Last night I stayed in a hotel room in Olympia, Washington.  It was not bad, but unfortunately and it seems more and more common lately, my hotel room smelled like a dog.  I know there have been several times recently, while traveling with my wife where we have refused to stay in certain rooms because of the pet odor.  If you own a pet, you probably don’t notice it.  Worse yet, I specially asked for a Non-dog room.

Travel is supposed to be refreshing.  Whether you’re exploring a coastal town, boarding a cruise, or flying across the country, your hotel room becomes your temporary home.  It’s your place to unwind, reset, and recharge for the next day’s adventure.

In recent years, more and more hotels have become dog-friendly,  and for many travelers, that’s a welcome change.  Pet owners love bringing their dogs along instead of arranging kennels or pet sitters.  But here’s the BIG PROBLEM!  While dog-friendly options are growing, the availability of non-dog-friendly hotel rooms remains incredibly important, too.  And here’s why.

Millions of Americans suffer from pet allergies.  Even with deep cleaning, pet dander can linger in carpets, curtains, bedding, and HVAC systems.  For someone with moderate to severe allergies, staying in a room that has housed dogs can mean itchy eyes, congestion, breathing difficulty, or a restless night.

Travel is hard enough on the immune system.  Travelers deserve confidence that their environment has not been exposed to pet allergens.

Most dog owners are responsible.  However, even well-behaved pets shed hair, track in dirt, and occasionally have accidents.  I know hotels work hard to clean rooms thoroughly, but there’s a difference between routine turnover cleaning and removing microscopic allergens and pet residue.

Some travelers simply prefer the peace of mind that comes from knowing their room has never accommodated animals.  It’s not about disliking dogs.  It’s about maintaining a specific standard of predictability and comfort.

Dogs in unfamiliar environments may bark, scratch at doors, or react to hallway activity.  Even a brief barking episode at 2 a.m. can interrupt sleep, for your hotel room neighbors, especially those of us who travel for business or those adjusting to new time zone changes.

Non–dog-friendly floors or designated pet-free sections provide a quieter alternative for guests who prioritize uninterrupted rest.

Additionally, not all travelers come from cultures where indoor pets are common.  Some guests may have religious, personal, or lifestyle reasons for avoiding close contact with animals.  Providing non–dog-friendly accommodations respects those differences and makes hospitality more inclusive.

True hospitality means offering options.

Here’s a bonus.  Carpets, upholstery, and soft furnishings wear differently when exposed to pets.  Hotels that maintain clearly designated pet-free inventory can extend the life of certain rooms and better manage long-term maintenance costs, which can ultimately benefit all guests.

I know some people might think I am being picky, but I’ll be the first to say, the answer is not banning dogs.  Pet-friendly travel is here to stay, and for many families, it enhances the experience.  The key is clear separation and honest disclosure.

Hotels that:

• Designate specific pet-friendly rooms or floors
• Maintain strict cleaning protocols
• Clearly label room types
• Allow guests to choose

These create a better experience for everyone.

Travel works best when expectations are clear.

As travelers, we all value comfort, predictability, and respect for our needs.  Non–dog-friendly hotel rooms are not about exclusion, they’re about balance.

Whether you travel with a golden retriever or prefer a pet-free stay, thoughtful hotel policies make the journey smoother for all of us.

I could go on and even upset a few people on my feelings about why people need to travel with their pets, but that’s a different story.

At the end of the day, good travel isn’t just about where you go.  It’s about how well you rest when you get there.

Alan

Fair Weather Traveler