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When you’re traveling but have pets, a whole new set of problems comes up. Perhaps the biggest and most important is what hotels to stay at because not all will accept pets. Even those that do typically charge an eye watering deposit or fee, making matters even worse. What about Best Western, you may ask? Do they allow pets?
Yes, most Best Western hotels are pet-friendly and gladly welcome your four-legged friends, feline or canine. Some even permit birds, snakes, and other pets, but the policy is subject to change. Managers of individual locations, for instance, may decide to not allow birds, cats, or dogs if they wish, even if the company policy is that pets are welcome at Best Western hotels.
If that seems a little confusing, it’s because it is. Most Best Westerns are cool with your beloved pets, but a few might not be. Your best bet is to get on the phone or your email and directly contact the Best Western you want to stay at before you book your stay and to specifically ask for pet-friendly accommodations.
Best Western Pet Policy, Fees, & Rules
Best Western has over 1,200 pet-friendly locations in North America, and you’ll have no problem finding one nearly anywhere you go in the US. Once you’ve confirmed that the hotel you’re staying at allows your pet, it would be a good time to get familiar with Best Western’s pet-related rules so you don’t accidentally step on any toes during your trip.
- $150 refundable pet deposit may be required upon check-in at management’s discretion
- $30 per day flat pet fee per room to a weekly maximum of $150
- Two domestic pets up to 80 pounds each allowed per room
- Exotic animals like monkeys, snakes, birds, and more require approval from management and may not be allowed at all locations
- Your pet may not be allowed free in your hotel room when you’re not present 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 helps to know which are pet-friendly if you travel with your pet often or just ahead of a special trip. Let’s delve into which hotel chains are generally pet-friendly below.
- IHG Hotels & Resorts: Including Marriott, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and more, most IHG-owned hotels are glad to welcome our furry friends.
- Hilton: This upscale luxury hotel chain welcomes pets at nearly all locations with very few exceptions.
- Red Roof Inn: All locations of this underrated hotel chain allow one pet per room for no charge or deposit.
- Motel 6: This ubiquitous budget hotel franchise is proud to welcome pets at all their locations throughout the US with no pet fees.
- Hampton Inn: Most Hampton Inns allow pets, but fees and policies may vary based on location, so make sure to call ahead and confirm!
Top 3 Travel Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe
A lot of scary things can happen when you travel, from ordinary nerves to serious emergencies. No matter what happens on the road, it pays to keep a few key things in mind: packing smart, strategizing potty breaks, and locating pet-friendly recreation.
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 just in case the unthinkable strikes when you’re traveling. Make sure you pack all the travel supplies below to stay ahead of the travel game.
- ID tag with the pet’s name and your contact info
- Photocopies of your pet’s documents, including vaccinations and other medications
- Food and treats for the duration of your trip—you may not always be able to grab more on the go
- Collapsible travel bowls for food and water
- A favorite toy or two—anything that brings your pet comfort in stressful situations
- Travel-approved pet carrier
- Waste disposal bags
2. Strategize Potty Breaks
Traveling with a pet is a lot like traveling with a child in that potty breaks will suddenly become a much bigger issue than they normally are. Get into the habit of taking your cat potty before going anywhere, and we highly recommend trying to stay on your normal feeding and potty times so your pet stays on a comfortable routine.
3. Pet-Friendly Recreation
Entertaining a bored cat can be nearly impossible in a cramped hotel room, but through trial and error, pet owners have figured out some life-saving tips for keeping pets busy when traveling in unfamiliar territory.
- Look up and write down pet parks and pet-friendly hiking trails near the places you’re going.
- Make sure your pet knows essential commands before taking them on a trip.
- Keep your cat confined to their travel carrier until you reach a pet-safe room where they can freak out a little bit without hurting themselves or destroying property.
- Carve out dedicated chunks of time where you spend quality time with your cat, whether that’s performing tricks, puzzle toys, walks, or outdoor games.
Conclusion
Traveling with a pet doesn’t have to be a harrowing experience, and many hotel chains across the country, like Best Western, are more than happy to welcome your weary pet on your next trip. Whether you’re going across town or cross-country, take care to note the pet-friendly hotels and critical travel tips mentioned above.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
