By Ryan Drew | Superhost and Vacation Rental Expert | Last Updated April 15, 2026
Searching for a pet-friendly hotel on Expedia without using the right filter is a frustrating experience — you end up scrolling through hundreds of properties, clicking into each one, and hunting for a pet policy buried in the amenities list. There’s a much faster way.
Expedia has a dedicated “Pets allowed” filter that removes every non-pet-friendly property from your results in one click. This guide shows you exactly where to find it, what to check before you book, and how to avoid the fee surprises that catch most travelers off guard at check-in.
Ready to search? Go to this specific page on Expedia — then use the steps below to apply the pet-friendly filter.
Search Pet-Friendly Hotels →How to Filter for Pet-Friendly Hotels on Expedia (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Run Your Initial Hotel Search
Go to this specific page on Expedia and click Stays. Enter your destination and travel dates, set the number of guests and rooms, then hit Search. Don’t worry about the pet filter yet — run the search first, then apply it.
Step 2 — Open the Filter Panel and Find “Pets Allowed”
On the results page, look at the filter sidebar on the left side of the screen. On mobile, tap the Filters button at the top of the results. Scroll down the filter list to the Amenities section. Look for “Pets allowed” — it’s listed as a checkbox within Amenities alongside options like pool, gym, and free breakfast.
Check the Pets allowed box. The results update immediately to show only hotels that have flagged themselves as pet-friendly on Expedia.
Step 3 — Read the Pet Policy Before You Select a Room
This is the step most people skip — and it’s where problems start. The “Pets allowed” filter tells you the hotel accepts pets. It does not tell you the weight limit, breed restrictions, per-night fee, number of pets allowed, or which specific rooms are pet-accessible.
Click into any hotel listing you’re considering and scroll to the Property Details or Hotel Policies section. Look specifically for:
- Pet fee — typically $25–$75 per night or a flat fee per stay, charged by the hotel at check-in
- Weight limit — very common, often 25–50 lbs
- Number of pets — most hotels allow 1–2 pets per room
- Breed restrictions — some hotels restrict certain dog breeds regardless of size
- Pet-designated rooms — many hotels only allow pets in specific room types or floors
Ryan’s Take: The pet fee is almost never included in the room rate shown on Expedia — it’s collected directly by the hotel at check-in. A $150 hotel room can easily become $225/night once you factor in a $75 pet fee. Always check the policy section before booking and factor those fees into your total before comparing properties.
Step 4 — Add a Special Request at Checkout
During checkout, use the Special Requests field to note that you’re traveling with a pet. Include the type, size, and number of pets. This isn’t required, but it flags the hotel before you arrive and reduces the chance of confusion at check-in — especially at hotels where only specific rooms are pet-accessible.
Step 5 — Call the Hotel to Confirm Before You Arrive
Pet policies change. A hotel that was pet-friendly when the Expedia listing was last updated may have changed its policy since then, or may have a limited number of pet rooms that fill up independently of standard room availability. Call the hotel directly using the number on your booking confirmation 24–48 hours before arrival to confirm your pet is expected and the room is ready.
What to Watch Out For When Booking Pet-Friendly Hotels on Expedia
| What You’ll See | What It Actually Means |
|---|---|
| “Pets allowed” badge | Hotel accepts pets — but fees, limits, and restrictions vary |
| No pet fee listed | Call the hotel — it may still charge one directly at check-in |
| Pet fee shown in amenities | Fee is paid at the hotel, not included in the Expedia rate |
| “Service animals welcome” | Does not mean pets are welcome — these are separate policies |
| Weight limit listed | Hard limit — showing up with a dog over the limit can result in being turned away |
Tips for Finding the Best Pet-Friendly Hotels on Expedia
- Sort by Guest Rating after filtering. Pet-friendly hotels with high guest ratings (8.5+) are much more likely to have staff experienced in accommodating pets smoothly. Lower-rated properties that technically allow pets often have inconsistent enforcement of their own policies.
- Look for “Pet amenities” in the property details. Some hotels list designated pet relief areas, pet beds, food bowls, or welcome treats. These properties take pets seriously and tend to have fewer check-in surprises.
- Book refundable when uncertain. If you’re not 100% sure the property will work for your specific pet — size, breed, multiple animals — book a refundable rate so you can cancel without penalty after calling to confirm. See our guide on Expedia Pay Now vs Pay Later for how to choose the right rate type.
- Use flexible dates to expand options. Pet-friendly rooms fill faster than standard rooms. See our Expedia flexible dates guide to find dates when pet rooms are still available.
- Consider vacation rentals. Vacation rentals on Expedia typically have more space, private yards or outdoor areas, and more flexible pet policies than traditional hotels. The same “Pets allowed” filter works — just switch the property type to Vacation Rentals.
Related Expedia Guides
- How to search Expedia with flexible dates — find dates when pet-friendly rooms are still available
- Expedia Pay Now vs Pay Later — choose a refundable Pay at Property rate until you confirm the pet policy
- How to use Expedia Bundle and Save — bundle your flight and pet-friendly hotel for additional savings
- How to search for connecting rooms on Expedia — if you need multiple rooms for a large group traveling with pets
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the pet-friendly filter on Expedia?
After running a hotel search, open the filter panel on the left sidebar (or tap Filters on mobile) and scroll to the Amenities section. Look for “Pets allowed” and check the box. Results update immediately to show only pet-friendly properties.
Are pet fees included in the Expedia hotel rate?
No — pet fees are almost always charged separately by the hotel at check-in and are not included in the rate shown on Expedia. Check the hotel’s policy section in the listing for the fee amount before booking.
Can I filter for hotels that allow large dogs on Expedia?
Expedia doesn’t have a separate filter for dog size. Use the “Pets allowed” filter, then click into each listing and read the pet policy for weight limits. Hotels with a 50 lb or “no weight limit” policy will say so in the property details or policies section.
Does Expedia show pet fees before booking?
Sometimes — if the hotel has entered a pet fee amount into their Expedia listing, it will appear in the property details or amenities section. However, not all hotels enter this information consistently. When in doubt, call the hotel directly before booking to confirm the exact fee.
Are vacation rentals on Expedia better for pets than hotels?
Often, yes. Vacation rentals typically have more space, private yards or outdoor areas, and no shared hotel corridors — which can be less stressful for dogs. They also tend to have more flexible pet policies than traditional hotels. The same “Pets allowed” filter works for vacation rentals — just switch the property type filter to Vacation Rentals alongside Pets allowed.
Ready to Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel?
Go to this specific page on Expedia, run your search, and apply the Pets Allowed filter to see only properties that welcome your pet.
Search Pet-Friendly Hotels on Expedia →
