If it feels like you’re seeing more dogs in airports, hotels, and on vacation than ever before, you’re not imagining it.
According to KAYAK, 87 million U.S. households, or roughly 66% of households, own a pet, and approximately 78% of travelers bring their furry companions along each year. At the same time, searches for pet-friendly hotels are up 20% compared to last year.
As someone who travels regularly with my Yorkie, Emily, those numbers don’t surprise me at all. After visiting 82 countries together, I’ve learned that not all “pet-friendly” hotels are actually pet friendly. Sure, they may allow dogs, but that doesn’t always mean they’re designed with pet travelers in mind.
Over the years, we’ve stayed everywhere from luxury resorts in Italy to small boutique hotels in Asia, and I’ve found that the right hotel can make a huge difference in your trip.
What I Actually Look For When Booking a Hotel…
When I’m researching hotels, I look at a lot more than just the room.
Some of the things I check for are:
- Green space nearby
- Sidewalks and walkable areas
- Outdoor restaurants and cafés
- Nearby parks
- Pet fees or deposits
- Weight restrictions
- The overall vibe of how welcoming the property is toward pets
I’ve noticed over the years is that some hotels truly welcome dogs, while others simply allow them. There is definitely a difference.
Some of my favorite stays have been at properties where the staff greeted Emily by name, offered treats at check-in, or simply made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived.
Here are the Cities With the Highest Percentage of Pet-Friendly Accommodations
KAYAK recently analyzed hotel data across the United States and identified the cities with the highest percentage of pet-friendly accommodations.
The top 20 destinations included:
- Topeka, Kansas
- Amarillo, Texas
- Yakima, Washington
- Klamath Falls, Oregon
- Syracuse, New York
- Ocala, Florida
- Evansville, Indiana
- Yuma, Arizona
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Montgomery, Alabama
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- Valdosta, Georgia
- Paducah, Kentucky
- Titusville, Florida
- Boca Raton, Florida
- Davenport, Iowa
- Springfield, Missouri
- Florence, South Carolina
- Long Beach, Washington
What I found interesting is that many of these aren’t necessarily the destinations people immediately think of when planning a trip. A lot of them offer easy access to outdoor activities, open spaces, and road-trip-friendly environments, which naturally work well when traveling with a dog.
My Best Tip: Start With Pet-Friendly Search Filters
One thing that saves me a lot of time when planning a trip is using pet-friendly search filters right from the beginning.
There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect hotel, getting excited about it, and then realizing pets aren’t allowed. Using pet-friendly search tools helps narrow down the options quickly and makes the research process much easier.
That said, don’t stop there.
I always recommend reading the hotel’s pet policy before booking. Look for pet fees, deposits, weight limits, and any rules about leaving pets unattended in the room. A few extra minutes of research can save you from unexpected surprises when you arrive.
For travelers looking for additional resources, KAYAK’s Pet Travel Playbook includes tips on traveling with pets, finding accommodations, and planning pet-friendly adventures.
Traveling Is Better Together
People often ask me if traveling with a dog is more work?
The answer is absolutely yes.
There’s more planning involved, more research, and sometimes a few extra logistics to figure out. But I can honestly say every bit of it has been worth it.
Some of my favorite travel memories wouldn’t be the same if Amy and Emily hadn’t been there to share them with me.
As more hotels, destinations, and travel companies continue to recognize that pets are part of the family, I’m excited to see even more options for travelers who want to bring their dogs along for the adventure.
Because some of the best memories are the ones we make together.