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Leaving Your Dog in a Hotel Room Safely
October 13, 2025* By Alison Ruggio
Holiday Travel Plans? A Guide for Travelers
The holidays are coming fast — and that means many of us are gearing up for travel, family visits, and festive escapes. If you’re planning to take your dog along (or ensuring your service dog travels smoothly with you), the stakes are higher than ever.
"New places, different routines, more stimuli — there’s no “normal” when you’re on the move."
Before you hit the road (or get on that plane), there’s one crucial detail to lock in: how your dog (or service dog) will handle when you can’t be in the room. Whether you’re stepping out for dinner, catching up on work, or running errands, leaving your pup behind—even just for a little while—requires smart prep.
In this post, I’m walking you through exactly how to leave your dog safely and comfortably in a hotel room, with tips that are especially timely for holiday travel when everything’s already chaotic.
Making Sure Your Dog is Safe and Comfortable
Provide Enrichment Activities:
- Leaving your dog in an unfamiliar environment can be stressful for them. To keep their mind occupied, provide an enrichment activity such as a frozen marrow bone or a stuffed Kong. These activities offer mental stimulation and keep your dog engaged while you’re out.
- The key is to choose something they don’t get often. A special treat can make the experience more enjoyable and help them feel secure.
Use a White Noise Machine:
- Hotel hallways can be noisy, with footsteps, laughter, and other unfamiliar sounds potentially making your dog anxious or reactive. A white noise machine can help mask these sounds and create a calming environment.
- Alternatively, turning on the TV or playing soft music can also help. Creating a consistent background noise can keep your dog more relaxed while you’re away.
First-Time Hotel Stays with Your Dog
If it’s your first time staying at a hotel with your dog, preparation is key. Avoid checking into your room and immediately leaving your dog alone. Instead, spend some time with them in the room to let them acclimate to the new surroundings. This helps reduce stress and allows your dog to associate the space with comfort and security. Ideally, take a few short trips with your dog where they accompany you to hotel rooms before attempting to leave them alone for extended periods.
When I stay in a hotel room with Luciano for the first time, I make it a point not to leave him alone on the first day. Instead, I allow him to get acclimated to the space, exploring it while I remain with him. This approach helps reduce his anxiety and makes him feel safe in the new environment. I also prefer to stay in pet-friendly hotels or Airbnb's, as they provide a seamless travel experience and reduce any anxiety I might feel about potential issues.
For first-time stays, consider booking a pet-friendly hotel even if your dog is a service dog. Pet-friendly accommodations are often more understanding if your dog barks or reacts to new noises, making the experience less stressful for everyone involved.
Service Dogs: Guide to Staying at Hotels and Airbnb
If you’re traveling with a service dog, there are specific guidelines and rights to keep in mind when staying at hotels or Airbnb's:
Hotel Stays:
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), hotels must accept service dogs without charging a pet fee. However, if your dog causes any damage to the property, you will be held financially responsible.
When booking a hotel room, notify the staff that you will be bringing your service dog. While no certification is required, it can be helpful to have a copy of ADA laws handy to show in case of any misunderstandings.
Request a room on the first floor near an exit for easy access when taking your dog outside. This minimizes your dog’s exposure to hallways and elevators, which can be sources of stress or distraction.
Airbnb Stays:
Airbnb hosts must comply with ADA requirements when hosting guests with service dogs. However, as a courtesy, ensure your dog is accustomed to traveling. Communicate with the host ahead of time, letting them know that your service dog will be accompanying you.
Be proactive about cleanliness: bathe and brush your dog before your stay, bring sheets to cover furniture, and pack your own bowls for feeding and water.
To avoid issues, crate your dog if they will be left alone in the house, even briefly.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Hotel Stay
Prepare Your Dog Beforehand:
Familiarize your dog with hotel-like environments before your trip. Take them to places with similar noises and layouts to ensure they feel more comfortable in new surroundings.
Pack the Essentials:
Don’t forget to bring items that will make your dog feel at home, such as their favorite blanket, bed, or toys. Familiar scents can help reduce anxiety in unfamiliar places.
Stay Vigilant About Cleanliness:
To leave a positive impression (and avoid any cleaning fees), make sure your dog is clean before your trip. Bring cleaning supplies to quickly address any messes, and always leave the space as clean as possible.
Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior:
If your dog shows signs of stress, such as excessive barking, pacing, or whining, they may not yet be ready to be left alone in a hotel room. Consider taking them with you until they are more comfortable with the environment.
Which Hotel Chains Are Pet-Friendly?
If you are traveling with a service dog in-training or a pet, understanding hotel pet policies are important. Each hotel and their chain may have different rules based on location, so it’s always best to call ahead and confirm their pet policy.
That said, these hotel chains are known for being amenable to pets:
- Best Western: 2 dogs with a max size of 80 lbs. per animal. All pets considered.
- Courtyard by Marriot: Dogs, cats, birds, and fish allowed.
- Element by Westin: 40 lbs. limit. Dogs only.
- Hyatt Place: 50 lbs. limit. Combined limit of 80 lbs.
- Marriott: 50 lbs. limit.
- Residence Inn by Marriott: 65 lbs. limit.
- DoubleTree by Hilton: No weight restriction.
*IMPORTANT TO NOTE: these hotel policies are for when you are traveling with Pets not Service Dogs.
Final Thoughts
Leaving your service animal in a hotel room doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With proper preparation and a focus on your dog’s safety and comfort, you can ensure a smooth stay for both you and your furry companion. Whether you’re traveling with a service dog or a beloved pet, these tips will help make every trip enjoyable and stress-free.
If you have questions about traveling with your dog or need advice on navigating hotel stays, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help make your travel experiences as seamless and stress-free as possible!
Paws On Planes Inc., All Rights Reserved
Hi, I Am Alison
CEO Of Paws On Planes Inc.
I’m the founder of Paws on Planes and your go-to guide for flying with dogs, whether you’re a pet parent or traveling with a psychiatric service dog.
Stick around for guides, travel hacks, and everything you need to fly stress-free with your furry companion.