Do hotels charge extra for dogs?

What the fee usually covers

Hotels describe the charge as a cleaning fee, a pet amenity fee, or a damage deposit, but the money rarely goes to any specific service. It is a surcharge for accepting the dog. At many properties, the charge applies whether or not housekeeping enters the room, whether or not anything needs cleaning, and whether or not the room was left in perfect condition. A refundable damage deposit is different and should come back at checkout if nothing is damaged. Ask which type applies before you hand over your card.

Where the fee is usually hidden

Booking platforms show headline room rates. The pet fee lives in the small print of the pet policy, the booking confirmation email, or the welcome pack that arrives after you have already committed. Some hotels charge at check-in and some apply it to your room account at checkout. The safest approach is to call the hotel directly before booking and ask the exact amount. A phone call takes three minutes and removes every surprise.

Hotels that charge nothing

They exist, and they tend to be independent properties where the owner made a deliberate choice rather than a chain following a revenue policy. Roch certified hotels have been assessed on their dog welcome, and charging a dog fee is part of the scoring. Some certified properties include dog amenities at no extra cost. When you are comparing options, the total cost of the stay with the dog fee included often changes the comparison significantly.

How to confirm before you book

Ask the hotel directly, not the booking platform. Ask the precise amount, whether it is nightly or flat, and whether any of it is refundable. If you are booking a chain property, the pet policy on the brand website is often different from what individual franchisees actually charge. The property level is the only reliable answer. Get it in writing, either by email or by noting the name of the person you spoke to and the date.