Frequent travelers know how memorable it is when a hotel truly goes out of its way to be accommodating. The small touches make us feel at home, even when we’re far from it. For those of us who travel with pets, any place that genuinely caters to our furry family members quickly becomes a favorite. The same goes for airlines. As pet parents, we expect pet travel to feel special, safe, comfortable, low-stress, and absolutely worthy of a happy wag or contented purr.
One thing becomes obvious once you’ve traveled with a pet: anyone can claim to be “pet friendly,” but not all “pet-friendly” hotels and airlines are created equal. In fact, the spectrum runs from barely pet-tolerant to truly pet-luxe. While any option will do in a pinch, most of us would much rather be pampered—and have our pets welcomed with a smile and a scratch behind the ears instead of a disapproving look.
Pet-tolerant hotels allow pets on the property, but that’s usually where the effort ends. No thoughtful extras, no genuine sense that your pet is a valued guest. Yet you’ll still pay a premium, and sometimes a steep one.
Pet-tolerant airlines are similar. They may allow animals in the cabin or cargo hold, but not necessarily in the way or location you’d prefer. They’ll get your dog or cat from point A to point B, but if the journey is long, you shouldn’t expect much in the way of added comfort or consideration. It’s more like public transit than a private jet.
Thankfully, more hotels and airlines are stepping up their pet travel game.
As more people around the world choose to bring their pets on vacation—not just when relocating—travel brands are paying attention. They know that winning your loyalty means taking excellent care of your pet. Some go above and beyond, offering truly “pawsome” perks.
You’ll find plenty of roundups online showcasing the most pet-friendly airlines and highlighting which carriers make pet travel smoother and less stressful.
At genuinely pet-welcoming hotels, the experience can feel like a luxury retreat for your animal. Beyond a cheerful greeting and a welcome treat, your pet might receive a dedicated bed or blanket (sometimes even a pillow), possibly heated or made from hypoallergenic, organic materials. Some properties offer personal kennels for daytime lounging, in-room pet sitters, or on-call dog walkers. You may find personalized food and water dishes waiting in your room—and of course, a new toy to enjoy.
Then there’s the culinary side. Pet-luxe hotels can provide everything from single-serve bags of premium pet food to full room-service menus, bedtime snacks, and even hot meals freshly prepared in the hotel kitchen. One location is known for serving salmon, brown rice, and scrambled eggs. Woof, indeed.
- Le Meurice in Paris, France, complete with its own resident greyhound
- The Curtis Hotel in Denver, Colorado, where your pup’s photo can be featured on the lobby club board
- The Hughenden in Sydney, Australia, where dogs can join you for breakfast or unwind in the Doggy Day Spa
- Yufuin Garden Hotel in Oita, Japan, offering peaceful, Zen-like exercise gardens and waters
- The Milestone in London, where pets are treated to their own bathrobe, birthday celebrations, and a long list of other indulgences
- Rome Cavalieri in Rome, which offers pet massages and even a cashmere sweater
Airlines are a bit harder to be choosy about. Route options, departure cities, and destination requirements can limit your choices. Few airlines provide the kind of standout accommodations for animals in transit that you’ll find with KLM, or at specialized facilities like those at JFK airport in New York City. When you do have flexibility, look for an airline that prioritizes both your pet’s comfort and your own peace of mind.
Online resources are your best friend. On TripAdvisor, for example, you can filter specifically for pet-friendly options—something you may already do domestically but haven’t yet applied to international stays. You can also simply search by city plus “pet-friendly hotel” and compare.
Whether your pet travel plans keep you within the US or take you to Singapore, our team at Starwood Pet Travel is here to help. We work with airlines every day—that’s our specialty—so we understand their policies, routes, and pet handling procedures in detail. And thanks to our global network, we may even be able to recommend the purrfect, top-dog hotel at your final destination.