For many of us, our pets are practically a member of the family. And that means when we travel, our four-legged friends often need to come along.

While many hotels don the label “pet-friendly” on their website, travelers who frequently bring their dog or cat along on trips know it can be more complicated than that. In fact, policies at some properties can feel anything but friendly toward the animals — or at least their owners paying the add-on fees as a result.

Because of this, it’s important to know what to expect before you arrive in the lobby, leash or carrier in hand.

We reviewed the hotel policies across the World of Hyatt portfolio, one of the largest U.S.-based hotel groups, to get a sense for what to expect when looking for the best pet-inclusive accommodations.

Hyatt pet policies, broken down by brand

Each hotel within the World of Hyatt portfolio has its own pet policy. That goes even for hotels within the same brand, so you’ll want to confirm the policy at the property you’re visiting.

We scoured pet policies at hundreds of Hyatt-affiliated properties and found important things for you to know as you plan a trip with your pet in tow.

Alila

A newer addition to the World of Hyatt portfolio, Alila has most of its properties in Asia, but there are three U.S. properties.

At the Alila Ventana Big Sur, off California’s Pacific Coast Highway, south of Monterey, you’ll pay a hefty fee of $150 for bringing along up to two pets. There are plenty of animal-centric amenities available, though.

Dogs staying on property are allowed in several places beyond the room, including the hotel’s Sur House patio during breakfast and dinner.

There’s even food available specifically for pups.

The pet brochure shows a variety of specialty dog meals, from the chicken and rice bowl ($12) to a coco patty ($12) and salmon bowl ($14). That’s on top of the dog bed and water bowl each pet gets upon arrival.

It also doesn’t hurt that the property is one of the best redemptions out there in the World of Hyatt loyalty program.

Andaz

Like several brands within the Hyatt portfolio, Andaz properties are each unique, drawing upon the surrounding neighborhoods.

At Andaz’s U.S. locations, the most common rule is two pets maximum, with a 50-pound limit per pet or a 75-pound total limit between the two.

Fees can vary, often falling between $75 and $150.

A noteworthy exception: The Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, where pets are allowed for free through the rest of 2023.

When staying at an Andaz, let the hotel know in advance if you’re bringing your pup. Many of the properties have amenities like dog beds, bowls and treats available at the front desk.

Caption by Hyatt

One of Hyatt’s newest brands, Caption has one U.S. location open: Hyatt Beale Street Memphis, which is listed as “dog-friendly.”

At the Caption hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, the first six nights for your furry friend will cost you $100. That increases to $200 for stays from seven to 29 days. Pups are limited to 50 pounds for one or 75 pounds total when bringing two.

Destination by Hyatt

A collection of unique and independent hotels and resorts, Destination by Hyatt has — like the properties themselves — pet policies that vary significantly from one hotel to another, so you’ll want to check the specific location you’re visiting.

It is worth noting, though, that there are numerous hotels and resorts in the Destination by Hyatt portfolio near ski resorts in Colorado, many of which do not allow pets.

Grand Hyatt

Frequently situated in major city centers, and often the home to large conventions and events, Grand Hyatt has pet policies that vary greatly within the brand.

Some properties, like the Grand Hyatt Washington and Dallas/Fort Worth, do not allow pets at all.

Meanwhile, fees at other properties typically range from $50 to $100.

A 50-pound weight limit for one pet or 75 pounds total for two is a common rule. However, the 60-pound weight limit at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is proof of how this can vary depending on the specific property.

JdV by Hyatt

One of Hyatt’s collections of boutique hotels, JdV is described as “a community for the spirited, light-hearted, the young at heart.”

With each being an independent hotel, the pet policies differ significantly from one to another.

For example, at The Time in New York, fees are $50 per night and pets are limited to a maximum of 20 pounds.

Meanwhile, Hotel 50 Bowery in Chinatown on Manhattan’s Lower East Side describes itself as “absolutely DOG-CRAZY!” — welcoming pets “with open arms” and no fees whatsoever.

The Mission Pacific Hotel in San Diego’s “dog-friendly” policy might feel a little less friendly when it comes time to pay the fee for bringing your pup — $200 for the stay.

Hyatt Centric

While a handful of Hyatt Centric properties like Charlotte SouthPark in North Carolina and Midtown 5th Avenue in New York do not allow pets, many other Hyatt Centric properties do.

Fees at Hyatt Centric hotels can range from $50 to $150, but you’ll most often pay $75 or $100 for the stay.

A few properties even allow pets for free, like the brand’s new Congress Avenue hotel in Austin, Texas.

Hyatt House

With a suite for each guest, Hyatt House is designed in accordance with its name: to be a home away from home.

While there are small variations in policy from one property to another, Hyatt House’s pet policies are among the most consistent in the World of Hyatt program.

Most properties allow pets. The most common fees are $75 (but pay close attention to whether it’s for the "stay" or "per night"). And the most common weight restriction calls for a 50-pound limit or two pets weighing a combined 75 pounds or less.

Despite being ideal for longer stays, Hyatt House properties do often tack on extra fees after about a week.

Hyatt Place

One of Hyatt’s more affordable brands, Hyatt Place has hundreds of locations across the country and around the world.

The pet policies are written slightly different at each hotel, so you will want to check the specific property you’re visiting.

Most often, hotels impose a 50-pound limit per pet. Fees most commonly come in at around $75 for the stay.

Hyatt

There are 14 hotels branded simply as “Hyatt” worldwide, eight of which are in the U.S.

Of those eight, five are listed as “pet-friendly.” And they each have varying costs associated with your pet:

$50 per stay at the Hyatt at Olive 8 in Seattle.

$75 per stay at Herald Square in New York.

$100 per stay at the Hyatt Palm Springs.

$150 per stay at Union Square in New York.

$45 per night at Hyatt Grand Central in Manhattan, with an extra fee of $150 once you hit six nights.

Park Hyatt

Most Park Hyatt properties in North America allow pets, but it likely won’t come cheap.

The most common pet fee you’ll see is $150 for the stay, though depending on the property, the fees can run even higher. At the Park Hyatt New York, for instance, bringing a pet will cost you an extra $200.

At the Park Hyatt Chicago, pups get a dog bed, water bowl and treats as part of their stay — provided that they meet the property’s weight restriction of 50 pounds or less and you pay the $150 fee.

Hyatt Regency

Hyatt Regency has quite a few North American properties that do not allow non-service pets at all. For instance, no pets are allowed at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa in Florida or Phoenix.

Pet fees at the Hyatt Regency commonly range from $100 to $150 for the first six or seven nights — and be sure you check whether it’s six or seven.

There are plenty of policies that stray from this, though.

At the brand’s Lake Tahoe property, they “welcome dogs of all shapes and sizes as long as they are nice and friendly,” for $40 per night. In Rochester, New York, it’s $60 for the stay, but the hotel will donate $10 of that to a local animal shelter.

Most often, weight restrictions include 50 pounds per pet and a combined maximum weight of 75 pounds for two.

Hyatt Regency properties may have limited pet-friendly room availability, so it’s best to call in advance to confirm your pet can stay.

Thompson Hotels

Perhaps Hyatt’s most pet-friendly brand, Thompson Hotels allow pets for free at the vast majority of North American properties.

Frequently, you’ll find no caveats to “pet-friendly” beyond a 50-pound weight limit.

Unbound Collection

Pet policies vary at each Unbound Collection property, and fees vary.

For example, you will pay:

$30 per day at Spirit Ridge, a resort in the Cascade Mountains.

$50 per stay at Hotel Figueroa in downtown Los Angeles.

$150 per stay at the Royal Palms in Arizona.

$175 at Carmel Valley Ranch, a mountain property not far from the California coast.

That hefty price at Carmel Valley Ranch is worth it, though. Your furry friend will want to order in on the Pooch Room Service menu featuring beef bone marrow ($6), the secret salmon bowl with brown rice and farm fresh carrots ($14), the chicken and rice ($12) or a pooch patty ($12).

UrCove by Hyatt

UrCove by Hyatt hotels are exclusively in China. Travelers thinking of bringing a pet with them should check the Chinese government regulations and individual property requirements.

Inclusive Collection

The World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection includes a fast-growing portfolio of smaller brand and independent all-inclusive hotels and resorts, with properties joining the portfolio as part of a “phased process.”

With many of these hotels outside the U.S., and a vast range of hotels available, you’re sure to encounter a wide range of policies, restrictions and fee structures.

As such, your best bet is to check with the individual property you’re visiting if you’re thinking of bringing your pet to one of these destinations.

What to know about bringing a pet to Hyatt hotels

Before we delve into some of the details about bringing a pet to specific brands or collections within the Hyatt portfolio, there are a few general things you should know about hotel pet policies.

Each hotel has its own policy

It’d be easy if we could tell you what the pet policy is at every Park Hyatt, Hilton Garden Inn or Courtyard by Marriott property. But it’s not quite that simple.

Each hotel sets its own policy. Are there similarities in policies within a particular hotel brand? Quite often, yes.

However, you shouldn’t assume that bringing your 90-pound golden retriever to, say, a Hyatt Regency will be allowed — and free of charge — just because it was at the last Hyatt Regency you visited.

Be sure to check the individual hotel’s website, or even give the property a call before you book.

Hyatt has a lot of independent hotels in its portfolio

The above advice applies to any hotel portfolio, but especially to Hyatt, which has a wide range of independent and boutique hotels within its portfolio.

From the Unbound Collection to JdV by Hyatt to the Inclusive Collection, you’re likely to find unique and distinctly local features at many hotels under the Hyatt umbrella, but that means even more potential for variation when it comes to pet policies.

Look beyond 'pet-friendly'

“Pet-friendly” doesn’t mean free and without restrictions. Generally, a hotel that considers itself “pet-friendly” is a hotel that allows pets — often just dogs — in some shape or form.

To really know what to expect, dig deeper on the website for specifics on any fees, weight restrictions or caps on the number of pets allowed.

Hyatt’s fees are pricey

NerdWallet’s analysis of various hotel pet fees found World of Hyatt properties among the most expensive, at an average $92 per night.

That’s slightly below an average $94 per night at Marriott but exceeds that of other major brands like Hilton, IHG and more.

Read the fee structure closely

When evaluating the hotel’s pet fee schedule, look closely. Are the fees charged per stay or per night? For a three-night stay, a “$50 per stay” pet fee comes to $50. A “$50 per night” fee structure will end up costing you $150.

Hotels within the Hyatt portfolio tend to use the "per stay" fee structure more frequently than "per night," but both types of fees are common. Again, it’s all dependent on the specific property.

You’ll often pay more after six to seven days

Many hotels’ policies call for extra pet fees after the stay reaches six or seven nights. These are sometimes labeled as "deep cleaning" fees that take effect during these longer stays.

Call or message the hotel in advance

While today’s robust hotel websites and apps have made it possible to book, check in, access your room and check out without so much as speaking to a hotel employee, you’ll want to take the time to call or message the hotel in advance if you’re bringing a pet.

Some hotels have pet-specific floors or rooms set aside, which can be in limited supply. Connecting with the front desk at least a few days ahead of your trip can remove this stress.

Dogs are more widely accepted than cats

While plenty of hotels allow dogs and cats, there are also plenty that accept only dogs.

Service animals are almost always allowed without restrictions

Whether it’s a ban on pets altogether, a weight restriction or a fee, it almost always doesn’t apply to service animals.

Many hotels specifically say this. Even if your hotel doesn’t, though, you’re likely still in the clear to bring your service animal with no fees or restrictions attached.

When in doubt, a quick call or message to the property to confirm in advance might be a good idea for peace of mind.

Pay with a card that earns bonus points at hotels

Incurring pet fees means a higher bill at checkout.

That makes it all the more important to pay with a credit card that earns you the highest return for your spending, particularly because the charge will hit your card as a hotel expense. That could mean paying with a Hyatt credit card or one that earns bonus points for hotels or travel more broadly.

Staying with pets compared across hotel brands

In our most recent analysis of hotel pet policies, we ranked the major U.S. hotel chains on various factors including whether or not they allow pets at all, pet fees and consistency of pet policies across properties, among other factors. Here's how they stacked up:

Bringing a pet to Hyatt hotels

Ultimately, your best bet when bringing a pet to a World of Hyatt property — or any hotel, for that matter — is to do your research and check the individual property ahead of time, and if needed, contact the hotel before your arrival.