Beyond Pet Friendly: How The World's Best Dog Friendly Hotels Win At Canine Hospitality

Hotels are no longer just pet-friendly—they're doubling down on canine hospitality. As the demand for genuine dog-friendly accommodation grows, hoteliers are going to extreme lengths to cater to their canine guests. With more properties offering unique amenities and services for dogs, it's clear that welcoming dogs, canine inclusivity, and dog-friendly hospitality isn't just a trend but a significant differentiator in the hotel industry.?

We took a closer look at what hotels are doing to attract dog-loving travelers and put together some great ideas for hoteliers looking to lean into dog-friendly.

The Dog Friendly Market Opportunity

The trend is driven by DINKWADs (double income, no kids with a dog) , who represent a rapidly growing demographic of affluent dog-owning couples with a $259 billion annual budget to spend on hospitality and travel , and they are reshaping the hotel industry. Most Millennials and Gen X see their dogs as more than just pets; they consider them family members. They also?don’t like the term? pet-friendly ?and?seek genuine canine hospitality from hotels , who are increasingly willing to cater to their dog-friendly demands.

With 70% of U.S. households owning dogs and 78% of those dog owners traveling with their furry companions each year , hotels that provide exceptional canine services are seeing increased occupancy, customer loyalty, and glowing reviews. It's no longer about simply tolerating dogs while pretending to be pet-friendly for a fee—hotels are creating tailored experiences that make both dogs and their owners feel welcome.

Pro Tips For Improving Your Dog-Friendly Position

Basic Dog-Friendly Amenities

You must have basic amenities in place for canine guests, especially if you charge a ‘cleaning fee’ to let the guests bring them in the first place. Basic amenities include food and water bowls, make sure to have different sizes for different-sized dogs and a sleeping mat or bed for the dog unless you want them sleeping in your beds. Ensure you have some dog treats behind reception, and stock some wet and dry dog food in your stores.

Personalized Canine Experiences and Art Installations

The Corinthian Hotel in London hosts a weekly doggy photography session with a renowned British canine photographer, the Kimpton La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood showcases hand-drawn dog portraits in its hallways and offers custom portraits to their guests through a partnership with a local artist, and the Square Hotel In Japan installed a special dog-friendly photo booth so guests can take pictures with their dogs.

Create personalized experiences by partnering with local artists to offer unique artwork as part of the guest experience; you can also create doggy photo areas to create selfie opportunities with your guests. This builds an emotional connection with dog owners, creates memorable experiences, and provides guests with a souvenir of their stay.

Custom Dog Treats At Check-In

The Incholm Hotel in Brisbane provides a doggy goodie bag upon check-in, while the Intercontinental Miami Hotel gives its canine guests a doggy welcome pack containing treats and YumPup dog food . The Arrive Hotel in Palm Springs offers organic treats, and the Kimpton La Peer Hotel gives out branded peanut butter and blueberry dog bones.?

Create signature branded pet treats or offer locally sourced gourmet dog biscuits as part of the check-in experience. If it is the dog's first time at your hotel, it will help to make them feel welcome. If you can’t make treats, buy some good ones to keep behind reception.

Canine-Centric Menus and Room Service

The Egerton House Hotel in London hosts doggy afternoon teas featuring dog-friendly petit fours, The W Punta de Mita in Mexico offers its canine guests a curated dog menu, and the Mark Hotel in New York offers a “Spoiled Dog’s Menu,” designed by a celebrity chef. The Ladyhawk restauran t serves Mediterranean Pet Skewers, the Kona Kai Resort prepares dog picnic kits, and the Square Hotel in Japan makes canine birthday cakes.

Work with your chefs to develop dog-friendly menus or ‘barcuterie boards’ for in-room dining. Hotels that offer meals, treats, and snacks to dogs provide a huge convenience for dog owners who might have run out of dog food. I have previously ordered a plate of plain ham or a steak without sauce from room service on multiple occasions. Even a few cans of good dog food or bags of quality kibble is better than having nothing to provide.?

Dog-Friendly Events and Social Hours

The Intercontinental Hotel in Miami hosts Miamis best dog party every Weds on their Paws Patio , a huge patio with water fountains for dogs. The Kona Kai Resort in San Diego hosts “pupnics,” which are picnic events designed for dogs, and Kimpton Hotels across the world host dog-friendly social hours where pets are invited to mingle with other guests.

Consider organizing pet-friendly events such as "yappy hours," picnics for dogs, or dog-friendly outdoor movie nights. These events are a great way for dog owners to bond with your hotel and create a community atmosphere around their dogs which is something I always appreciate whenever I stay at a Kimpton. We love a dog-friendly cocktail bar!

Spa Services for Dogs

The Kona Kai Resort in San Diego offers a pet spa menu, including "pawroma therapy" with lavender oil for your dog. The Rosewood Las Ventanas al Paraíso in Los Cabos provides dog yoga classes (doga), and dog grooming, while the Summer Lodge Country House Hotel has a canine therapist who gives massages and offers dog-mind reading sessions!

Adding spa treatments, such as grooming services, massages, or aromatherapy for pets, can be a huge selling point for dog owners who want to pamper their pets during their vacation. Even if you do not have a dedicated space, most of these treatments can easily be scheduled and provided in-room by vendors you are partnered with.

On-Site Recreational Facilities For Dogs

Dedicated dog spaces are all the rage, and they are always appreciated by dog owners. The Metropolitan 9? in Cleveland boasts the only 24-hour indoor dog park in the U.S., and the Tradewinds Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida , offers off-leash areas complete with doggie water fountains, fire hydrants, and pet-sized hammocks.

Install on-site dog parks or designated play areas to give dogs a safe space to exercise and socialize. Consider including unique touches like water fountains, agility courses, or even special seating for pets. Having a space for frequent calls of nature on-site provides dog owners with a major convenience, especially if no parks are nearby.

Dog Walking, Canine Activity & Adventure Services

The H?tel Swexan has a dedicated Pet Adventures and Wellness Specialist to organize activities and wellness programs for dogs, and you can get dog surfing lessons at W Punta de Mita in Mexico . Many hotels are partnering with local providers to dog walking, enrichment, and sitting services which are incredibly convenient for dog owners.

Provide personalized concierge services to arrange activities like dog walking, dog sitting, or even special adventure experiences such as hiking or beach outings for dogs at your hotel. Dog owners sometimes want to sit by the pool all day and have someone else walk their dog, and they appreciate the temporary break from their responsibilities.

Luxury Canine Shopping and Fashion

The Fish & Bone Canine Concierge at the Mandarin Hotel in Boston can provide a shopping consultation and fitting . Staypineapple Hotels provides doggy bandanas for canine guests, and the InterContinental Miami works with local fashion designers to create custom bandanas. Egerton House Hotel in London also offers canine bandanas, while the George Hotel in Cheltenham breaks from the norm and provides luxury dog shampoo sets.

Collaborate with local pet boutiques to offer exclusive shopping experiences or personalized accessories as part of your hotel's amenities. Offering services like monogrammed dog beds or designer pet clothing can appeal to luxury travelers making impulse purchases, and providing guests with high-end food and water bowls while offering them for sale is a great way to sell products that you might not otherwise have sold.

Dog-Friendly Certifications and Associations

As hotels increasingly shun pet-friendly language and strive to provide genuinely dog-friendly services, amenities, and canine hospitality, they are also working to receive independent dog-friendly certifications and joining the newly formed Dog Friendly Hotel Association to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in canine hospitality.

IdMoving away from pet-friendly towards dog-friendly language is a good way to stand out in a cluttered pet-friendly market, and achieving dog-friendly certifications can help build credibility and attract dog owners. Membership in the Dog Friendly Hotel Association can also provide access to research and best practices in the industry, while signalling your commitment to genuine dog friendly hospitality and canine inclusivity in the process.

Charitable Initiatives

The Kimpton La Peer Hotel supports Paws LA by donating 10% of pet portrait commissions to the charity, and their Ladyhawk Restaurant offers a Mediterranean pet skewer, with proceeds going to the local charity The Rescue Train. The Staypineapple Group has a custom dog toy modeled on the owner's dog Dart, whose sale proceeds are donated to charity, and Elite Hotels are partnered with a charity that trains hearing dogs .

Partner with animal shelters or charities to give back to the community. Charitable initiatives, such as donations from pet services, can make a big impact and resonate with socially-conscious travelers. If you charge your guests a substantial ‘cleaning fee’ for a mess their dog probably won’t make, then donate some of those ill-gotten gains to charity.

Canine Hospitality Is The Way Forward

Hotels that go above and beyond for their canine guests are reaping the benefits—higher occupancy rates, increased loyalty, and stronger word-of-mouth referrals. From personalized portraits and gourmet meals to luxurious spa treatments and adventure services, the sky's the limit when it comes to pampering dogs. By implementing these innovative ideas, your hotel can create a memorable and unique experience for both pets and their owners, ensuring that your property becomes a top choice for pet-loving travelers.

By obtaining a dog-friendly hotel certification and joining the Dog Friendly Hotel Association , you can stay ahead of industry trends and access a valuable network of research and resources to continually improve your dog-friendly offerings. In the world of pet-friendly hotels, standing out by using the right language, offering genuine canine hospitality, and being dog-obsessed is key to nurturing long-term loyalty from dog owners.