How The World's Best Pet-Friendly Hotels Win At Dog Friendly Hospitality

Hotels are stepping up their game, and it’s not just about being pet-friendly anymore—many are leading the charge in dog-friendly hospitality. With more travelers bringing their furry friends along, the top dog-friendly hotels are going above and beyond to ensure both dogs and their owners feel right at home. From gourmet treats to tailored spa experiences, hotels are transforming how they welcome our four-legged friends. In this article, we investigate what makes these hotels stand out to dog owners, and how they win at canine hospitality.

The Fast Growing Dog-Friendly Hotel Market

The rise in dog-friendly hotels isn’t happening by chance. A major driving force behind this trend is DINKWADs—couples with Double Income, No Kids, With A Dog. This affluent group spends a whopping $259 billion a year on travel and hospitality. For them, dogs aren’t just pets; they’re family. And that means they expect hotels to roll out the red carpet for their canine companions.

With 70% of U.S. households owning a dog and nearly 80% of those owners traveling with their pets, the demand for truly dog-friendly accommodations is skyrocketing. And we’re not talking about hotels that simply tolerate dogs; the most successful ones create personalized and memorable experiences for dogs and their owners to profit, connect emotionally, and generate long term loyalty.

Tips to Improve Your Hotel’s Dog-Friendly Position

So, how are hotels winning over this passionate group of dog owners? Let’s explore some of the best practices and offer some top tips for hotels looking to improve their dog-friendly position. Feel free to steal any of these!

1. Offer Basic Dog-Friendly Amenities

At a bare minimum, your hotel must provide essentials like food and water bowls (in various sizes) and dog beds or mats. Keep treats at the front desk, and consider stocking up on wet and dry dog food. If you’re charging a cleaning fee, it’s only fair to ensure dogs get more than just permission to stay. Basics matter!

2. Personalize the Experience

Some hotels are getting creative with canine-specific perks. For instance, The Corinthian Hotel in London hosts dog photography sessions, while Kimpton La Peer in West Hollywood offers custom dog portraits. Square Hotel in Japan even has a dog-friendly photo booth. Partnering with local artists for dog-themed art installations or creating selfie spots so dog owners can create memorable, Instagram-worthy moments and souvenir of their stay at your hotel.

3. Treats at Check-In

Who doesn’t love a good welcome treat? Hotels like The Inchcolm Hotel in Brisbane and the Intercontinental Miami offer custom doggy goodie bags. The Arrive Hotel in Palm Springs even hands out organic dog treats. A signature snack for dogs is an easy way to make a great first impression.

4. Canine Room Service

Upscale hotels are taking in-room dining to the next level. The Egerton House Hotel in London offers a doggy afternoon tea, while the Mark Hotel in New York serves a "Spoiled Dog's Menu" designed by a celebrity chef. Don’t underestimate the value of offering a dog-friendly menu, it can be a huge convenience for guests.

5. Host Dog-Friendly Events

Social events tailored for dogs are a hit. The Intercontinental Miami throws a weekly dog party on their Paws Patio, complete with water fountains for the pups. The Kona Kai Resort in San Diego hosts “pupnics” and Kimpton Hotels organize “yappy hours.” Events like these help create a sense of community and give owners a chance to relax while their dogs mingle.

6. Spa Services for Dogs

Luxury treatments aren’t just for humans anymore. The Kona Kai Resort offers “pawroma therapy” and dog massages, while the Rosewood Las Ventanas in Los Cabos provides “doga” (yoga for dogs). Even if you don’t have a dedicated pet spa, offering in-room grooming services or relaxing treatments through a local partner can make a huge impression on your guests in a positive way.

7. Create Dog Play Areas

Hotels like The Metropolitan 9 in Cleveland and Tradewinds Resort in St. Petersburg boast dedicated dog play areas. A well-designed dog park or play area with water features, seating, and a dedicated space to run around in is a major convenience for guests traveling with pets.

8. Offer Dog Walking and Adventure Services

Hotels like Hôtel Swexan provide dedicated staff to arrange pet adventures and wellness activities. For a unique experience, W Punta de Mita in Mexico offers dog surfing lessons! Partnering with local providers to offer dog walking, enrichment, or adventure services can create lasting memories for pets and their owners.

9. Join The Dog-Friendly Hotel Association

The Dog Friendly Hotel Association was founded in 2024 and is the world’s first hotel association focused on canine hospitality and inclusivity. Their members are some of the most dog-friendly hotels in the world, and becoming a member is a great way to signal to dog owners that you care about dogs. It's also a good way to network within the industry and stay up to date on best practices and news.

10. Luxury Dog Fashion & Shopping

High-end hotels are adding personalized dog shopping experiences to their offerings. The Mandarin Oriental in Boston provides a canine shopping consultation, and Staypineapple Hotels offers complimentary dog bandanas. Why not provide designer pet accessories, customized dog bowls, or leash and collar sets, or luxury dog shampoos as part of your hotel’s amenities?

11. Get Certified

To strongly differentiate yourself from the pet-friendly crowd, consider getting your hotel independently certified as dog-friendly by Roch, a third-party certification body focused on canine hospitality and inclusivity. Roch certifies a hotel's dog-friendly services, amenities, facilities, policies, and ancillaries before ranking them against thousands of other hotels. Roch connects dog owners with the world's best dog-friendly hotels, generating direct reservations in the process.

12. Give Back to Canine Causes

Charitable initiatives resonate with dog-loving travelers. Kimpton La Peer donates a percentage of pet portrait commissions to a local animal charity, while Staypineapple sells custom dog toys with proceeds going to shelters. Find ways to partner with animal organizations and give back to the community.

13. Use The Right Language

Dog owners are increasingly becoming dissatisfied with the words 'pet-friendly', associating them with high fees and no amenities or services. Most hotels do not allow cats to stay, and most guests want to stay with their dog. Acknowledging this reality by moving away from pet-friendly marketing language and leaning into dog-friendly can help your marketing resonate better with dog owners.

Hotels that go the extra mile for their canine guests see clear benefits—higher occupancy, stronger customer loyalty, and glowing reviews. Whether through personalized dog menus, spa treatments, or thoughtful events, creating exceptional experiences for dogs and their owners will set your hotel apart and show a strong ROI over the long term. For those looking to take it even further, obtaining dog-friendly certifications and joining associations like the Dog Friendly Hotel Association can help you differentiate your brand in a cluttered pet-friendly market and solidify your place as a leader in the world of canine hospitality.

In this new era, it’s not just about letting dogs stay; it’s about making them feel as special as their humans. By embracing dog-friendly hospitality and inclusivity, you’ll win the hearts and minds of dog owners everywhere and generate loyalty from a lucrative and long underserved market segment.