The $9.8 Billion Opportunity: Why Hotels Are Betting Big on Pet Owners

Dear Hospitality Leader,

The hospitality industry is no stranger to trends, but few have been as lucrative—or as endearing—as the rise of pet-friendly policies. What was once a niche offering has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar opportunity, with hotels across the globe reaping the rewards of catering to the growing demographic of pet owners.

From luxury suites for pampered pets to pet wedding services that delight both owners and their furry companions, the profit potential in this niche is undeniable.

More than just a passing trend, pet-friendly hospitality has transformed into a core strategy for forward-thinking hotels. The financial upside is staggering, with hotels that cater to pets consistently outperforming their non-pet-friendly counterparts in revenue and occupancy rates.

Let’s explore the data, strategies, and real-life case studies that demonstrate how pets aren’t just guests—they’re a lucrative revenue stream.

The Pet Economy: A Billion-Dollar Opportunity

The pet industry is thriving, and hotels are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this growing trend. This trend isn’t limited to the U.S.—globally, the pet travel market is expanding rapidly, with hotels in Europe, Asia, and beyond tapping into this lucrative niche. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), Americans spent a staggering $136.8 billion on their pets up from $123.6 billion in 2021.

This isn’t just about food and toys—pet owners are increasingly willing to splurge on experiences, including travel.

A survey by Rover.com found that 52% of pet owners are more likely to book accommodations that welcome pets. Even more compelling, 42% of travelers said they would pay extra for pet-friendly amenities. This trend extends far beyond the U.S. — globally, the pet travel market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030, according to Grand View Research.

Hotels that embrace pet-friendly policies aren’t just attracting more guests—they’re charging premium rates for the privilege.

Let’s explore how top-performing hotels are capitalizing on this trend.

Case Study 1: The Ritz-Carlton: A Blueprint for Pet-Friendly Success

By treating pets as valued guests, The Ritz-Carlton has not only enhanced its brand reputation but also set a benchmark for luxury pet-friendly hospitality worldwide.

The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury, and their pet-friendly offerings are no exception. For example, the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong has set a gold standard for catering to pet owners. The hotel offers pet-friendly rooms equipped with luxurious amenities, including plush pet beds, food and water bowls, and even a pet-friendly room service menu featuring gourmet dishes tailored for furry guests. To enhance the experience further, the hotel provides complimentary pet strollers, perfect for exploring the nearby West Kowloon Cultural District with four-legged companions.

The Ritz-Carlton’s commitment to pet-friendly hospitality has undeniably boosted its appeal to affluent pet owners. t’s not just about providing a comfortable stay; it's about offering a memorable experience that encourages repeat visits and glowing word-of-mouth marketing. This has led to increased occupancy rates, higher guest satisfaction, and stronger customer loyalty—proving that catering to pets is not just a trend but a lucrative strategy.

Case Study 2: Kimpton Hotels: Pioneers of Pet-Friendly Hospitality

Kimpton’s approach goes beyond amenities—it fosters an emotional connection with pet owners, turning casual guests into loyal advocates.

Kimpton Hotels has long been a trailblazer in the pet-friendly space. Their policy is simple: pets stay free, no matter their size, weight, or breed. But while pets don’t pay, their owners certainly do.

Kimpton offers a range of pet-centric amenities, including:

• Complimentary pet beds, bowls, and mats.
• A “Director of Pet Relations” at each location (yes, it’s a real job).
• Yappy Hour: A nightly social event where pets and their owners can mingle over complimentary wine and treats.

The strategy has paid off handsomely. Kimpton reports that 35% of their guests travel with pets, and these guests tend to stay longer and spend more. In fact, pet-friendly rooms at Kimpton properties have an average occupancy rate of 85%, compared to 75% for non-pet-friendly rooms.

Case Study 3: Loews Hotels: Turning Pets into Profit Centers

Loews Hotels demonstrates how creativity and attention to detail can transform a pet-friendly policy into a significant revenue driver.

Loews Hotels takes pet-friendly hospitality to the next level with their “Loews Loves Pets” program. For a $50 pet fee, guests receive a welcome package that includes a name tag, treats, and a map of nearby pet-friendly attractions.

But the real genius lies in their à la carte offerings:

• Gourmet room service for pets: Dishes like grilled chicken and brown rice, priced at $15 per meal.
• Pet-sitting services: $25 per hour.
• Pet weddings: Yes, you read that right. Loews offers full-service pet wedding packages, complete with floral arrangements, photography, and a custom cake, starting at $1,500.

Loews Hotels demonstrates how a well-executed pet-friendly program can drive significant revenue and customer loyalty. By offering unique, high-margin services like pet weddings and gourmet room service, Loews has turned pets into a profit center rather than just a perk.

The Psychology of Pet Spending: Why Owners Can’t Resist

So, why are pet owners so willing to open their wallets?

The answer lies in the emotional bond between pets and their owners.

According to a study by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), 80% of pet owners consider their pets to be family members.

This emotional bond creates a unique opportunity for hotels to offer personalized experiences that resonate deeply with pet owners, ensuring repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.

Hotels that tap into this emotional connection are reaping the rewards. By offering personalized services and creating memorable experiences, they’re not just attracting guests—they’re building loyalty.

As hotels recognize the immense financial potential of catering to pet owners, savvy operators are implementing a variety of innovative strategies to increase revenue. Here’s how your hotel can not only welcome four-legged guests but also turn them into a major profit driver.

Create Your Own “Paws on Property” Program

By launching a “Paws on Property” program, your hotel can attract a loyal and growing demographic of pet owners, differentiate itself from competitors, and unlock a new stream of revenue. The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, has shown that pet-friendly hospitality is more than a perk—it’s a profit-driving strategy.

Now it’s your turn to make it work for your property.

At your hotel pets should be treated like VIPs. One hotel owner I know has implemented a total Pet VIP Experience for a $150 fee and is reportedly doing very well.

Each furry guest receives a plush dog bed, gourmet treats, and a personalized welcome letter. But the real profit comes from the add-ons:

• Pet spa services: A 30-minute massage for $95.
• Pet photography sessions: Starting at $250 per session.
• Custom pet menus: Featuring dishes like grilled salmon and filet mignon, priced at $25 per meal.

The result?

This hotel owner has has seen a 20% increase in bookings from pet owners since launching the program, with many guests extending their stays to take full advantage of the amenities.

Hotels that implement pet influencer partnerships see a 40–60% increase in organic reach, leading to higher direct bookings. This surge in social media exposure translates to increased brand visibility, higher engagement, and ultimately, stronger revenue streams. The virality of pet content is an untapped goldmine for hospitality marketers.

Hotels that embrace pet-friendly policies aren't just being accommodating—they’re tapping into a multi-billion-dollar goldmine. Whether through premium pet fees, luxury amenities, daycare services, or exclusive pet weddings, the opportunities to increase revenue are endless.

The demand for pet-inclusive hospitality is only growing, and hotels that invest in this niche now will reap the rewards for years to come. If your hotel isn't cashing in on the pet economy yet—it's time to start.

Here are seven ways you can increase revenue for your hotel right now:

1. Charge a Pet Fee—And Make It Worth It

While some hotels offer free pet stays as a guest perk, charging a pet fee can significantly boost revenue. The average pet fee in the U.S. ranges from $50 to $150 per stay, but luxury hotels charge even more. For instance, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, charges $125 per pet per stay, while The Peninsula Hotels charge up to $250.

Hotels can further maximize revenue by structuring fees in different ways:

• Per-night pricing (e.g., $75 per night instead of a one-time fee)
• Tiered pricing (e.g., higher rates for larger breeds or additional pets)
• Premium pet suite upgrades (e.g., soundproof rooms, pet balconies)

To justify higher fees, some hotels offer deep-cleaning services, aromatherapy spritzes, or even pet concierge services as part of the package.

2. Specialized Pet Packages That Sell at a Premium

Pet owners don’t just want a pet-friendly stay—they want an experience. Offering themed packages allows hotels to charge 20–50% higher rates than standard rooms.

Some high-grossing examples include:

• The Plaza Hotel (NYC): Offers the “Pampered Pup Package”, which includes a luxury dog bed, Evian water bowls, and gourmet pet treats at a premium.
• The Kimpton Hotel Monaco (Portland): Offers a “Bow Wow Package” with organic treats, in-room doggy massages, and a pet psychic session, priced at an additional $125 per stay.

Hotels can bundle pet fees with premium services for greater appeal, such as:

• “Bark & Brunch” Weekend Getaways: Includes a pet-friendly breakfast-in-bed experience.
• “Pawsh Retreat” Spa Packages: Features pet facials, massage therapy, and hydrotherapy pools.
• “Romantic Getaway for Two (and Your Dog)”: Provides a candlelit room service dinner with a gourmet pet-friendly meal.

These packages not only increase occupancy rates among pet owners but also create high-margin ancillary revenue.

3. Pet Wedding Services: A $420 Billion Industry Waiting to Be Tapped

The global wedding industry is projected to reach $420.72 billion by 2030, and many couples now include their pets in the festivities. Some hotels are cashing in by offering pet-inclusive wedding services with add-ons such as:

• Pet wedding attire rentals ($50–$500 per outfit)
• Pet-friendly event coordination ($1,500+ per wedding)
• On-site pet nannies ($75–$150 per hour)
• Professional pet photography sessions ($300–$1,000 per session)

Hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, have hosted lavish dog weddings costing over $20,000, proving there’s serious money to be made in "pet nuptials." Some boutique hotels now offer exclusive wedding packages that incorporate pet-friendly venues, catering, and even “pet-of-honor” event planning.

4. Premium Pet Amenities That Drive Up Spending

Hotels catering to pet-loving travelers can drive 30–50% higher ancillary revenue by offering luxury pet amenities.

For example:

• Gourmet pet menus: The W South Beach offers doggy steak dinners for $42, while Loews Hotels provides in-room dining menus crafted by in-house chefs.
• On-demand pet room service: Kimpton Hotels offer organic pet treats, with prices ranging from $15–$40 per order.
• Luxury pet beds & furniture rentals: The Langham Sydney charges $70 for a plush designer pet bed rental per night.
• In-room pet massages: Offered at The Beverly Hills Hotel for $120 per session.

Hotels that offer these Instagrammable experiences see a 30–40% increase in social media engagement, translating into higher guest loyalty and direct bookings.

5. Pet Daycare & Adventure Programs: A Hidden Revenue Stream

Many travelers worry about leaving their pets alone while sightseeing or attending business meetings. Offering on-site pet daycare services solves this problem while generating additional revenue.

For example:

• The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Canada) offers “Paw-some Adventures” where dogs are taken on supervised hiking excursions for $85 per session.
• The Pfister Hotel (Milwaukee) has an on-call pet sitter service at $35/hour, generating tens of thousands annually.
• Luxury dog daycare centers in high-end hotels charge $50–$200 per day for VIP services, including training, playgroups, and even doggie yoga.

Hotels can further monetize pet daycare by:

• Selling hourly, half-day, or full-day packages
• Adding grooming services (which can generate an extra $60–$150 per pet)
• Offering live pet cam access so owners can check in on their pets remotely

Guests are more likely to extend their stay when they know their pets are well cared for—boosting overall room revenue as well.

6. Hosting Pet-Focused Events to Attract New Customers

Pet-friendly events aren’t just for hotel guests—they can also attract local customers who will spend on hotel services. Marriott’s Aloft Hotels, for example, hosts "Yappy Hours" where dogs and their owners socialize over drinks.

Other profitable event ideas include:

• Doggie brunches (charging $25–$50 per pet)
• Pet-friendly wine tastings with organic dog treats
• Pet adoption drives in partnership with local shelters
• Holiday-themed pet parties (Halloween costume contests, Christmas photo sessions)
• Dog agility courses with paid entry fees ($20–$75 per participant)

Hotels that host regular pet events see a 15–25% increase in F&B sales during event nights. Pet event partnerships with brands like BarkBox or Purina can also bring in sponsorship revenue.

7. Marketing to Pet Influencers for Free Publicity

Instagram-famous pets like Doug the Pug (3.7 million followers) and JiffPom (10 million followers) command thousands in sponsorship fees. Smart hotels are offering free stays to pet influencers in exchange for exposure.

Some strategies include:

• Partnering with pet bloggers & Instagram pets who have engaged audiences.
• Creating a dedicated "Insta-worthy" pet suite to attract content creators.
• Offering special rates for influencers who tag the hotel in posts.
• Encouraging guests to share their pets' stay with a custom hashtag campaign (e.g., #PawsAtThePlaza).

The Future of Pet-Friendly Hospitality

The pet-friendly trend shows no signs of slowing down. As more travelers prioritize their pets, hotels that embrace this market will continue to thrive. But the key to success lies in going beyond the basics. It’s not enough to simply allow pets—hotels must create unforgettable experiences that cater to both pets and their owners.

From luxury suites to pet weddings, the opportunities are endless.

And with the pet economy projected to reach $277 billion globally by 2030, the time to act is now.

The demand for pet-inclusive hospitality is skyrocketing, and hotels that invest in this niche today will reap the rewards for years to come. If your hotel hasn’t yet tapped into the pet economy, there’s no better time to start than now.

So, what are you waiting for?

The pet economy is booming, and the opportunity to capitalize on it is yours for the taking.

Until Next Time,

Stay well. Swim strong!

Warmly,

David

Mentor, Writer, and Faithful Servant of God

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