How to Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel in California

Between the ocean, mountains and city attractions, California is a pet travel haven. Cities like Carmel have dozens of pet-friendly restaurants and pets can roam many of California's state parks and beaches such as Seacliff State Beach and Red Rock Canyon State Park. Finding a pet-friendly hotel in California is fairly easy with a little research.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Pick the destinations and sites that you are most interested in seeing. Planning an itinerary ahead will allow you to research pet-friendly hotels and attractions in California before you leave.

2. Search online for sites that list pet-friendly hotels. Some chamber of commerce websites will also have information on this for their city. In addition, many pet-friendly hotels will have their own websites advertising for travelers with pets. These specific websites can be an easy way of finding smaller hotels that cater to pet owners.

3. Buy a few guidebooks on California travel. While general guidebooks are good starting points, you are more likely to find pet specific information in guidebooks about a particular city or part of California. Books on dog-related activities in California, such as hiking, are another great source for hotels that allow pets.

4. Narrow down your list of potential hotels in a specific city or area and call ahead to each hotel. Hotels listed as pet-friendly online or in guidebooks may have changed their policies or may not have rooms available for pet travelers. Remember to ask about the specific details of their pet policy as some may require a deposit or limit the number of pets in a room.

5. Choose a hotel based on their pet policy and your budget, location preferences and any other requirements that you may have during your stay.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare your pet for the trip. A hotel stay will be better for both of you if your pet is accustomed to a pet carrier or crate, has familiar items or toys with him and is in good health.
• If you need to leave your pet in a hotel room alone for a short period of time, confine him to a crate or into an enclosed area such as the bathroom. Hang a Do Not Disturb sign on the door. Confining your pet will prevent her from running out of the room if a maid or hotel official needs to enter your room.
• Always call ahead to make sure that your pet is welcome in particular parks. California allows pets into some of its state parks and beaches, but not all. National parks also have varied policies regarding pets. In Yosemite National Park, for example, dogs are allowed in most campgrounds and on the valley floor, but not in the back country or on any slope above the valley floor.