Traveling to Washington, DC with a Pet
Washington gives pet travelers a rare combination of major attractions and large public outdoor spaces. A central hotel lets you walk much of the National Mall while neighborhoods such as Dupont Circle and Logan Circle provide restaurants and a more residential evening atmosphere.
Where to Stay
- Penn Quarter for museums and downtown sights
- Dupont Circle for restaurants and neighborhood walking
- Logan Circle for a central but more residential base
Pet-Friendly Hotel Starting Points
Kimpton pet-friendly hotels
Kimpton has a long-standing pet-friendly presence in Washington.
Check the current pet policy →Best Western pet-friendly hotels
Another directory for comparing pet-friendly options around the region.
Check the current pet policy →Tips for a Better Trip
- Federal sites and museums have different animal-access rules; check each stop in advance.
- Summer heat and humidity can be significant on the open National Mall.
- Plan shaded breaks and carry water because distances between attractions add up quickly.
Before You Leave Home
Keep vaccination information, identification and your veterinarian's contact details easy to reach. For interstate travel, the USDA notes that individual states and territories can set animal-health requirements, so check the rules for your destination when planning a longer trip. USDA interstate pet travel information.
More Washington, DC Travel Planning
For general destination information, events and visitor planning, see the official or primary visitor resource for Washington, DC. You can also review our pet travel checklist, flying with pets guide and pet-friendly hotel chain guide.