Hotel Pet Policies: What Happens If You Plan for More Than Two Small Dogs?

Traveling with pets can be delightful, but it also comes with certain obligations and restrictions. One common issue that pet owners often encounter is hotel policies regarding the number of pets allowed per room. Many hotels have a strict limit on the number of pets, typically two per room. But what happens if you plan to bring more, such as three small dogs? This article explores this scenario and offers guidance on how to navigate hotel policies.

Understanding Hotel Pet Policies

Many hotels have a clear policy outlining the number of pets allowed in a room. For example, a policy may state 'two small dogs per room.' Breaching this rule can result in severe consequences, including being asked to leave the premises. However, some hotels might be more lenient and willing to make an exception, especially if you explain the situation and are prepared to pay any additional fees.

The Consequences of Violating Pet Policies

Violating a hotel’s pet policy can lead to various outcomes:

Immediate Ejection: If the hotel staff discovers your breach of the policy, they may demand that you leave the premises immediately. This can be particularly problematic if you have baggage and personal items in the room. Renting Alternatives: Some hotels might offer alternative accommodations, like moving you to a different room or providing a separate suite, but this is not always guaranteed. Per Dog Charges: Hotels often charge a fee for each pet. If you bring more pets, you might be required to pay for every additional one, which can significantly increase your expenses.

It’s crucial to check the hotel’s website, call the front desk, or email customer service to get the most up-to-date and accurate information about their pet policy.

Experience and Exceptions

Traveling with pets has its challenges, and some pet owners have faced difficult situations when trying to adhere to hotel pet policies. While many hotels adhere strictly to their rules, others might make exceptions, especially if the pets are well-behaved and the room is clean.

For example, in my experience, I once stayed at a hotel with three small dogs, even though their policy stated 'two small dogs per room.' I did this because the hotel charged a high per-dog fee, and my dogs looked alike to most people. I ensured I never left the room with more than two dogs at a time to avoid any potential issues. Despite my efforts, I never faced a confrontation, and I even received a compliment from the manager about how well-behaved my dogs were.

Important Real-World Case

Another instance involving a 4-dog situation occurred several decades ago. A motel allowed only two dogs per room. We arrived late and checked in at midnight. The motel was nearly full, and the 'Full' sign was shining brightly. I took the dogs out in pairs and managed to stay in the room without any issues. Upon encountering the manager, he was impressed with the behavior of our dogs and didn’t cause any trouble.

What When You Can't Adhere to Hotel Rules?

If you plan to bring more pets than the hotel allows, you can still take several steps to ensure a smoother check-in process:

Contact the Hotel: Speak directly with the hotel management to see if they can make an exception, especially if you can pay any additional pet fees upfront. Flexibility: Offer to relocate to another hotel if they cannot accommodate multiple pets. This approach prevents any potential argument or confrontation. Documentation and Communication: Be prepared to explain your situation and ensure that any additional fees are clear and understood.

Traveling with pets is an adventure, but it’s essential to respect the rules of the hotels you visit. By understanding and adhering to pet policies, you can avoid unwanted headaches and ensure a pleasant stay.