What Does “Pet-Friendly Hotel” Really Mean?

Recently, a walk-in guest arrived at El Portal after hearing that we were pet-friendly. He wanted to leave his dog in the room while he went hiking. When our staff explained that pets cannot be left unattended—and that we are not a kennel—he became upset and complained that we were not truly pet-friendly.

That experience inspired me to explain what pet-friendly hospitality means to us.

In 1972, Connie and I opened Steve’s Pet Shop in Altadena, California. Over the years, we expanded to several stores and eventually entered the pet food business, where we helped promote premium ingredients and a philosophy we had always believed in:

“Pets are people too.”

We understood the close relationship people share with their dogs and cats because we traveled extensively with our own pets, including our two beloved Basset Hounds. At the time, hotels that accepted pets often placed guests in smoking or less desirable rooms and charged excessive fees. Pets were treated as an inconvenience or an extra source of income—not as part of the family.

Years later, we decided to begin a new adventure. Because we already had a home in Sedona, Arizona, we envisioned creating an authentic Arts and Crafts-style adobe hotel designed with pet owners in mind.

In 2003, we completed El Portal, a 12-room hotel with private pet yards and no hidden pet fees. We wanted pet owners to be our guests—not simply another revenue opportunity.

But being pet-friendly does not mean being a boarding or daycare facility.

At El Portal, we offer pet-sitting services by appointment. However, pets may not be left unattended in guest rooms, even if they are crated. A dog that behaves perfectly at home may become frightened or anxious when left alone in an unfamiliar place. That anxiety can lead to barking, destructive behavior, or attempts to escape.

Over the years, we have replaced thousands of dollars’ worth of blinds, curtains, bathroom doors, and bedspreads damaged by pets that were described as “well-behaved.”

A truly pet-friendly hotel welcomes pets while also protecting their safety and comfort. Responsible pet ownership means making sure pets are supervised and cared for throughout their stay.

Most people would never leave a two- or three-year-old child alone in a hotel room. If we genuinely believe that pets are part of our families, we should extend them the same consideration.

At El Portal, being pet-friendly means treating pets as valued guests—not leaving them abandoned in an unfamiliar room.