Does the thought of leaving your pet while you go on vacation makes you anxious?
The good news is that there are some all-inclusive resorts that allow pets, with some restrictions:
All Inclusive Resorts that Allow Pets
- SOME Secrets Resorts – Such as Check PricesSecrets Bahia Mita and Check PricesSecrets Impression Isla Mujeres welcome small dogs (only 1 dog per room, must be under 22 lbs. or 10 kg) in their accommodations and on specific (not all) areas of the property. This service is available for $65 USD in the required room category. Dog friendly guest rooms include the following: Welcome letter with guidelines and restrictions, Dog bed, Food and water bowls, Floor mat for bowls, Rope toy, Small plastic bone for dogs, Dog waste bags, and a “Dog-in-room” door hanger. Please note the number of dog-friendly rooms on property is capacity controlled and only available upon request prior to arrival. Be SURE to check availability of dog-friendly rooms and be fully informed on all rules and restrictions before booking!
- Breathless Resorts – which includes Check PricesBreathless Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Check PricesBreathless Cabo San Lucas and Check PricesBreathless Riviera Cancun in Mexico, and Check PricesBreathless Montego Bay in Jamaica – now features small-dog-friendly accommodations (only 1 dog per room, must be under 22 lbs. or 10 kg) and other extras, in select room categories, so you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend behind! Your furry friend will enjoy food and water bowls, a Breathless themed dog bed, toys and more. lease note the number of dog-friendly rooms on property is capacity controlled and only available upon request prior to arrival. Be sure to check availability of dog-friendly rooms and be fully informed on all rules and restrictions before booking!
- Check PricesHard Rock Los Cabos has announced a new program called “Unleashed” that allows guests in specific room categories to bring up to two small pets (dogs and/or cats only, under 18kg/50lb) per room at a cost of $150 per pet/per 7-night stay, and will provide a bed and welcome gift. Despite the program’s name, pets must be kept on a leash and in designated areas only. There are other rules, so be sure to read all the fine print before booking. Editor’s note: as of this update the new Unleashed program applies only to some Hard Rock Hotels locations but they are planning to expand it, another reason to be sure to check before booking.
- Zoetry Resorts – at the four Zoetry locations (Check PricesZoëtry Agua Punta Cana, Check PricesZoëtry Montego Bay, Check PricesZoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya and Check PricesZoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres) small dogs are welcomed (but no other animals with the exception of certified service dogs) – there is a small additional charge, be sure to read their pet policy and use the contact links at the bottom of that page for questions or reservations (or check with your travel agent).
- Check PricesEstudio Playa Mujeres by Atelier de Hoteles is the latest 5-star all-inclusive resort to open in beautiful Playa Mujeres with its luxury all-suites layout, super-contemporary vibe, and family (and dog!) friendly concept. Be sure to fully educate yourself on their Pet-It™ Program (dogs only, yes there is an extra charge so check with your travel agent or the resort) and read their Pet-It™ policies before booking.
At the MelodyMaker Cancun, you can bring your dog or cat, up to 25 lbs., and one per room, to ME Cancún Complete ME All Inclusive by MELIÁ. But it will cost you about $150 USD per night, plus a deposit of $350 USD per stay. Note: We are currently investigating as it appears that the MelodyMaker Cancun no longer allows pets. 🙁
Why you should consider NOT bringing your pet
Aside from those resorts listed above, the fact is that most all-inclusive resorts are NOT pet-friendly, and even those that allow pets have restrictions on where those pets may accompany you – for example, most won’t allow your pet in the restaurants, by the pool, or on the beach. Why? Because people who are on vacation don’t want to hear dogs barking in the middle of the night or while they’re enjoying a meal in a restaurant, or relaxing at the pool or beach; complaints from non-pet-included guests are common and you will be asked to control your pet more closely, which can in turn make it difficult for you to relax and enjoy your vacation if you’re constantly headed back to your room to quiet your dog.
Even though you love your dog or cat, bringing them on vacation may not be the best option.
What to do with Your Pet When You Leave for an All-Inclusive Vacation
Hire a Pet Sitter
If you fly with your pet (20 lbs. and under), they have to be placed in a pet carrier and shoved under the seat in front of you. Medium to larger dogs in kennels are kept in a cargo section near the door of an airplane where baggage is placed. Kennels may be mishandled resulting in injury or death. It’s better to hire a pet sitter who comes into your home daily or stays in your home and cares for your pet.
Board Your Pet
Board your pet at your veterinarian, a specific pet hotel, or a large pet supplies store with a pet hotel. Costs range from $15-$35 per day; $20-$25 per day; and $35-$90 per day (pet hotels). Grooming costs from $20-$85 per weekly visit, depending on the service for a 6-8 week schedule. Dog walking costs from $10-$25 per day for one dog or a flat fee for two or more dogs.
Ask a Friend or Relative to Watch Your Pet
Ask a trusted friend or relative to care for your pet while you go on vacation. Like pet sitters, they can check on your dog or cat daily or stay in your home. Or, your family member or friend may choose to have your pet stay in their home.
All-Inclusive Resort: Leave Your Pet at Home
You love your pet and don’t want to be separated from them. However, pet-friendly all-inclusive vacations and beach resorts aren’t common. And keep in mind that your dog or cat may not like to travel, it can cause them anxiety.