How to Choose Pet-Friendly Accommodations — A Complete Guide to Enjoying Travel with Your Dogs and Cats

The Current State of Pet Travel — Pet-Friendly Accommodations Are Increasing, But There Are Pitfalls

In recent years, the number of accommodations advertising themselves as "pet-friendly" has steadily increased. However, it's important to first understand that behind the "pet-friendly" label, there are significant differences from facility to facility. Even though they all say "pet-friendly," the conditions vary widely—from accommodations where pets can only stay in **dedicated cottages** to those where pets can use **all guest rooms and restaurants together**.

Additionally, most accommodations have strict restrictions on the types of animals, sizes, and number of pets allowed. There have been actual reports of troubles where people made reservations without confirming conditions like "dogs OK but cats not allowed," "small dogs only," or "one pet per room," and were denied entry on the day of arrival. When planning a pet trip, **thorough advance confirmation** is the first prerequisite for a worry-free journey.

Five Checkpoints for Choosing an Accommodation

**First, carefully confirm the pet acceptance conditions.** Don't rely solely on the "pet-friendly" label on the website—be sure to confirm the following by phone or email: types of animals accepted, weight restrictions, number restrictions, types of guest rooms available for pet owners (all rooms or only some), whether pets are allowed in restaurants or common areas, and whether pet amenities are provided (cages, dishes, sheets, etc.).

**Second, the indoor and facility environment.** Check the soundproofing in case your dog barks all night, the sufficient space for your pet to move around, whether the flooring is slippery (wooden vs. carpet), and whether there is a yard or dog run. Especially when bringing medium to large dogs, the presence of a **dog run where they can play freely** significantly affects your travel satisfaction.

**Third, the surrounding environment.** It's reassuring to check whether there's a green environment where you can take walks with your pet, if there are tourist attractions accessible with pets nearby, and if there's an animal hospital close by.

**Fourth, meal quality and pet accommodations.** Even at pet-friendly accommodations, meal quality varies widely. Some provide pet menus, while others only offer space to give your pet food brought from home. This is especially important to confirm if your pet has allergies or dietary restrictions.

**Fifth, checking reviews.** Even if an accommodation advertises itself as "pet-friendly," reviews from pet owners who actually stayed there may include honest voices such as "complaints came from other guests," "staff was cold," or "odors remained." Be sure to check reviews from pet travel experiences on Jalan, Rakuten Travel, and TripAdvisor.

Preparation for Traveling with Your Dog — Things to Do Before Departure

It's recommended to start preparing for your pet trip **1-2 weeks before departure.** First, prepare **vaccination certificates and rabies prevention vaccination certificates.** Some accommodations may request these. Don't forget flea and tick prevention treatments either.

If your dog isn't accustomed to carriers or crates, it's essential to acclimate them beforehand. During travel, dogs easily feel excitement and anxiety in unfamiliar environments, and having a crate function as "their safe space" supports peace of mind during the trip. Starting a week before departure, give treats in the crate and increase time spent together to help them get used to it.

Include in your packing list: regular food, water, food dishes, favorite toys and blankets (their scent provides comfort), waste bags, pet wet wipes, odor eliminator spray, leashes and harnesses (with spares just in case), medications, and first aid kits. For long-distance travel, **frequent breaks and hydration** are important. More highway service areas are also setting up "dog runs."

Recommended Areas and Accommodation Suggestions by Style

**The Fuji Mountains, Lake Yamanaka, and Lake Kawaguchi areas (Yamanashi Prefecture)** are among the most popular areas for pet travel. There are scattered facilities with dog runs set against Mount Fuji, and numerous photo spots where you can take pictures with your dog and Mount Fuji in the background.

**Nasu Highlands (Tochigi Prefecture)** is easily accessible from the Greater Tokyo Area and is a mecca for pet travel with abundant pet-friendly cafes and shops. Most tourist spots in Nasu can be visited with pets.

**Kyoto and Nara (Kansai region)** are often thought of as places "you can't easily go with pets," but in fact, pet-friendly accommodations are increasing, and walks along temple and shrine paths are possible in many places. However, consideration for others is especially important during peak season.

Pet Travel Etiquette and Rules

To enjoy pet travel, a sense of responsibility to **not disturb other guests** is essential. Barking is a particular problem at night, so if your dog tends to bark in unfamiliar environments, discuss this in advance with the accommodation. Always keep your pet on a leash in common areas and always clean up any waste immediately.

Always keep in mind the possibility that guests with allergies or who are uncomfortable with animals may be staying in adjacent rooms. Careful consideration, such as carrying your pet in hallways and adjusting the time of day for using common facilities, affects the overall impression of the trip. The virtuous cycle that enriches pet accommodations as pet travel increases is nurtured by responsible pet owners.