What happens if my pet damages hotel property?
Written by
Victoria Hayes
Reviewed by
Prof. Henry Webster, Ph.D.Pet owners are entirely responsible for any property damage caused by their animals during hotel or resort stays. If your pet scratches, stains, or destroys furniture or furnishings, they are absolutely, directly responsible for remedying the situation. Hotels are certain to document any incidents properly and to implement any charges against your account subsequently for repairs. Prevention may be, indeed, the best means for avoiding these end charges.
Always report damage immediately to hotel staff upon discovery. You should request written documentation of the incident. Take timestamped photographs before cleaning attempts. These actions create evidence for fair assessment. Delayed reporting often increases penalties.
Prevention Measures
- Use hotel-provided protective furniture covers
- Bring familiar toys to prevent chewing
- Exercise pets before leaving them briefly
- Use calming sprays for anxious animals
Incident Response
- Report damage within the required timeframe
- Request itemized repair cost breakdown
- Verify charges against original furniture value
- Pay with credit card for dispute options
Security deposits offer hotels a degree of upfront protection. Typical budget accommodation finds owners asking for €50-100 in refundable deposits. Luxury accommodation may hold €500 for possible damages. These amounts are refunded at checkout, provided they have not been given an excuse to claim money for damage. Get all deposit particulars in writing.
With appropriate documentation, you can dispute unjust charges. Ask for evidence (before/after photos) from the hotel staff. Compare the cost of the repair to similar charges elsewhere. Luxury hotels may provide third-party assessment services. Also, credit card companies can intervene in billing disputes.
Look into specialty insurance such as pet liability insurance, which covers up to €5,000 in damages. The premium for this type of coverage starts at approximately €10 per month. There are also homeowners' insurance policies that include travel protection. Make sure to check coverage before traveling with your accident-prone pet.
Repeated incidents may lead to hotel bans or blacklisting. Establishments share information through industry networks. Serious damage could result in permanent restrictions. Responsible ownership prevents these career consequences.
Read the full article: Top 10 Pet Friendly Hotels for Unforgettable Stays
