Happy Dog Day, Travellers. Your Next Great Adventure Has Four Paws

Hotels, Cruises & Getaways Where Your Dog Can Come Too

National Dog Day arrives on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 — and for many travellers, it is a timely reminder that the family holiday does not always have to mean leaving the dog at home.

Pet-friendly travel has evolved well beyond a hotel simply allowing animals. Today, selected hotels and resorts provide dog beds, bowls, welcome amenities, concierge assistance, walking recommendations, pet menus and dedicated services designed around four-legged guests.

For travellers who consider their dog part of the family, choosing the right property can make the difference between a trip that is merely possible and one that is genuinely enjoyable.

Welcome to the new era of pet-inclusive travel.

Why National Dog Day is a good time to rethink travel with your dog

National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by animal advocate Colleen Paige to celebrate dogs and raise awareness about adoption and responsible ownership.

It is also an opportunity to recognize the important role dogs play in our lives — from beloved family companions to service, detection and search-and-rescue dogs.

For travellers, the idea is simple: if your dog is part of the family, why not consider destinations and accommodations where they can be genuinely welcomed?

A successful dog-friendly holiday, however, requires more than searching for a “pets allowed” filter.

It means considering the accommodation, transportation, destination, activities, dining options and your dog's individual needs before booking.

From “pets allowed” to genuinely dog-welcoming

Some hotels are now treating dogs as guests with their own welcome experiences rather than simply permitting them to stay.

Here are several real examples.

1 Hotel Toronto: a dog-friendly luxury stay in Canada

For travellers who want to stay close to home, 1 Hotel Toronto is an excellent example of how a luxury urban hotel can accommodate pets.

The hotel welcomes dogs and cats up to 50 pounds, with no additional pet fee. Dogs receive a welcome amenity, while the hotel's Canine Concierge can provide information about nearby dog parks, pet shops, grooming services and other pet-friendly resources. Beds, bowls, waste bags and other essentials are also available. (1 Hotels)

The hotel has even offered a Zen Dog Wellness Stay, combining a pet-friendly stay with an outdoor wellness class designed for guests and their dogs. (1 Hotels)

Best for: A stylish Toronto city break, wellness-focused getaway or weekend with your dog.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver: a canine ambassador

In Vancouver, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver takes the concept a step further with its Labrador Canine Ambassador, Elly.

The hotel currently offers a Lab of Luxury Pet Package that includes a complimentary pet stay for one pet, parking and a discount on accommodation, subject to the offer's terms and booking dates. Dogs cannot be left unattended in guest rooms. (Fairmont)

Best for: A luxury city escape with easy access to Vancouver's parks and outdoor spaces.

Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire: luxury with a pet menu

The property welcomes dogs and cats under its stated weight limit and provides amenities including a pet bed, water bowls and piddle pads. Its À La Bark menu allows guests to order pet-friendly meals and treats directly to their room. The concierge can also assist with pet-sitting and sourcing supplies. (Four Seasons)

Best for: Beverly Hills, shopping, dining and a polished luxury getaway.

Hotel Imperial Vienna: bring your dog to a grand European address

Pet-friendly accommodation is not limited to casual or resort-style properties.

Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna welcomes one dog of up to 36 kg per room and provides a dog bowl, bed, mat and Pet Welcome Kit. A cleaning fee applies, and pets are restricted from certain restaurants and meeting spaces. (Marriott)

Best for: Travellers who want culture, history and a classic European luxury hotel while bringing their dog along.

Aman Rosa Alpina, Italy: mountain luxury with dogs

For a more exclusive Alpine experience, Aman Rosa Alpina in the Dolomites permits up to two dogs per suite, with a maximum weight of 20 kg per dog.

Dogs are permitted in guest accommodations and the hotel's Il Salotto, although restrictions apply to dining venues and the spa. (Aman)

Best for: Mountain escapes, walking and hiking, and travellers looking for high-end resort accommodation.

The Langley, Buckinghamshire: country-house living with your dog

Just outside London, The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buckinghamshire offers a very different type of pet-friendly experience.

Dogs are welcomed in designated Terrace Rooms in the Brew House and throughout the grounds, which include tree-lined tracks and walking paths. Dogs are not permitted in the Main House, and a nightly surcharge applies. (Marriott)

Best for: A countryside retreat, walking holiday or London add-on.

What about cruises with dogs?

This is where travellers need to be particularly careful.

Unlike hotels, most ocean cruise lines do not permit ordinary pet dogs onboard. Service and assistance animals may be accepted under specific policies, but that is different from travelling with a companion dog.

There is, however, one remarkable exception.

Queen Mary 2: one of the few true pet-friendly ocean cruise options

Cunard's Queen Mary 2 offers dedicated kennels for cats and dogs on selected Transatlantic Crossings between Southampton, New York and Hamburg.

The ship has 24 air-conditioned kennels, together with an adjoining outdoor deck where pets can stretch their legs. Dogs receive amenities including blankets and a complimentary coat, and there is even a complimentary pet portrait session with the ship's photographer and Kennel Master. (Cunard)

Pet owners can visit their animals during designated kennel hours, and pets can be fed and walked either by their owners or the Kennel Master. Fresh chicken, vegetables and broth can also be requested. (Cunard)

There are important restrictions. Pets remain in the kennel and designated pet areas rather than accompanying owners throughout the ship, and kennel spaces are limited. Size and breed restrictions also apply. (Cunard)

Best for: Travellers who want to cross the Atlantic without putting their dog on an aircraft.

Important: Kennel availability should be investigated well in advance. This is a very limited product, not a standard cruise amenity.

Where does this leave travellers?

The good news is that you have more choices than ever — particularly for road trips, city breaks, countryside stays and selected luxury hotels.

For a dog-friendly European itinerary, destinations such as Italy, France, Austria and the UK can work particularly well when the itinerary is designed around properties that explicitly welcome pets.

In North America, cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles and Miami offer a growing selection of hotels where dogs can stay with their owners.

But the key is to build the trip around the dog rather than simply adding the dog to an existing itinerary.

Don't forget to think about frew additional options:

• Does your Hotel in a walking distance from any parks and walking routes
• Are there outdoor cafés and pet-friendly terraces?
• Any private transfers rather than complicated connections?
• Is the room spacious enough?
•  Easy access to veterinary services?
• Activities where dogs are genuinely welcome
• Do you think it will be a realistic pace with time for rest?
• Are there any properties that can arrange walking or sitting services when required?

Before you book: the questions that matter

A hotel being listed as “pet-friendly” does not necessarily mean it is suitable for your particular dog.

Before confirming a reservation, check:

1. Size and breed restrictions: 

   What are the property's weight, size or breed limitations?

2. Number of pets

   How many dogs are permitted per room?

3. Pet fees

   Is there a nightly charge, one-time fee, cleaning deposit or package fee?

4. Can your dog be left alone?

   Many hotels require owners to remain with their pets whenever they are in the room.

5. Where can your dog go?

   Check restrictions for restaurants, pools, spas, fitness facilities and public areas.

6. What is provided?

   Ask about beds, bowls, food, treats, waste bags and other essentials.

7. Walking and pet-sitting

   Can the concierge recommend or arrange a reputable dog walker or sitter?

8. Transportation

   How will your dog travel to the destination? Airline, train, private transfer and border requirements can vary considerably.

9. Destination regulations

   International travel with a dog can involve vaccination records, health certificates, microchip requirements and country-specific entry regulations. These should be checked well before departure.

The best dog-friendly holiday is designed around your dog

Travelling with a dog does not mean compromising on comfort or choosing a basic accommodation.

It means being more selective.

A well-designed pet-friendly itinerary can combine a beautiful hotel, excellent dining, scenic walks, cultural experiences and plenty of downtime — while making sure your four-legged companion is comfortable along the way.

From a weekend at 1 Hotel Toronto, to a luxury European stay at Hotel Imperial Vienna, a countryside escape at The Langley, or an extraordinary Transatlantic Crossing aboard Queen Mary 2, there are genuine options for travellers who do not want to leave their dogs behind.

Planning a holiday with your dog?

Pet-friendly travel requires more than finding a hotel that accepts pets. The right property, transportation, destination and daily itinerary all need to work together.

Want to explore pet-friendly hotels, resorts or cruise options for your next getaway? Contact us to design a journey that works for both you and your four-legged companion.

Pet policies, fees, restrictions and availability can change. Always confirm the current requirements directly with the property or cruise line before booking.

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