Does Motel 6 Allow Dogs? A Complete Guide (2026 Update)

Traveling with a dog can be a hassle. Dogs need to be let out of the car frequently, and finding a hotel to accommodate you and your canine companion can be a nightmare. Luckily, there is a large hotel chain that allows dogs with very few strings attached. Motel 6 operates over 1,400 locations in the United States and Canada, and they always allow dogs. That means that traveling with your pooch doesn’t have to be stressful. It is easy to find a Motel 6 when you are on the road.

Here is everything you need to know about Motel 6’s dog policy, plus some helpful travel tips to make your trip a breeze.

Motel 6 Pet Policy

Motel 6 has a very generous pet policy. All service animals and all pets are welcome at Motel 6 at any time. Pets always stay free, except at upgraded Studio 6 locations, in which case you will only be charged a pet fee of $10 a night. Animals must simply be well-behaved and legal. That means that any dog should be able to stay at a Motel 6 with few restrictions. For the vast majority of people, that means that traveling with your dog can be a breeze. Very few hotels have such a generous pet policy. But, like all policies, it does have its limits.

dog standing on the bed in hotel room — Image Credit: Iacob Cupcea, Shutterstock

Restrictions

While Motel 6 has a very liberal dog policy, there are some restrictions to be aware of. First, there can only be two dogs per room, weighing no more than 150 pounds combined. That means if you have more than two dogs, you will be out of luck with Motel 6, or you will need to have a second person book a second room to accommodate the additional dog(s). Second, Motel 6 will not clean any rooms with a free roaming dog inside. This is done for a number of liability and safety reasons.

Motel 6 also has a policy that mandates periodic cleanings, so you should plan on bringing a crate for each of your dogs if you plan on leaving them unattended in the hotel room at any point. Guests are also required to be respectful when on the property and mindful of other guests. Dog owners must also pick up after their pets when walking them on the premises. Not all Motel 6 locations have specific dog areas, or doggy bags available, so plan ahead.

Some local governments, city ordinances, or municipalities might restrict the presence of dogs in any hotel, despite Motel 6’s policies. In these rare areas, your dog will not be allowed to stay at the hotel due to local regulations.

Motel 6’s official policy also states:

“Animals that pose a health or safety risk may not remain onsite and include those that, in our managers' discretion, are too numerous for any one room, cause damage to our property or that of other guests, are too disruptive, are not properly attended, or demonstrate undue aggression.”

That means disruptive, damaging, or aggressive dogs could be asked to leave by management. Each manager has that discretion at any given time.

Travel Tips

Call ahead to check availability and local rules.
Declare all dogs when you check-in.
Bring a crate for your dog if you plan on leaving them unattended in the room at any point.
Bring doggy bags or another waste disposal method because not all Motel 6 locations have dog stations on site.
Remember, only two dogs (or animals) per room. If you are planning on traveling with more than two animals, you will need to book additional rooms.
Bring bowls, leashes, and food whenever you travel with your dog.
Excessive and disruptive barking could get your dog flagged and kicked out, so be aware of your dog’s behavior before booking.

dog lying on the bed — Image Credit: Kelsey Ellen, Shutterstock

Best Motel 6 Dog Perk

Not only does Motel 6 allow dogs, but dogs also always stay free at Motel 6 hotels. That is a major perk. Most hotels charge a host of fees when you bring a dog. Dog fees at name brand hotels can become exorbitant. Some hotels charge $100 per dog per night for them to stay. That can add up very quickly and tank a vacation budget. Motel 6’s policy of letting dogs stay free can save you a boatload of money which gives you more money to spend when traveling.

Verdict

Motel 6 not only allows dogs, but they also allow dogs to stay for free. Only the upgraded Studio 6 locations charge for dogs, and even then, their fees are a modest $10. That makes Motel 6 one of the most dog friendly hotels in the United States. Being able to stay at any Motel 6 with your dogs without having to pay additional fees can be a lifesaver for travelers.

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