Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations: A Complete Guide
- Arpita Karmakar
- Mar 31
- 5 min read
As we've explored the joys of traveling with your pet, navigated the challenges along the way, and even tackled the specific issue of car sickness, it's time to address one of the most crucial aspects of pet travel: where to stay. Finding the perfect pet-friendly accommodation can make or break your trip, and after numerous adventures with our beloved Phiphi, we've learned a thing or two about securing the ideal home away from home.
Our Airbnb Preference: A Personal Touch
Over the years, Airbnb has become our go-to platform for pet-friendly accommodations. On one memorable trip to Goa, we were initially worried about finding a place that would genuinely welcome Phiphi. After browsing through several listings with "pet-friendly" tags, we found a charming villa where the host actually asked for Phiphi's name and breed in our initial conversation through the portal.
When we arrived, not only was there a dedicated space for Phiphi's belongings, but the host had also prepared a small welcome treat! This personal connection is why we prefer Airbnb—the ability to communicate directly with hosts before booking allows us to gauge their actual pet-friendliness rather than just seeing a filter checkbox.
If you are in Bangalore or around and starting to wonder where should you travel next with your dog, we have compiled a great list-Purchase our Pet Friendly Travel Guide 2025, Bangalore Edition and make your life slightly easy!
The Filter Trap: When "Pet-Friendly" Isn't
While platforms like Booking.com and MakeMyTrip.com have improved their filters for pet-friendly stays, we've had our share of disappointments. Last summer, we booked what was advertised as a "pet-friendly" resort through MakeMyTrip for our trip to Bhubaneshwar. After driving for hours with an excited Phiphi, we arrived only to hear, "Oh, we do allow pets, but not in that particular room category," or "Yes, pets are allowed but only in the garden area, not inside the rooms."
Always double-check by messaging or calling the property directly to confirm their exact pet policy, regardless of what the filters show. Better to spend ten minutes confirming than facing rejection at check-in with a tired pup in tow.
Planning Ahead: The Two-Week Rule
We've learned that successful pet travel requires more preparation than solo trips. Now, we start researching accommodations at least two weeks before travel dates. This gives us time to:
Read through detailed reviews from other pet parents
Communicate with multiple hosts/properties
Ask specific questions about pet amenities
Request photos of areas where pets are allowed
Understand any nearby walking routes or pet-friendly attractions
When we planned our trip to the Himachal with Phiphi, this advance research helped us discover a stunning cottage that not only welcomed pets but was situated next to a private trail perfect for morning walks.
What Makes a Truly Pet-Friendly Stay?
Through our travels with Phiphi, we've developed a checklist of features that separate the truly pet-friendly stays from those that merely tolerate pets:
Dedicated pet amenities: The best stays offer food and water bowls, waste bags, and sometimes even pet beds. One farmhouse we visited in Goa even had a dedicated "pet menu" with simple, dog-friendly meal options!
Appropriate outdoor space: Secure, enclosed areas where your dog can relieve themselves are essential. Remember when Phiphi had to navigate that hotel with only concrete surroundings? Not fun for anyone at 6 AM.
Minimal restrictions: Watch out for places with excessive rules like "pets cannot be left alone in the room" or "pets only allowed in certain areas."
Emergency information: The best hosts provide details about nearby veterinary services.
Pet-proof spaces: Accommodations with tile or hardwood floors rather than wall-to-wall carpeting are ideal for inevitable accidents.
Navigating the Extra Pet Charges
Pet fees can be surprisingly variable. We've seen everything from no charge to an additional 50% of the room rate! Here's how we handle the financial aspect:
Ask upfront about all pet-related charges: Some places advertise a base pet fee but add cleaning charges separately.
Negotiate when possible: When booking directly with smaller properties or individual hosts, we've successfully negotiated pet fees down or had them waived entirely, especially for longer stays.
Loyalty pays off: We maintain a list of accommodations that don't charge extra for pets and prioritize returning to these places.
During our trip to a Sikkim retreat, the owner initially mentioned a significant pet cleaning fee. After explaining that Phiphi was well-trained and showing photos from our previous stays, they agreed to waive the fee if we followed their pet guidelines.
Respecting Others: Not Everyone Loves Dogs
An essential aspect of responsible pet travel that we've learned—sometimes the hard way—is acknowledging that not everyone shares our love for dogs. During a stay at a popular resort, we noticed another guest visibly uncomfortable when Phiphi approached them in the common garden area. That experience taught us an important lesson about being mindful of others' space and comfort levels.
Now, we always:
Keep Phiphi on a leash in shared spaces, regardless of how friendly she is
Ask before allowing our dog to approach other guests
Choose secluded areas for play sessions rather than busy common spaces
Book accommodations with private outdoor areas when possible
Respect quiet hours rigorously—no early morning barking sessions!
The reality is that by being considerate of those who may fear or dislike dogs, we're helping more establishments remain pet-friendly in the long run. During our stay in Manali, the host specifically thanked us for being considerate of other guests, mentioning that previous pet owners hadn't been as thoughtful, which had made them consider changing their pet policy.
Responsible Pet Travel: Being the Guests Everyone Wants Back
Perhaps the most important aspect of finding great pet accommodations is being the kind of guest that makes hosts want to welcome more pets in the future. Here's how we ensure Phiphi is always welcomed back:
Bring your own bedding: We always pack a large sheet to cover any furniture or bed Phiphi might use. This simple step has earned us multiple compliments from hosts.
Pack cleaning supplies: A small portable vacuum, pet wipes or pet-safe cleaning spray have saved us numerous times when Phiphi shed more than expected or tracked in mud after a rainy walk.
Maintain regular grooming: Phiphi gets a bath before every trip and regular brushing during our stay to minimize shedding.
Respect quiet hours: We adjust Phiphi's exercise schedule to ensure she's calm during early mornings and evenings.
Leave honest feedback: We always mention in our reviews how the accommodation worked for traveling with a pet, helping future pet parents make informed decisions.
The Extra Mile: Creating Memories Together
The most meaningful trips with Phiphi have been at places where we weren't just "allowed" but truly welcomed. Like the beachside cottage in Pondicherry where the owner introduced Phiphi to their own dogs, creating an instant vacation friendship. Or the mountain cabin in Bir where the host had mapped out pet-friendly hiking trails specifically for guests with dogs.
These experiences remind us why we bring Phiphi along in the first place—travel is about creating memories together, and the right accommodation sets the stage for those special moments.
Conclusion
Finding truly pet-friendly accommodations takes extra effort, but the joy of including your furry family member in your adventures makes it worthwhile. With proper research, communication, and responsible pet parenting, you'll build a collection of go-to places that welcome not just you, but your four-legged companion as well.
Next time, we'll dive into how to pack efficiently for your pet, ensuring you have everything needed for a stress-free journey without bringing your entire home along for the ride!
If you are in Bangalore or around and starting to wonder where should you stay during your next vacation with your pet-Purchase our Pet Friendly Travel Guide 2025, Bangalore Edition and make your life slightly easy!
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