People and their pets are suffering this massive heat wave – today being the worst – and we want to share some resources to help cool off and find relief.
Tips to Stay Cool
- Never leave pets alone in a hot car, as internal temperatures can spike immensely. Even if you have the AC on or a window cracked, pets are at risk of heat stroke or organ failure.
- If you have AC, use it! Fans don’t work as well, but should definitely be used if you don’t have an air conditioner. Put a bowl of ice behind a fan to blow cool air. You can even set up a “cooling station” in a shady spot with a fan blowing, ice packs, and a bowl of water.
- Ice packs or frozen water bottles are great for your dog to rest on and keep cool. Kid pools are also great for when hot dogs need a dip.
- Flat faced animals such as Pugs and Persians are more susceptible to heat as they can’t pant as effectively. Very young and senior animals, as well as those with heart and lung conditions, are also likely to be more affected.
- Be sure to test the temperature of the asphalt, as it can cause real damage to your pet’s feet and will be hotter than the outside temp.
- Symptoms of overheating include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, collapse, seizures, bloody diarrhea, vomiting and elevated body temperature.
Emergency Actions
- If you or someone you know is hospitalized and needs their pet cared for, tell hospital staff to contact their municipal shelter for pick up.
- Seattle Humane’s Pet Resource Center may be able to help pet owners on a case-by-case basis. If you are in need of assistance, contact the PRC at pethelp@seattlehumane.org or 425-649-7561. You can ask about our Pet Owner Assistance Fund for short-term needs.
Cooling Centers
If you are unable to cool off your homes or are living unhoused, King County and the City of Seattle have opened a number of cooling centers to the public, many of which are pet-friendly and some that are specifically for your furry family members, including one at Seattle Humane from Aug. 12-13. The Fischer Pavilion at Seattle Center is open 24/7 and pet-friendly. Malls, movie theaters and libraries are also good places for people to escape the heat.
Pet-Friendly Hotels
There are a number of pet-friendly hotels and motels that can provide air-conditioned rooms for you and your family. Below is a list of options that may also be cat-friendly, however, each location’s policy is informed by their property manager. Cat-friendly hotels are marked with an *
Best Western Hotels & Resorts*
Best Western has 1,600 pet-friendly hotels across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, and many will welcome your feline travel companion. According to their website, pets such as cats, birds, monkeys, snakes, or other animals are allowed at the discretion of each property manager and require prior approval.
There may be a maximum charge of $30 per day for each room with a pet or multiple pets, or a maximum charge per week of $150. A refundable damage deposit of up to $150 per stay may be required of all guests with a pet.
Motel 6*
Motel 6 allows two per room with a combined maximum weight of 150 pounds. Motel 6 does not charge pet fees, and the Studio 6 branded hotels charge a $10 per night, up to $75.
Days Inn Hotels*
Days Inn has 829 pet-friendly locations across North America. Each Days Inn location sets its own pet policy, and not all Days Inn hotels allow pets. The properties that are pet-friendly typically charge a pet fee starting at $10 per night. Weight limits and the number of pets allowed vary by location.
Extended Stay America*
Extended Stay America focuses on long-term stays, offering spacious apartment-style suites. They also welcome a maximum of two pets per suite.
A $25-per-day-per-pet cleaning fee is charged for the first month (not to exceed $150 per pet). Thereafter, a $10 per day fee is charged for the first 5 days of each month (not to exceed $50 per month, per pet).
Height and length restrictions also apply. Pets can be no longer than 36 inches and no taller than 36 inches. More than two pets or those that exceed the size restrictions must be approved by the property manager prior to making your reservation.
Hotels by Hilton*
With hotels across the US and Canada, you’ll find a Hilton in most cities in North America. Each property in the Hilton hotel chain sets its own pet policy, but most allow two cats for an additional fee ranging between $35 and $75 dollars. Amenities also very by property and may include food and water bowls and a pet bed.
Hilton brands include Double Tree, Embassy Suites, Hampton, Homewood Suites, Home2, and Waldorf Astoria.
La Quinta by Wyndham Hotels*
La Quinta has nearly 900 pet-friendly hotels across North America. While most La Quintas welcome two pets per room, there are some La Quinta hotels that do not allow pets
La Quinta welcomes two pets per room and some locations have a pet weight limit. Some properties now require a pet fee of $20 per night, not to exceed $40 per stay per room. Please call to verify pet policies before making your reservation.
Loews Hotels*
The Loews hotel chain can provide bedding, leashes, collars, litter boxes and litter, litter scoopers, pet placemats and water bowls at check-in. Many locations even offer pet-centric selections on the room service menu and connect you with local pet sitters.
Loews welcomes up to two four-legged guests per room, and each location sets their own pet fees. Be sure to confirm the pet policy before making your reservation.
Marriott Hotels*
Each property determines its own pet policy, but most allow one or two small cats (or dogs) for an additional fee ranging from $25 per night to $250 per stay.
Marriott’s cat-friendly hotel brands include Renaissance, Residence Inn, Ritz Carlton, Sheraton, Springhill Suites, W Hotels and Westin.
Red Roof Inns*
Red Roof provides cat-friendly accommodations at their 600-plus pet-friendly locations across the country. They do not have a pet fee, and they will give you a 10% discount when you bring your pet along!
Every Red Roof welcomes one pet (cat or dog) up to 80 pounds per room with no additional fees. Some locations may allow more than one pet, but please call first to confirm.
WoodSpring Suites*
WoodSpring Suites is an extended-stay hotel chain with 300 pet-friendly locations in the United States. Each location sets their own pet policy, so its important to call and verify the details before making your reservation.
Many WoodSpring locations welcome two cats or dogs weighing under 80 pounds per room and charge a pet fee of $15 per night for stays of 1-6 nights. The pet fee is reduced to $5 per night for seven nights or longer.