10 tips for saving on pet fees at hotel

While many hotels charge additional fees for pets, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down while making sure both you and your pet have a comfortable stay. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, these expert tips will help you navigate how to avoid pet fees at hotels and make your next trip more budget friendly.

A pet-friendly hotel is an accommodation that welcomes guests traveling with their pets. However, “pet friendly” doesn't automatically mean there’s no pet fee. These establishments typically allow pets in designated rooms or areas, but policies can vary between properties.

Some pet-friendly hotels offer comprehensive facilities like dog beds, food bowls, treats, and even pet-sitting services. Others only allow pets without providing additional services. The level of pet accommodation can affect whether fees are charged, so it helps to understand what each hotel offers before you book.

Pet fees are additional charges hotels apply when guests bring their pets. These fees typically range from £10–50 per night, though some properties may charge considerably more. The fee structure varies by hotel, with some charging per pet, per night, while others apply a one-time cleaning fee regardless of stay length.

Hotels implement these fees to cover additional cleaning costs, potential damage repairs and specialized housekeeping procedures required after pet stays. Understanding fee structures before booking helps you budget accurately and identify properties offering better value for pet owners.

1. Know the weight and breed limits

Many hotels that charge pet fees have specific weight restrictions or breed limitations that can significantly impact costs. Properties might offer reduced rates for smaller pets under 24 pounds, while larger dogs incur higher fees. Some establishments don't charge fees for cats but do for dogs, regardless of size.

Check weight limits during your search. If you're traveling with a smaller pet that meets lower weight categories, you might qualify for reduced fees or even complimentary stays at participating properties.

2. Choose pet-friendly hotels that don't charge pet fees

The simplest way to avoid pet fees is to choose hotels that don’t charge them.

Using filters like the “pets stay free” option helps you identify properties where pets stay without additional fees. This badge appears during your search, making it easy to filter accommodations that welcome pets at no extra cost.

Many hotel chains have standardized pet policies, so once you identify pet fee–free brands, you can consistently choose them across different destinations. Extended-stay hotels and certain boutique properties often waive pet fees as part of their hospitality philosophy.

3. Contact the hotel in advance

Contacting the hotel before booking can sometimes lead to lower fees or a waiver.

Hotel managers may have discretionary power to modify policies, particularly for longer stays or repeat customers. When calling, politely explain your situation and ask about potential pet fee reductions.

4. Understand how fees vary by pet type

Pet fee structures often vary by animal type, size, and breed. Cats typically incur lower fees than dogs, while other pets might face higher charges or restrictions. Some hotels charge per pet, meaning traveling with multiple animals significantly increases costs.

Smaller pets generally qualify for lower fees, while larger breeds may face higher charges. Understanding these distinctions helps you anticipate costs and potentially adjust travel plans to minimize expenses while keeping your pet comfortable.

5. Consider the number of pets you're traveling with

Hotels often charge per pet, so traveling with multiple animals can increase accommodation costs. Some properties offer package deals for multiple pets or cap fees at a certain amount regardless of pet quantity. Many hotels will limit the number of pets that can stay in a room to one or two.

If you're traveling with several pets, contact hotels directly to ask about multi-pet discounts. Some accommodations are more flexible with fee structures when guests are transparent about their needs upfront.

6. Choose smaller hotels or vacation rentals

Boutique hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals may have more flexible pet policies than large chain hotels. These properties frequently operate with fewer corporate restrictions, allowing owners to make case-by-case decisions about pet fees.

Vacation rentals often feature entire properties where pet fees are less common, and you'll have more space for your pet to feel comfortable. What hotels allow dogs varies significantly, but smaller, independent properties typically offer more personalized service and flexible policies.

7. Be completely honest about your pet

Transparency about your pet's presence is crucial for several reasons. Hotels need accurate information to provide appropriate accommodations. Being upfront about your pet prevents potential complications at check-in and demonstrates responsible pet ownership.

Honest communication also allows hotels to place you in pet-designated rooms, which are properly equipped and prepared for animals. This preparation often results in better experiences for both you and your pet.

8. Book longer stays for potential discounts

Extended stays sometimes qualify for reduced pet fees or fee waivers. Hotels appreciate longer bookings and may offer concessions to secure extended reservations. Weekly or monthly rates may include pet fee reductions as part of package deals.

When booking extended stays, inquire specifically about pet fee structures for longer reservations. Some hotels waive daily pet fees for stays exceeding certain durations, treating them as one-time cleaning fees instead.

9. Look for package deals and promotions

Hotels occasionally offer promotional packages that include pet stays at reduced rates or with waived fees. These promotions might coincide with pet-themed events, off-season periods, or special occasions like National Pet Day.

Subscribe to hotel newsletters and follow social media accounts to stay informed about pet-friendly promotions. 

10. Consider timing and seasonality

Pet fees and availability can vary by season and demand periods. Off-peak travel times might offer more negotiation opportunities for fee reductions. Hotels experiencing lower occupancy rates may be more flexible with pet policies to secure bookings.

Shoulder seasons often provide the best combination of reasonable rates and flexible pet policies, making them ideal times for budget-conscious pet owners to travel.

Service animals are legally protected and can’t be charged pet fees at hotels. Under disability legislation, properly trained service animals that perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities must be accommodated without additional charges. Hotels can’t require documentation but may ask about the animal's training and specific tasks.

It's important to understand that whether hotels can charge for emotional support animals is different from service animal regulations. Emotional support animals don't have the same legal protections and hotels may apply standard pet fees to these animals.

Can hotels charge a pet fee for emotional support animals? Yes, hotels can legally charge pet fees for emotional support animals, as they don't have the same legal status as service animals. However, some accommodations choose to waive fees for emotional support animals as a courtesy, particularly when proper documentation is provided.

If you're traveling with an emotional support animal, contact hotels directly to discuss their specific policies. Some properties may reduce or waive fees when presented with proper emotional support animal letters from licensed mental health professionals.

Are pet fees negotiable?

Pet fees can sometimes be negotiable, particularly at independent hotels or during extended stays. Factors like loyalty program membership, booking duration, and hotel occupancy levels can influence management's willingness to reduce or waive fees. Polite, direct communication often yields the best results when requesting fee adjustments.

Why do hotels charge pet fees?

Hotels charge pet fees to cover additional cleaning costs, potential damage repairs, and specialized housekeeping procedures required after pet stays. These fees also help offset increased insurance costs and potential liability associated with accommodating pets. The fees allow hotels to maintain high cleanliness standards for all guests.

What happens if you don't tell a hotel you have a dog?

Failing to disclose pet presence can result in additional charges, immediate removal from the property, or forfeiture of your entire stay cost. Hotels have policies requiring pet disclosure for safety, legal, and operational reasons. Unexpected pets can also cause issues for guests, potentially creating uncomfortable situations for everyone involved.