Hurricane Preparedness for Miami Pet Owners: Finding Pet-Friendly Hotels

Picture this: the candle lighting and prayers from the abuelitas didn’t work, so a hurricane is truly on its way to Miami and will make landfall this time. If you live in an evacuation zone, you’ll need to stay with friends or family, head over to one of Miami-Dade’s pet-friendly evacuation centers, or find a pet-friendly hotel. We can help you with that last part with our comprehensive guide on finding pet-friendly hotels during a hurricane. Once you’re done here, check out our guide on hurricane pet preparedness for information on finding your evacuation zones and shelters.

1. Plan Ahead: Use Pet-Friendly Hotel Websites and Apps

Take the time now to research pet-friendly hotel chains that work within your budget and create a list of the hotels you can stay at along potential evacuation routes. Our dog walking clients have used the following before: 

BringFido: This website and app provide extensive listings of pet-friendly hotels, complete with reviews and pet policies.

PetsWelcome: Another great website, Petswelcome has a road trip planner where you can find pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation route. The search tool tells you if there are size limits and pet fees, along with if cats are welcome or just dogs. 

Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains: Websites of hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton often have filters to show pet-friendly options. 

Airbnb: Use filters to find pet-friendly homes and apartments. Make sure you’re not renting a space that’s in an evacuation zone! 

2. Check Pet Policies Ahead of Time

You’ve found the right hotels and AirBnB’s for you and your pets, but you’re not done. It’s always a good idea to double check their pet policies in case they’re different from what you found online. Call ahead to confirm:

• Call ahead to confirm they are still pet-friendly. 

• Hotel Availability: Monitor hotel booking sites regularly to secure accommodations before they fill up.

• Size and Breed Restrictions: Some hotels have restrictions on the size or breed of pets. Call ahead to make sure your pet meets these requirements. 
• Fees and Deposits: Be aware of any additional fees or deposits required for pets. These can vary significantly between hotels. 
• Ask About Amenities: Inquire about pet amenities like designated walking areas, pet beds, and food bowls.

3. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pet-Friendly Hotel

• Pet Amenities: Look for amenities such as water bowls, treats, pet beds, pet sitting, walking services, or special pet packages.
• Cleanliness: Confirm the hotel maintains a clean environment for pets by making sure there are daily cleaning routines for all areas accessible to pets, including rooms, common areas, and outdoor spaces. Using pet-safe (no harmful chemicals) cleaning products is also important in order to ensure pet safety. Each room should be deep cleaned and sanitized after each pet checks out. Using air purifiers and deodorizers designed for the pet environment will keep the air fresh. Last but not least the hotel should maintain a pest control schedule to prevent fleas, ticks and other pests.
• Safety: Ensure all pet areas are securely fenced. It is also important to have a first-aid kit specifically for pets available on-site. Make sure the hotel has an established relationship with a local veterinarian for emergency situations. 
• Space and Comfort: Ensure the room is spacious enough for your pet to move around comfortably without being cramped.

4. Prepare Your Pet’s Go Bags and Emergency Kit

We’ve written extensively on how to prepare a pet disaster kit. It’s a good idea to have all of these items ready to take with you to the pet-friendly hotel of your choice. A good pet go bag and emergency kit include: 

• Pet ID Forms: With photos of you and your pets.
• Vaccination Records and Rabies Tags: A three-week medication supply in water-tight containers.
• Care Instructions: Printed instructions on their feeding schedule, medication schedule, daily routine, and veterinarian’s information.
• Medications: Heartworm pills, flea and tick treatments, regular medications, and sedatives.
• First Aid Kit: Include bandaging material, antiseptic ointment, alcohol, gloves, tweezers, muzzle, and gauze.
• Collars, Leashes, ID Tags, Harnesses, Muzzles: Some pet owners write their phone numbers directly on their pets’ bellies with a marker.
• Food and Water: A three- to four-week food supply. Pets typically need 1 oz. per pound of body weight, but we like to do a minimum of one gallon of water per pet daily.
• Crates or Carriers: Ensure they are suitable for your pets’ size and that pets are used to them.
• Disposable Litter Boxes, Scoops, Extra Cat Litter.
• Cleaning Supplies: Paper towels, disinfectants, poop bags, plastic bags, newspapers, potty pads.
• Comfort Items: Toys, treats, extra blankets, towels, and grooming items.
• Flashlight and Batteries

5. Consider Pet Boarding Options

Sometimes traveling with a pet is not possible. You could board your pet with a trusted professional service out of the evacuation zones. As we’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, getting your pets used to pet boarding before there’s a storm to help them acclimate is important. Make sure the facility is outside flood zones and has backup generators. For cats, we recommend A Country Cat House. SOMI Pet Resort is great for dogs, and sometimes veterinarians boarding pets. Be sure to call and confirm before counting on that!

6. Pet-Friendly Hotels in Miami

If you decide to stay in Miami and head to a pet-friendly hotel, make sure the hotel is safely out of the hurricane evacuation and storm surge zones. You can find out more about storm surge zones on Miami-Dade’s website. Check out the storm surge planning map here. 

Some pet-friendly hotels as of this writing include the following. Please call to make sure their policies haven’t changed before booking. 

Kimpton EPIC Hotel
270 Biscayne Boulevard Way
Miami, FL 33131
(855) 286-0185
We invite you to bring your pet no matter their size, weight, or breed, all at no extra charge. If your pet fits through the door, we will welcome them in.

Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Wynwood Design District
3450 Biscayne BoulevardMiami, FL 33137
(855) 213-8043
Cats and dogs. 1 – 4 nights stay $75, 5+ night stay $125. Max. 2 pets.

AC Hotel By Marriott Miami Wynwood
3400 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33137
(888) 675-9785
Pets welcome! A $50 per night fee is required, with a max of $150 per stay. Up to 75 lbs. Max 2 pets per room.

Finding pet-friendly accommodations during a hurricane requires preparation and research. By planning ahead, using online resources, and confirming policies, you can ensure a safe and comfortable stay for both you and your pet. Stay safe, stay prepared, and let us know if we can help you with anything else pet-related! We’re always happy to answer questions or give recommendations when it comes to our beloved pets!