Is Motel 6 Pet Friendly?

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Everyone deserves a pampering weekend getaway, but what would make it even better? One where you can bring your beloved pet (and best friend) along with you. Imagine it: Waking up to not just a scenic beach view, but a wagging tail and eyes filled with unconditional love. Pure bliss.

Of course, finding a hotel that allows that to be a reality is a whole other matter. While pet ownership is on the rise, many hotels today still aren’t accommodating of our pets, seeing them as “nuisances” rather than welcome guests.

Motel 6 is one of the most popular budget motel chains in the United States. If you’re considering staying at a Motel 6 with your pet, you’re probably wondering whether the chain falls in the “pets are family” group or “pets are nuisances.”

We’ll answer is Motel 6 pet friendly below and cover everything else you need to know, including the history behind Motel 6 and their typical policies.

What Is Motel 6 and Its History

Motel 6’s story begins in 1962, California. Here, two contractors, William Becker and Paul Greene, opened up the first Motel 6 with one goal: to make travel accessible and affordable for all.

Rooms were available at just $6 per night — hence the chain’s iconic name — and Motel 6 became recognized for offering low-cost accommodation without compromising comfort.

Motel 6 quickly expanded and new branches opened up throughout the US. Despite humble roots, Motel 6 is now one of the most popular budget motel chains, with hotels in practically every major holiday destination.

Yes, Motel 6 is pet friendly! This applies to virtually all its locations throughout the United States. Many locations even have designated pet relief areas and walking areas for four-legged companions.

Motel 6 also welcomes pets for free at no additional cost. This is a huge perk, considering many pet-friendly hotels often charge anywhere from $25 to $150 extra per night for a pet’s accommodation.

However, there are some exceptions.

Motel 6 Pet Policies Explained

Motel 6 has a limit of two pets per room, with a combined weight of up to 150 pounds. This generous weight limit means even large breeds can be accommodated, including the Bernese mountain dog, German shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute.

However, be aware that this flexibility does not extend to every species. Motel 6 specifically describes “pets” as domesticated dogs or cats. Whether or not they accommodate other animals is at the individual branch’s discretion. You will need to contact the staff directly to discuss your options.

Besides this, Motel 6 also enforces the following pet-related regulations:

Pets must be declared at check-in and noted during online reservation when applicable
Pets must be well-behaved, housebroken, and not pose a disruption or endanger the health and safety of other guests
Pets should not be prohibited by local laws (e.g., a breed subjected to breed-specific legislation)
Pets must not cause property damage
Pets must be properly attended to and should not be left alone in the room
Pets must be restrained, either on a leash or in a pet-safe carrier, when outside of the room
Pets must have up-to-date vaccinations and adhere to other applicable health requirements; proof of vaccinations may be requested at check-in

Motel 6 staff have the right to refuse your pet accommodation at any point. If they have concerns about your pet’s behavior or your ability to keep them under control, they are likely to be denied. Staff also reserve the right to ask you to remove your pet from the premises, even if you have already paid for a room.

This is why it’s integral to familiarize yourself with the hotel’s pet policies above and abide by them closely. You should also prepare accordingly. Ensure your pet is housetrained, knows their basic obedience, and is amiable around other people. You should also remember to pack essentials, like food, water, toys, and a leash and/or a pet-safe travel carrier.

While staying at the hotel, remember to be respectful. Always tidy up after your pet, keep them on a tight leash when outside of the room, and supervise them closely.

Does Motel 6 Have Pet Fees?

Motel 6 allows pets to stay for free, provided you adhere to the policies above. However, that doesn’t exempt you from paying for any damages your pet causes.

If your pet damages the floorboards, rips up carpets, or soils communal areas, you will need to cover the repair or cleaning cost. You may be asked to leave the hotel too, especially if the damage is significant.

Does Motel 6 Accommodate Service Dogs?

Service dogs are always accommodated at Motel 6 locations, and at no additional cost. They are also exempt from Motel 6’s pet rules, such as the 150-pound weight limit.

This is because service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This federal law grants them the right to accompany their handlers in public, even in places that typically don’t allow animals.

While federally protected, keep in mind that service dogs, like pets, can still be removed from the hotel if they are not kept under control or endanger others. They may also be denied entry if they cannot be feasibly or safely accommodated, or their accommodation would cause a significant undue hardship.

If you have a diagnosed disability and think a service dog may help relieve your symptoms, our in-depth guide can help you learn more about them and whether they’re an appropriate treatment for your needs.

Does Motel 6 Accommodate Emotional Support Animals?

Yes, Motel 6 generally welcomes emotional support animals (ESAs) at their locations and at no additional cost. However, be aware that virtually all Motel 6 branches treat ESAs as pets and do not have specific ESA policies in place. This means standard pet-related fees, policies, and regulations apply.

Keep in mind that the species of your ESA can pose complications. While Motel 6 branches generally accommodate cats and dogs, accommodating other animals is at each branch’s discretion. Uncommon ESA species, such as reptiles or tarantulas, may be rejected. You will need to discuss with staff before booking and advocate for your ESA’s accommodation.

Do Pets Stay for Free at Studio 6?

Studio 6 is an extended-stay motel brand under the Motel 6 chain. While Studio 6 does welcome pets as well, there is a key difference. Pets do not stay for free at Studio 6 locations — only service dogs do. The exact pet fee depends on the location, but rates start from $10 per day for pets up to a maximum of $100 per stay.

Note that most Studio 6 branches also categorize emotional support animals as pets, meaning standard pet fees apply.

Tips for Staying With Your Pet at Motel 6

These tips will help ensure you and your pet can both make the most of your holiday together and enjoy all Motel 6 has to offer.

Train and socialize your pet to ensure they can travel comfortably, and without putting themselves or others at risk
Double-check you’ve packed your pet’s essentials, including water, toys, treats, food, grooming supplies, a collar, and leash
Familiarize yourself with any designated relief areas at the hotel in advance to prevent accidents
Do not take your eyes off your pet and keep them on a tight leash or in a pet-safe carrier in communal spaces
Check applicable laws carefully; local and state laws overrule a hotel’s own policies
Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and obtain proof of their health records before you travel

You should also consider familiarizing yourself with nearby pet-friendly eateries, facilities, parks, and activities in advance. This will allow you to plan your holiday accordingly so that you never have to unexpectedly leave your beloved pet behind.