not much fun for a dog cooped up in a crate. If you want your pup to enjoy the trip as much as you do, seek out hotels where dogs are invited to explore. A fenced dog run is good. A nearby park with trails is better. And best of all are the places that treat dogs to special experiences. At the luxury Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley, dogs get to enjoy a bacon scavenger hunt through the vineyards. The Inn By the Sea in Maine has pet menus and dog walking, and even lets dogs use the pool late in the season.

The best pet-friendly hotels are equally fond of cats.

If your feline friend loves to travel, or if you must bring your cat along on your trip, you want a truly cat-friendly hotel. Kimpton’s a good choice; Home2Suites by Hilton also declares that cats are welcome. Loews Hotels provides litter boxes and other amenities upon request, and even has a room service menu for cats.⁵

Some hotels even have their own resident kitties. The most famous is the Algonquin Hotel in New York City, which has been home to a distinguished cat (always named Hamlet or Matilda) for decades. Find more on HotelswithCats.com.

The best pet-friendly hotels have clear policies.

Pet owners might chafe at long lists of rules, but really, they’re for the best. You don’t want to spend the night at a hotel where dogs bark all night, scratch up the doors and make messes on the lawn. A responsible pet policy will outline things like:

• Whether dogs may be left alone in a room (and if they must be crated)
• Whether pets are allowed on beds and furniture
• Which vaccinations are required
• Where pets are allowed (on patios, yes; in the spa, no)
• When the cleaning fee (if there is one) applies

If you disagree with a hotel’s rule, or if you see an unexpected charge on the bill, take it up with the manager. Just be fair — if Fluffy disembowels the pillows, it’s only right for the hotel to ask you to pay for the damage.

We hope your trip with your pet is one to remember! Ensure peace of mind with a travel insurance plan from Allianz Global Assistance. Find your perfect plan.

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