When you’re traveling with pets, a whole new set of problems arise. Perhaps the biggest and most important is which hotels to stay in as not all will accept pets. Even those who usually charge an eye watering deposit or fee, which makes things worse. What about the Best Western, you may ask? Do they allow pets?
Yes, most Best Western hotels are pet-friendly and welcome your four-legged friend, cat or dog. Some even allow birds, snakes, and other pets, but policy can change. For example, managers of individual locations may decide not to allow birds, cats, or dogs if they wish, even though it is company policy that pets are welcome at Best Western hotels.
If that sounds confusing, it’s because it is. Most Best Westerns are cool with your beloved pets, but some may not be. Your best bet is to call or email and contact the Best Western directly where you want to stay before book your stay and specifically ask for pet-friendly accommodations.
Best Western Pet Policies, Fees, and Rules
Best Western has more than 1,200 pet-friendly locations in North America, and you’ll have no problem finding one anywhere you go in the US. Once you’ve confirmed that the hotel you’re staying at allows your pet, it’s a good time to familiarize yourself with Best Western’s pet-related rules so you don’t accidentally step on any toes during your trip.
Best Western Pet Policy Rules:
- A $150 refundable pet deposit may be required upon check-in at management’s discretion
- $30 per day flat pet fee per room up to a maximum of $150 per week
- Two domestic pets up to 80 pounds each are allowed per room
- Exotic animals such as monkeys, snakes, birds, and more require approval from management and may not be allowed in all locations
- Your pet may not be allowed free in your hotel room when you are away for the safety of housekeeping staff
What Other Hotel Chains Are Pet Friendly?
Best Western is pretty pet-friendly, but they’re far from the only hotel chain out there. Hotel chains typically enforce the same pet-related fees and policies at all locations, so it’s helpful to know which ones are pet-friendly if you’ll be traveling with your pet frequently or before a special trip. Let’s see which hotel chains are generally pet-friendly below.
Other Popular Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains:
- IHG Hotels & Resorts: Including Marriott, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and more, most IHG-owned hotels are happy to welcome our furry friends.
- Hilton: This upscale luxury hotel chain accepts pets at almost all locations with very few exceptions.
- Red Roof Inn: All locations of this underrated hotel chain allow one pet per room at no charge or deposit.
- Motel 6: This ubiquitous budget hotel franchise is proud to welcome pets at all of their locations across the US with no pet fee.
- Hampton Inn: Most Hampton Inns allow pets, but fees and policies may vary based on location, so be sure to call ahead and confirm!
Top 3 Travel Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe
Many scary things can happen when you travel, from ordinary nerves to serious emergencies. No matter what happens on the road, it’s worth keeping a few important things in mind: packing smart, strategizing potty breaks, and finding pet-friendly entertainment.
1. Pack Smart
When traveling with a loved one, furry or not, you want to be prepared with all the essentials they need on a daily basis and emergency supplies in case the unthinkable happens when you travel. Make sure you pack all the travel supplies below to stay ahead of the travel game.
Recommended Pet Travel Supplies:
- ID tag with pet’s name and your contact information
- Copies of your pet’s documents, including vaccinations and other medications
- Food and sustenance for the duration of your trip—you may not always be able to get more while traveling
- Collapsible travel bowls for food and water
- A favorite toy or two—anything that brings your pet comfort in stressful situations
- Pet carrier approved for travel
- Garbage disposal bags
2. Strategy Potty Breaks
Traveling with a pet is like traveling with a child on potty breaks who will suddenly become a how much bigger issue than usual. Make it a habit to take your cat potty before going anywhere, and we highly recommend trying to stick to your normal feeding and potty times to keep your pet in a comfortable routine.
3. Pet-Friendly Recreation
Comforting a bored cat can be nearly impossible in a stuffy hotel room, but through trial and error, pet owners have come up with some life-saving tips to keep pets are busy when traveling in unfamiliar territory.
Pet Travel Entertainment Tips:
- Find and write down pet parks and pet-friendly hiking trails near the places you’re going.
- Make sure your pet knows important commands before taking them on a trip.
- Keep your cat confined in their travel carrier until you can reach a pet-safe room where they can freak out a bit without hurting themselves or damaging property.
- Carve out dedicated chunks of time where you spend quality time with your cat, whether it’s playing tricks, playing puzzles, going for walks, or playing outside.
Conclusion
Traveling with a pet doesn’t have to be a painful experience, and many hotel chains across the country, like Best Western, are more than happy to welcome your tired pet on your next trip. Whether you’re heading across town or cross-country, be sure to keep in mind the pet-friendly hotels and critical travel tips mentioned above.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
