For many, planning the next vacation brings excitement and anticipation, with endless hours spent trawling the internet looking for the best restaurants to try, experiences to book and adventures to be had. We search for local hotspots and hidden gems, and count down the days until we are beachside with a cocktail in hand or hiking a trail in the rugged countryside.

As we enter our credit card details for the sky diving experience we will probably regret, we suddenly realize…what are we going to do about Truffles, our happy go-lucky, one-year-old French bulldog who we never do anything without?!! Cue the panic, stress and worry of leaving our beloved fur baby at home.

This is a worry that is all too common for American pet owners. In the U.S., pet ownership is on the rise, with 66% of U.S. households owning a pet in 2024, according to Forbes. It therefore comes as no surprise that pet parents are increasingly demanding their dogs to be welcomed everywhere, especially when they travel. In addition, many pet owners do not want to have to curb or alter their travel plans, they want to enjoy the same perks as pet-free travelers, as well as ensure they can spoil their pooch.

Last year, pet travel was the subject of over 19 million Google searches in the U.S. alone, with 65% of pet parents saying they’re likely to travel with their pets in the next year. Traveling with our dogs can certainly make trips more joyful, but it does come with an extra layer of planning. 

Luckily, hotels and travel companies are catering to this growing trend and there are now an abundance of options to make pet-friendly travel simple, inventive and luxurious. At RHC, we work with a number of world-class hotels in the U.S., who offer incredible pooch perks and amenities to take the stress out of your next vacay. See below several of our top recommendations.

A tip: whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway, remember to pack a little patience, a portable water dispenser, an abundance of treats and lots of belly rubs!

Property: Eastwind Oliverea Valley

Location: Big Indian, New York

Description: Eastwind Oliverea Valley is a lush mountainside boutique hotel and elemental escape in the heart of the Catskills with 27 pet-friendly accommodations. 

Pooch perks: All 27 accommodations are pet-friendly, so dog lovers have the “pick of the litter” when it comes to room categories.

Add ons: For a fee of $50 per dog/per night, dogs are invited to enjoy the Catskill mountains, Eastwind Oliverea Valley’s 40+ acres of land and nearby trails, with their humans. Dogs are greeted with a welcome amenity tailored just to them. 

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Property: Detroit Foundation Hotel

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Pooch Perks: At Detroit Foundation Hotel, dogs are always welcome; upon check-in, all four-legged guests receive a dog bed, water bowl, toys, and treats to enjoy for the duration of their stay. 

Add ons: Owners and their furry friends can walk the city of Detroit, where they can check out a variety of dog parks such as The Detroit Dog Park and Grand Circus Park. Stop for a treat at Barkside Detroit, a coffee shop, bar, and dog park that offers a space where both people and their dogs can socialize. 

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Property: Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection

Location: Gardiner, New York

Description: Wildflower Farms, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, is a natural oasis just 90 minutes from New York City in the Hudson Valley. The 140-acre resort provides pets and their owners with meaningful encounters amongst nature via its namesake farm with orchards, gardens, farm animals, meadows and a three-mile walking trail.

Pooch perks: Across the property’s 65 free-standing and pet-friendly cabins, cottages and suites, pets are welcomed with an in-room bed, food and water bowls. 

Add ons: Guests can book a private Reiki session with their pet with the property’s Reiki Master, featuring energy work that leaves participants feeling relaxed, and shifted in mind, body and spirit.

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Property: Sea Crest Beach Resort

Location: North Falmouth, Massachusetts

Description: Nestled along the stunning Buzzards Bay, Sea Crest Beach Resort is the quintessential Cape Cod gathering place that is endlessly relaxing and effortlessly chic. The property boasts 253 guest rooms, each with ocean-facing balconies. Guests and their furry companions can enjoy a private white-sand beach and one of the best locations on Upper Cape Cod to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Pooch perks: The property dog and CEO—Chief Experience Officer, Cooper, is always excited to welcome furry guests to the resort; and he loves to enjoy his favorite part of the day with his guests – just stop by the front desk and ask for a Sea Crest Sunset with Coop.

Add ons: Explore the nearby Shining Sea Bikeway with your leashed dog for a scenic ride or stroll through the picturesque Spohr Gardens. For beach fun, head to Chapoquoit Beach, which allows dogs during the off-season, or enjoy the sunset at Falmouth Heights Beach. These nearby destinations offer fresh air and beautiful scenery, making Sea Crest Beach Resort an optimal pet-friendly destination.

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Property: Limelight Hotels

Location: Aspen, Denver and Snowmass, Colorado & Ketchum, Idaho

Description: Limelight Hotels are an adventure-forward collection of properties with mountain access in iconic outdoor destinations including Aspen, Colorado and Ketchum, and an urban outpost in Denver.

Pooch perks: Each location provides guests who bring their pups a complimentary bowl and placemat for ease of travel. In Aspen, the Limelight Lounge features a dog-friendly menu with elevated offerings, including salmon patties, chicken breast with a side of veggies, and, since all pups have a sweet tooth, a heavenly puppuccino with whipped cream. 

Add ons: This summer, on July 21st and August 25th in Snowmass, the Dog Days of Summer celebrates all things canine, with a local groomer and pet store on hand to provide free nail clippings and treats, as well as dog costumes, photo opportunities and a do-it-yourself dog washing station.

Property: The Joule

Location: Dallas, Texas

Description: Nestled in the heart of downtown Dallas, The Joule is a Neo-Gothic landmark building. 

Pooch Perks: Knowing that pets are family, The Joule looks forward to welcoming furry friends at no additional cost. Upon arrival, guests will be provided with a “Pet in Room” sign, and the property’s world-class concierge team can arrange access to must-attend venues, offer thoughtful pet-friendly recommendations, and even bring an afternoon snack for the pet of honor.

Add ons: The Joule’s convenient location is a great destination for visitors traveling with their pets. It is within walking distance of nearby shops and art galleries, making it ideal for a curious pup looking to explore the city. The area is a vibrant hub with plenty of nearby escapes including Pacific Plaza Park, Main Street Garden, and West End Square.

Property: Outbound Mammoth

Location: Mammoth Lakes, California

Description: For over 50 years, Outbound Mammoth has forged a rich history as a favored getaway for families, couples, and Hollywood stars alike. It proudly re-debuted in late 2022 offering enhanced, rustic-modern cabins, chalets, villas, and pet-friendly options within the resort, which was recently recognized as one of the Top Dog-Friendly Travel destinations by the pet focused guide, The Wildest. 

Pooch Perks: Outbound Mammoth provides an exclusive, ‘Best In Show’ package, where they enroll your pet in the Pup Provisions program, allowing them to enjoy delightful surprises and a Pendleton dog bed to use during their stay (based on availability). 

Add Ons: Guests get a waived pet fee plus free 24/7 vet access during their stay with a month of membership on The Kin app.