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By Alexander Hamilton•Last Updated June 27, 2025

Pet-Friendly Stays: A Complete Guide to Airbnb, Motel 6, Econo Lodge, and More

Understanding Pet Policies Across Accommodation Types

Traveling with pets is becoming increasingly common, but knowing which accommodations truly welcome your furry friends-and how to secure a smooth stay-can be challenging. This guide provides detailed, actionable information for travelers seeking pet-friendly stays, focusing on Airbnb, Motel 6, Econo Lodge, and general hotel chains. We cover policy differences, booking strategies, and key steps to ensure positive experiences for you and your pet.

1. Airbnb: Pet Policies and Booking Tips

Airbnb operates as a marketplace with individually managed properties. This means pet policies are set by each host and can vary widely. Some listings warmly welcome pets, while others strictly prohibit them.

To determine whether a specific Airbnb allows pets, take these steps:

Carefully read the House Rules and listing description for pet information. Look under the “House rules” or in the “Things to know” section. Hosts must explicitly state if pets are allowed or not.
Even if a listing appears pet-friendly, always contact the host directly before booking. Notify them about your pet’s breed, size, and temperament, and ask about any restrictions or fees. Some properties have size, breed, or number limits, or may restrict pets to certain areas of the home. Open communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures compliance with house rules [1] .
Be aware that many hosts charge a pet fee , which can be a flat rate or a nightly charge. This fee is set by the host and included in your total price. However, Airbnb prohibits charging fees for official service animals, and hosts cannot refuse service animals except in very limited health or safety circumstances [2] .
Airbnb’s search interface previously allowed filtering for pet-friendly properties, but this feature has changed. To find such listings, search normally then check each listing’s rules, or enter “pet” or your pet’s details in your message to hosts [1] .

Violating a host’s pet policy may result in additional charges or being banned from the platform. Always disclose your pet upfront and follow all rules to avoid penalties or disputes [3] .

Case Example: Booking Airbnb with a Dog

If you want to travel with a medium-sized dog, first search for your destination and check listings for the “Pets allowed” note. If unclear, message the host: “I’d like to bring my 40-lb dog. Is this okay, and are there any additional rules or fees?” Upon approval, confirm the fee and clarify any restricted areas (like bedrooms or furniture). Save all communications for your records.

2. Motel 6: National Pet-Friendly Policy

Motel 6 is recognized for its nationwide pet-friendly policy. According to their official website, Motel 6 allows pets at all of its locations, with some guidelines:

Up to two pets (cats or dogs) are typically allowed per room.
Pets must be declared during check-in and cannot be left unattended in rooms.
There is usually no additional fee for pets, but damage caused by pets is the guest’s responsibility.

For the most current and location-specific details, visit the official Motel 6 website or call the property directly before booking. Policies may vary in certain jurisdictions or due to local health regulations. If you have special pet needs (such as service animals), Motel 6 welcomes them and does not charge extra.

How to Book a Pet-Friendly Room at Motel 6

To secure a pet-friendly room:

Book directly through the official Motel 6 website or by phone.
When booking online, check the property details for the pet policy, or call the front desk to confirm.
Upon arrival, inform the front desk about your pets and review any paperwork required.

This approach reduces the risk of surprises upon check-in and ensures you have a comfortable stay with your pet.

3. Econo Lodge: Varying Pet Policies by Location

Econo Lodge , part of the Choice Hotels group, offers many pet-friendly properties, but policies differ by location . Some locations welcome pets with open arms, while others prohibit them or impose restrictions on size, number, or breed. Additional fees (often nightly) are also common.

To book a pet-friendly room at Econo Lodge:

Visit the official Choice Hotels website and search for Econo Lodge properties in your destination. Look for the “pet-friendly” icon or filter.
After identifying a possible property, read the pet policy details listed on the booking page. If information is unclear, call the hotel directly for confirmation.
Ask about fees, breed/size limitations, and specific rules (such as designated pet areas or prohibited spaces).

Advance communication is key. Each Econo Lodge is managed individually, so contacting the property ensures you receive accurate and current information. If you travel with exotic pets or multiple animals, discuss this directly with management in advance.

Example: Booking with a Cat at Econo Lodge

If you plan to travel with a cat, filter your search for pet-friendly Econo Lodge locations. On the property’s page, check for “cats allowed”-since some hotels only accept dogs. Confirm the nightly pet fee and whether any deposits are required. Always bring a carrier for your cat, as many locations require pets to be crated when left alone in the room.

4. General Hotel Chains: What to Expect and How to Find Pet-Friendly Rooms

Many hotel chains across the U.S. and internationally offer pet-friendly options. Common examples include La Quinta, Red Roof Inn, Kimpton Hotels, and some Marriott, Hilton, and Best Western properties. Policies, fees, and restrictions vary widely, so careful research is essential.

To find and book pet-friendly hotels:

Use the hotel’s official website or a reputable travel aggregator. Select filters for “pet-friendly” or check the amenities list for pet policies.
Review each hotel’s policy for details on fees, weight limits, breed restrictions, and allowed areas (such as designated pet floors).
Call the hotel directly if you have specific questions or unique needs. This is especially important for multi-pet households, large dogs, or unusual animals.

Some hotels offer amenities such as pet beds, bowls, treats, and walking areas. Others may require you to sign a pet agreement or pay a refundable deposit. Keep a copy of all correspondence and confirmations, and review check-in procedures to avoid issues upon arrival.

5. Service Animals: Federal Protections and Accommodation Requirements

It’s important to note that service animals are not considered pets under U.S. law. Most accommodation providers, including Airbnb, hotels, and motels, are required to accept service animals-even if they have a “no pets” policy. This applies to dogs and, in some cases, miniature horses. Providers cannot charge additional pet fees for service animals, nor can they require documentation, except to ask:

Is the animal required because of a disability?
What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

If you encounter resistance regarding a service animal, calmly explain your rights and refer the provider to the ADA guidelines. If issues persist, contact the U.S. Department of Justice or a local disability rights organization for assistance.

6. Step-by-Step Guide: Booking a Pet-Friendly Stay

Follow these steps to secure a pet-friendly accommodation:

Research: Start by identifying your preferred accommodation type and location. Use official websites or reputable travel platforms for accurate information.
Read Policies: Carefully review each property’s pet policy. Pay attention to details like fees, size/breed restrictions, and required documentation.
Contact Directly: For Airbnb, message the host. For hotels/motels, call the front desk. Confirm all details in writing, including fees and any special requirements.
Book: Secure your reservation through official channels. Save confirmation emails or screenshots.
Prepare: Pack your pet’s essentials-food, water, bowls, medications, leash, bedding, and waste bags. Bring vaccination records and, for hotels, consider a crate for added security.
Arrival: Declare your pet at check-in. Review and sign any required agreements. Ask about designated pet areas and local pet-friendly resources.
During Stay: Respect property rules. Supervise pets at all times or as required. Clean up after your pet and be considerate of other guests.

7. Common Challenges and Solutions

Despite careful planning, travelers may encounter obstacles such as unclear pet policies, unexpected fees, or limited availability. To address these challenges:

If a policy is unclear, seek clarification before booking. Get confirmation in writing.
If fees are higher than expected, compare multiple properties to find better rates or amenities.
If you face resistance about your pet, politely reference the property’s official policy or (for service animals) ADA requirements.

Always have a backup plan, such as identifying nearby pet boarding options or alternate accommodations, in case your preferred choice falls through.

8. Alternative Pathways for Pet Owners

In addition to hotels and Airbnb, consider the following alternatives:

Pet-friendly vacation rentals: Sites like VRBO often allow searching for pet-friendly homes.
Campgrounds and RV parks: Many welcome pets and offer outdoor amenities.
Extended-stay hotels: Brands like Staybridge Suites and Residence Inn often accept pets for longer stays.

Key Takeaways

Finding pet-friendly accommodations requires diligence and direct communication. Policies can change, and exceptions may be possible with advance notice. Always verify details before booking and be prepared with all necessary pet supplies and documentation. If in doubt, contact the provider directly or check reputable travel resources for the latest updates.