Hotels and pets: what to confirm before booking

Booking a hotel with your dog can make travel less stressful, but the label "pet friendly" often means different things from one place to another. Some hotels welcome dogs everywhere; others have restrictions, extra charges or only allow pets in certain rooms. Knowing what to ask—before you book—can save you time, money and awkward conversations at check-in.

What "pet friendly" can mean in practice

Hotels use "pet friendly" in many ways, so it is worth looking closely at what is meant:

• Room restrictions: Some hotels only allow pets in specific rooms or parts of the building. Always check whether the room you want is included—never assume all rooms are available to guests with pets.
• Size and number limits: There may be restrictions on the size of dogs (for example, only small breeds) or a limit on the number allowed per booking. This is not always stated clearly, so ask for details even if you have only one dog.
• Charges and deposits: Many hotels add a cleaning fee or refundable deposit for guests with pets. These can vary widely, and sometimes the charge is per night, per stay, or per pet.
• Where pets can go: Not all areas of a hotel may be open to pets. Common restrictions include dining rooms, bars, lounges or gardens. You may also find that dogs are not allowed on beds or furniture.
• Leaving pets alone: Some hotels ask that pets are not left alone in rooms, while others may allow it if your dog is crated. Always clarify this, especially if you plan to dine out or attend events during your stay.

Reading the small print or website description helps, but not every detail is published. Annuvell Local hotel listings show whether a business states it is pet friendly, but you should still confirm the specifics directly with the hotel.

The questions to ask before you book

A short phone call can reveal details that do not appear on a website or booking form. Before you confirm, consider the following:

• Is the room you want included in the pet policy? Ask specifically about the dates and room type. Some hotels restrict pets to ground-floor or certain annex rooms.
• Are there extra charges or deposits? Clarify if there is a nightly fee, a cleaning charge, or a refundable deposit, and whether this applies per pet or per room.
• What size and how many pets are allowed? Even if you only have one dog, check for any breed or weight restrictions. If you have more than one, confirm the maximum number.
• Which areas are pets allowed in? Ask whether your dog can join you in the lounge, bar, dining room or garden. If not, find out where your dog will be expected to stay during meals or social times.
• Can you leave your pet alone in the room? If you expect to leave your dog unattended, even briefly, confirm whether this is allowed and under what conditions (such as crating).

Write down the answers and ask for confirmation in writing—an email reply is usually enough. If policies differ from those advertised, having your agreement in writing helps avoid disputes later.

Assistance dogs are treated differently in law

The rules for assistance dogs are not the same as for pets. Under the Equality Act 2010, hotels and other service providers in Great Britain must not refuse access to assistance dogs, except in very limited circumstances. This legal protection applies regardless of ordinary pet policies or restrictions, including size, breed, or the areas of the hotel.

If you travel with an assistance dog, you do not need to pay extra fees or deposits that apply to pets. It is still worth notifying the hotel in advance, so they can make any needed arrangements, but you should not be refused a booking on the grounds of having an assistance dog. If you are told otherwise, you can reference the Equality Act and ask for the policy in writing.

Factors that make a stay easier for you and your dog

A hotel’s pet policy is only part of the picture. Where your room is, local amenities and practicalities can make a real difference:

• Nearby walks: Check whether the hotel is close to parks, footpaths or green spaces suitable for dog walking. Some listings mention this; otherwise, use maps or ask the hotel directly.
• Parking: If you are driving with your dog, on-site parking or easy unloading makes arrival and departures easier, especially if you have multiple bags and a dog lead to manage.
• Ground-floor or easy-access rooms: Dogs may find stairs or lifts difficult, and ground-floor rooms usually make late-night or early-morning walks more manageable. Ask whether these are available and included in the pet-friendly allocation.
• Room layout: If your dog is nervous or needs a quiet space, ask if quieter rooms are available, away from main corridors or function rooms.

These details are sometimes mentioned on hotel websites or in the Annuvell Local listing description, but a call or direct message is often the quickest way to confirm.

Using Annuvell Local to shortlist pet-friendly hotels

Annuvell Local lets you compare hotels by "pet friendly" status as a comparison fact. When you search in the hotels category, you can see at a glance which places claim to accept pets. Remember, "pet friendly" here means the business states it on their published materials—always confirm the details yourself.

You can use the compare tool to look at up to four hotels side by side. Each comparison fact is labelled so you know whether it is verified, provided, or simply stated by the business. Not every listing will have full details; "Not stated" means the business has not published the information, not that pets are not allowed.

Once you have a shortlist, use the checked contact details on each listing to phone or email for confirmation. Listings with a "Verified" badge have completed an ownership check, but you should still ask about the pet policy directly.

Why a phone call is still worth it

Online listings and booking forms rarely cover all the details that can affect your stay. A quick phone call can help you:

• Confirm the pet policy for the specific room and dates you want.
• Check for any last-minute changes to rules, charges or availability.
• Clarify any points that are unclear or not mentioned on the website.
• Get a written summary by asking the staff member to email the policy or make a note on your booking.

Staff are usually happy to clarify their rules, especially if you explain you are travelling with a dog. Keep a record of who you spoke to and what was said, in case of later confusion.

What to do if the policy is unclear or changes

Sometimes, you may find that the hotel’s written policy does not match what you are told on the phone, or that staff are unsure of the details. In these cases:

• Politely ask for written confirmation of what you have agreed. An email reply listing the rules is usually enough.
• If you book through a third-party site, clarify the pet policy with the hotel directly—do not rely on the booking platform’s information alone.
• For assistance dogs, refer to the legal protections mentioned above if you encounter resistance or unclear policies.
• If in doubt, consider looking for another property where the rules are clearer or better suited to your needs.

Next steps

Start by searching for hotels in your destination and use the pet-friendly comparison fact to build a shortlist. Then phone each hotel to confirm the exact rules for your room, your dog and your dates. Always get the policy in writing if you can, and keep a note of what was agreed. For extra detail on choosing accommodation, you may find How to evaluate a hotel before you book useful. If you are also considering smaller properties, you can check the bed and breakfast listings on Annuvell Local as well.