Created in conjunction with KAYAK
There’s plenty of essentials when you’re going on vacation with your pet: choosing somewhere with lots of dog-friendly activities, packing everything from dog beds and bowls to poop bags, and making sure you pet is up-to-date with medications. But probably the most essential thing is finding somewhere pet-friendly to stay.
KAYAK recently analysed their accommodation data across the US to find out the percentage of pet-friendly hotels in every city. The results varied widely, with the most pet-friendly destinations often being smaller cities and outdoor-friendly destinations, rather than larger urban hubs.
So, if you’re looking for somewhere new to visit this year with plenty of pet-friendly accommodation, check out these cities with the most pet-friendly hotels in the US…
Topeka, KS
At the very top of the list is Topeka, the state capital of Kansas. A whooping 64% of the hotels in the city are pet-friendly, according to KAYAK, with an average hotel rate of $111. That makes it easy to book accommodation to stay at with your pet!
While in Topeka, don’t miss visiting the imposing neoclassical Kansas State Capitol. While you’ll have to stay outside with your pet and miss the murals inside, you can still explore the grounds and view the Kansas Walk of Honor, as long as you keep your dog leashed. More murals can be seen as the Great Mural Wall of Topeka.
Pet dogs are also welcome to join you at the Ward-Meade Historic Site, open daily with free entry. You can stroll together through the botanic gardens and along Old Prairie Town, a short street of 19th century buildings that have been moved to the site, including a Drug Store with working soda fountain.
Amarillo, TX
Coming in second is Texas’s Amarillo, the most populous city in the Texas Panhandle. A substantial 61% of the hotels in the city, also known as the “Yellow Rose of Texas”, are pet-friendly, with an average rate of $108.
The city is located along Route 66 and is the perfect place to stop with your pet while traveling along this famous route celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Explore the historic buildings located in the Sixth Street Historic District with your pup by your side or head to the outskirts of the city to check out the quirky Cadillac Ranch art installation.
Amarillo is also just a 30 minute drive away from Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon system in the US. Head to the Palo Duro Canyon State Park to go hiking with your dog. Dogs are welcome on all trails, as long as they stay on a leash, including the popular Lighthouse Trail. Make sure you pack plenty of water.
Yakima, WA
In third place is Yakima in Washington, about a two hour drive southeast of Seattle. Currently 56% of the hotels in the city are pet-friendly, according to the KAYAK study, with an average nightly rate of $114.
The city is the gateway to the Yakima Valley, famous for its vineyards, apple orchards and hop farms. Don’t miss visiting a winery or two in the Yakima Valley Wine Country, with many cellar doors welcoming pets to join you for a tasting. There’s also countless breweries, cideries and distilleries open to visitors.
Back in the city, stretch your legs with a walk with your dog at the Yakima Area Arboretum. This large urban green space is home to tree collections, garden displays and natural areas. Pets are welcome to join you, with a dog station at the Greenway entrance, as long as they stay on a leash. For off-leash fun, head instead to the nearby Sherman Park Dog Park.
The Complete List
There’s plenty more great cities to choose from on KAYAK’s list of pet-friendly destinations in the US. The rest of the top 20 all welcome pets in about half of their hotels, making it easy to book your vacation. Check out the complete list, ranked by their percentage of hotels that are pet-friendly:
- Topeka, KS – 64% of hotels are pet-friendly
- Amarillo, TX – 61%
- Yakima, WA – 56%
- Klamath Falls, OR – 55%
- Syracuse, NY – 55%
- Ocala, FL – 54%
- Evansville, IN – 53%
- Yuma, AZ – 52%
- Madison, WI – 50%
- Montgomery, AL – 50%
- Jackson, MS – 50%
- Lincoln, NE – 49%
- Valdosta, GA – 49%
- Paducah, KY – 49%
- Titusville, FL – 49%
- Boca Raton, FL – 48%
- Davenport, IA – 48%
- Springfield, MO – 48%
- Florence, SC – 48%
- Long Beach, WA – 47%
When booking your next hotel stay with your pet, it’s easy to find and book pet-friendly hotels on KAYAK. When you select the number of adults, children and rooms in your booking, also switch on the “Pet-Friendly” toggle, to only show stays that allow pets.
For more tips on what to do when traveling with your pet on your next vacation, check out Pet Travel Playbook put together by KAYAK, that’s packed with lots more tips and resources.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.