Understanding What a Pet-Friendly Hotel Really Means
When planning a getaway or simply needing temporary care for a pet, many owners turn to pet-friendly hotels for peace of mind. One well-known example is PetSmart's PetsHotel, which operates in over 70 stores across 24 states, providing not just boarding, but also day care and a host of luxurious amenities for pets.
Core Features of a Pet-Friendly Hotel
At its heart, a pet-friendly hotel is designed with animal comfort, safety, and owner reassurance in mind. Key characteristics include:
- 24/7 staffed care to monitor and meet pet needs around the clock
- Veterinarian on-call at all times
- Individual I.D. collars, security cameras, and secure entry systems
- Temperature-controlled indoor-only environments to prevent escapes and maintain health
Accommodation Options
The facility scales according to pet size, family group, and the level of pampering desired. PetsHotel offers:
- Atrium rooms and luxury suites for dogs
- Private Kitty Cottages with separate ventilation from dog areas
- Group or individual supervised play areas
- Doggie Day Camp for interactive daytime socializing
Unique Amenities
Going beyond basic care, the PetsHotel includes indulgent and highly specific services such as:
- TVs tuned to animal-focused programming for canine guests
- “Pawgress Reports” tracking daily activities of each pet
- “Bone Booths” that allow pet parents to call and talk to their animals
- Dog-safe soft-serve ice cream and a variety of treats
- Storytime sessions before bed
- Holiday-themed events and photo ops
- Personal care items such as grooming and training
Health and Safety Standards
PetsHotel maintains rigorous health controls to ensure all animals are safe and well-cared for:
- Mandatory vaccinations (including DAPP, Bordetella, and rabies)
- Minimum age of 4 months for check-in
- Flea and tick control required for all guests
- Thorough cleaning and sanitation procedures
Check-In Process
To accommodate specific needs, check-in includes:
- Review of vaccination records
- Discussion of medical needs and special instructions
- Collection of emergency contacts
Pet owners are encouraged to bring food, toys, and other comfort items to personalize their pet’s stay. Tours can be scheduled in advance for peace of mind, and online or in-store booking makes it easy to secure a spot, particularly around holidays.
Room Capacities and Pricing
PetsHotel facilities can host up to 200 pets in a mix of atrium rooms, suites, kitty cottages, and playrooms. Pricing varies:
- Standard dog rooms: starting around $15 per night
- Luxury suites: over $41 per night
- Doggie Day Camp: $20–$25 per session
- Cat boarding: $12–$14 per night
- Add-on services: $3–$16
Why Choose a Pet-Friendly Hotel?
Choosing a hotel like PetsHotel ensures:
- Continuous supervision
- Emergency healthcare access
- Comfort and familiarity through tailored environments
- Customizable experiences for different pet personalities
Growth and Expansion
With popularity on the rise, PetsHotel facilities are expanding nationwide. It's clear that pet-friendly hotels fill an essential role for today’s busy and travel-loving pet owners.
In Summary
A pet-friendly hotel offers more than just a space to house your furry friend—it’s a full-service experience focused on their happiness, health, and emotional well-being. Whether for a night or a week, your pet can enjoy safe, structured, and enriching care while you're away.





