You’re traveling with your dog and want to grab dinner at a restaurant that doesn’t allow pets. Or hit the hotel pool. Or just run to the grocery store without a 70-lb shadow.
Can you leave your dog alone in the hotel room?
The answer: it depends on the hotel. Some chains are fine with it. Others will ask you to leave if they find out. And even when it’s allowed, there’s a right way to do it.
Here’s what you need to know.
Hotel Policies: Who Allows It, Who Doesn’t
Every hotel chain handles this differently. Some have clear policies. Others leave it up to individual properties. Always confirm when you book.
Hotels That Generally Allow Dogs to Be Left Alone
Kimpton (IHG) Yes, you can leave your dog unattended. They ask that you put up the “Do Not Disturb” sign and leave a contact number with the front desk. If your dog causes a noise complaint, you may be charged a fee — but they won’t kick you out for leaving your pup alone.
Hilton Brands (most properties) Most Hilton properties allow dogs to be left alone in the room, but policies vary by location. Some require the dog to be crated. Always confirm with the specific hotel.
La Quinta (Wyndham) Generally allows pets to be left unattended, but housekeeping won’t service your room unless you’re present or the pet is crated.
Best Western Policies vary by property. Many allow it, some don’t. Call ahead.
Residence Inn / Extended Stay (Marriott) Usually allowed, often with a crate requirement. Good option for longer stays.
Red Roof Inn Allows one pet per room with no fee. Policies on leaving pets alone vary — check with the property.
Motel 6 Generally pet-friendly and flexible about leaving dogs alone. No pet fee.
Hotels That Do NOT Allow Dogs to Be Left Alone
Thompson Hotels (Hyatt) Dogs cannot be left unattended in the room. This is clearly stated in their pet policy. Plan accordingly.
Some Hyatt Properties Varies by brand and location. Thompson is a firm no; others may allow it. Always ask.
Many Boutique Hotels Smaller properties often have stricter policies. Don’t assume.
The Gray Area
Many hotels technically have a “no unattended pets” policy but don’t strictly enforce it — especially if your dog is quiet and you’re only gone briefly. You’ll often hear front desk staff say something like: “Officially we can’t allow it, but if you put up the Do Not Disturb sign and your dog doesn’t bark…”
That said, if your dog causes a problem while you’re out, you could be asked to leave or charged extra fees. It’s a risk.
Questions to Ask When Booking
Don’t assume. Call the hotel directly and ask:
“Can I leave my dog alone in the room?” — Get a clear yes or no.
“Does my dog need to be crated?” — Some hotels require it; others just recommend it.
“What happens if my dog barks while I’m out?” — Know the consequences upfront.
“Will housekeeping enter if my dog is in the room?” — Most won’t. Ask about their policy.
“Is there a time limit?” — Some hotels are fine with a couple hours but not all day.
Write down who you spoke with and when. If there’s any issue at check-in, you’ll have a reference.
How to Prepare Your Dog
Leaving your dog alone in an unfamiliar room is different from leaving them at home. Here’s how to set them up for success:
Before the Trip
Practice at home. If your dog isn’t used to being alone, start practicing before your trip. Leave them in a room with the door closed for increasing amounts of time.
Tire them out. A tired dog is a calm dog. Plan a long walk or play session before you leave.
Bring familiar items. Their bed, a blanket that smells like home, their favorite toy. Familiar scents reduce anxiety.
At the Hotel
Do a test run first. Before leaving for hours, step out for 10-15 minutes. Listen at the door. If your dog is barking or whining, you have a problem to solve before you leave for longer.
Leave the TV or radio on. Background noise masks unfamiliar hotel sounds (doors closing, people in the hallway) that might trigger barking.
Use the Do Not Disturb sign. This prevents housekeeping from accidentally opening the door. Essential.
Leave a contact number with the front desk. If there’s a problem, you want them to call you — not just show up at your room.
Keep the room cool. Don’t turn off the AC. Hotels can get warm, especially with blackout curtains.
Remove hazards. Check for anything your dog could get into: mini bar items on low shelves, loose cords, hotel toiletries, trash cans with food wrappers.
Consider a crate. Even if the hotel doesn’t require it, a crate can help your dog feel secure and prevents any damage to the room.
What If Your Dog Barks?
This is the biggest risk. A barking dog can lead to noise complaints, which can lead to:
- A warning from the front desk
- Extra fees
- Being asked to leave (rare, but it happens)
Signs Your Dog Might Bark
- History of separation anxiety
- Barks at home when you leave
- Reactive to noises (doorbells, people walking by)
- First time staying in a hotel
How to Prevent It
Exercise first. Seriously. A well-exercised dog is much more likely to sleep.
Bring a Kong or puzzle toy. Stuff it with peanut butter or treats. Gives them something to focus on when you leave.
Use calming aids. Some dogs do well with:
- Adaptil pheromone spray or collar
- Calming treats (with ingredients like L-theanine or chamomile)
- A ThunderShirt or anxiety wrap
- CBD treats (talk to your vet first)
White noise or TV. Masks hallway sounds that trigger barking.
Don’t make a big deal of leaving. Slip out calmly. Long goodbyes can increase anxiety.
If It Happens Anyway
If you get a call from the front desk about barking:
- Return immediately. Don’t push your luck.
- Apologize and take responsibility. Being polite goes a long way.
- Adjust your plan. Maybe your dog can’t be left alone at this hotel. Time for Plan B.
Backup Plans: When You Can’t Leave Your Dog
Sometimes it’s just not going to work. Here are your options:
Doggie Daycare
Many cities have daycare facilities that accept drop-ins. Apps like Rover can help you find local options quickly. Some hotels even have partnerships with nearby daycares.
Tip: Some daycares require a temperament test or vaccination records. Call ahead or check their website before you show up.
Pet Sitters
Rover and Care.com have sitters who will watch your dog for a few hours. You can often find someone willing to come to your hotel or take your dog to their home.
Hotel Pet Services
Some upscale hotels offer pet sitting or dog walking services. Ask at the front desk. Kimpton properties sometimes have recommendations for local services.
Bring Your Dog With You
More restaurants have dog-friendly patios than you might think. Check BringFido or Yelp for options. Many breweries, coffee shops, and outdoor venues welcome dogs.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can often leave your dog alone in a hotel room — but it depends on the hotel, your dog, and how you prepare.
Before you book:
- Call and confirm the policy
- Be honest about your dog’s behavior
- Have a backup plan
Before you leave:
- Tire your dog out
- Do a test run
- Leave familiar items, background noise, and the Do Not Disturb sign
If your dog can’t handle it:
- That’s okay. Use daycare, a sitter, or bring them with you.
The goal is a stress-free trip for everyone — you, your dog, and the other hotel guests.
Quick Reference: Policies by Chain
| Hotel Chain | Leave Dog Alone? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kimpton (IHG) | ✅ Yes | Leave contact number, DND sign |
| Hilton (most) | ✅ Usually | Varies by property, may require crate |
| La Quinta | ✅ Usually | No housekeeping unless crated |
| Residence Inn | ✅ Usually | Often requires crate |
| Best Western | ⚠️ Varies | Call ahead |
| Red Roof Inn | ⚠️ Varies | Check with property |
| Motel 6 | ✅ Usually | Flexible |
| Thompson (Hyatt) | ❌ No | Cannot leave unattended |
| Boutique hotels | ⚠️ Varies | Often stricter, always ask |
Traveling with your dog? Check out my destination guides for dog-friendly hotels you can book with points, or take the Hotel Credit Card Quiz to find the best card for your travel style.