Do Pet Friendly Hotels Charge Extra? Everything You Need to Know

Planning a trip with your dog or cat and wondering if the hotel is going to slap on a "pet fee" at checkout? Fair question. The truth is, it really depends on where you're staying. Some hotels won't charge you a rupee for bringing your pet along. Others will, because a room with a pet in it usually needs a bit more attention once you leave.

The amount you pay, if any, usually comes down to the hotel's own pet policy, along with factors like the type and size of your pet and how long you're staying. Before you book a Pet Friendly Hotel, it helps to understand how these charges work so there are no surprises at check-in.

Do All Pet-Friendly Hotels Charge Extra?

Yes, most pet friendly hotels do charge something extra if you're travelling with a pet. Industry estimates put the average around 10% of the nightly room rate, though it swings a lot depending on the property.

That said, plenty of places, especially smaller homestays and a few resorts, let pets stay for free. Reports show that only 18% of hotels allow pets for free. Bottom line: check the specific hotel's policy before you book instead of assuming either way.

Why Are Fees Charged at Pet Friendly Hotels?

Pet fees aren't simply an extra way for hotels to make money. They help cover the additional costs of accommodating pets.

• Higher Cost for Additional Cleaning

  The rooms occupied by pets need an additional cleaning process after the guest vacates. This entails removing pet hair from carpets and upholstery and eliminating odour, which is quite laborious compared to regular cleaning of a room.

• Property Maintenance

  Hotels also incur maintenance costs when carpets, furniture, or flooring require repair because of scratches, chewing, muddy paws or accidental damage.

• Additional Amenities

  Most hotels try to enhance their services by offering things like pet beds, bowls for food and water, treats on arrival and disposal bags for any waste. All these amenities come at an expense and contribute to the pet fee.

Types of Pet Fees Hotels Charge

Not every hotel structures its pet fees the same way. Here's how it usually breaks down.

What Determines the Pet Fee?

There are quite a few factors that play an important role in determining the amount of money that you may need to pay.

• Size of the pet you have
• Number of pets
• Dog or cat (dogs usually have a higher charge)
• Length of your stay at the hotel
• The type of hotel you choose
• The location of the hotel
• Breed restrictions if any by the property

If you're booking soon, it's worth reading through these things to check before booking a hotel so you're not caught off guard later.

Average Pet Hotel Charges

Prices vary a lot across properties, but here's a rough idea of what to expect in India.

Some practical examples will illustrate the point better. The Pullman New Delhi Aerocity hotel, for example, charges around ₹1,500 per animal per night. On the other hand, Ibis Kochi hotel charges about ₹1,000 per pet per night. However, there is another property from the Mumbai Marriott Executive Apartments group that does not charge on a nightly basis at all but rather asks for a ₹1,000 refundable deposit.

A Quick Comparison

Comparing the most commonly levied fees head-to-head is helpful for making the distinctions clearer.

The operations manager of one mid-tier pet-friendly hotel which Booking Master's Team interviewed put it succinctly as, "Once the guest understands that the charge is related to cleaning and replacing used furniture, they are happy with the price. The real problem is when they find out about this after checking out rather than before making their reservation."

What Is Usually Included in the Pet Fee?

The pet fee is not all about making you pay for having your pets in the hotel room. The fees actually include:

• Additional housekeeping services and sanitised room.
• Pet bed or pet mat.
• Bowls for food and water.
• Cover kit.
• Disposable waste bags.
• Access to outdoor pet-friendly spaces in the hotel premises.

Pet-Friendly Hotel Policies: Free vs. Paid Pet Stays

There are some hotels who allow you to stay without paying extra fees. There are those who give special deals where your pet stays for free within a certain period of time.

And there are some hotels which only charge extra fees if your pet is big, while there are others which only charge extra fees if your pet has caused any damage. This is why it is important to actually read the policy instead of guessing and why it helps to know the usual hotel booking mistakes pet owners make before confirming the booking.

How to Avoid Unexpected Pet Charges

Doing some research ahead of time will keep any surprises from occurring when you check out.

• Research the pet policy before booking, not after
• Ask explicitly whether the deposit is refundable
• Find out if there is a weight limit on the pet
• Convey beforehand that you will be bringing your pet
• Have vaccination information ready
• Don’t leave your pet alone in the room

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Before you confirm the reservation, it's worth getting these answered upfront.

• Is there a pet fee and is it refundable?
• Are all breeds allowed, or are some restricted?
• How many pets can stay per room?
• Are pets allowed in every room type?
• Can pets be left alone while you're out?
• Is there an outdoor space where pets can walk around?

Benefit of Staying in a Pet Friendly Hotel

A small fee will be well worth it, considering that you won’t have to worry about leaving your pet at home or placing him in a boarding kennel whilst on your trip. You get the amenities, a comfortable stay, and, honestly, a lot less stress for both you and your pet. If you're still on the fence, it's worth reading about whether travelling with a pet is safe before you plan the trip.

Conclusion

Most pet-friendly hotels charge extra, but the amount and fee structure vary by property. Reading the hotel's pet policy before booking can help you avoid unexpected charges and ensure a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.