What the Westminster Dog Show Teaches Pet-Friendly Hotels About Loyalty

The Westminster dog show led a foundational change for the hotel industry. The story began in February 2014, when the Affinia Manhattan hotel transformed its terrace suites into what it called a VIPaws Suite for guests attending the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Oversized pet beds, custom chef menus, a Wags & Wines reception, and a $10 donation to the Humane Society of New York with every booking. At the time, it stood out.

Twelve years later, the hotel no longer exists under that name. But the idea it was built on has never been more relevant.

What Happened at the 150th Westminster Dog Show in 2026?

The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show ran from February 2 to 3 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Penny, a 4-year-old Doberman Pinscher handled by Andy Linton, took Best in Show among more than 2,500 entries across 204 recognized breeds. It was the fifth time in Westminster history a Doberman claimed the title, and only the second time Linton had done it, the first being 37 years earlier in 1989.

Hotels across Manhattan hosted competitors and attendees through dedicated Westminster hotel blocks offering pet-friendly rooms. The event is one of the most concentrated pet travel moments on the U.S. calendar, and the hotels that prepare for it are learning something the rest of the industry is slowly catching on to.

How Big Is the Pet-Friendly Hotel Market Right Now?

The Pet-friendly hotel market has experienced a boom in the last few years. This is due to a large number of pet parents traveling to places that are pet-inclusive. These new demographics of travelers are creating travel trends that are enhancing the pet-friendly hotel market. Here are some numbers around the Pet-Friendly Hotel Market offering insight.

Metric	Figure
Market value (2024)	$4.1 billion
Projected value (2029)	$7.34 billion
Annual growth rate (CAGR)	12.3%
Travelers planning trips around pets	58% (Hilton, 2026)
Pet owners who traveled with pets for the first time in 2025	27% (Amadeus, 2026)
Amadeus ranking of pet travel as a trend	#1 for 2026

Pet travel is not a niche anymore. It is the fastest-growing segment within hospitality, and hotels without a clear pet-friendly strategy are leaving both bookings and loyalty on the table.

What Did the Affinia Manhattan Get Right in 2014?

The VIPaws program understood something most hotels are only now acting on: the pet is not an afterthought. It is part of the stay.

The program included tailored in-room amenities, local pet-friendly walking maps, and a community give-back element through shelter donations. That combination of thoughtful amenities, local connection, and brand purpose is the same formula top pet-friendly hotels are now scaling into year-round programs.

The difference is that in 2014, it was a seasonal event campaign. In 2026, guests expect it every time they check in.

What Should Hotel Operators Actually Do Differently?

Events like Westminster are a good forcing function. They concentrate demand, reveal gaps in pet policy, and show which properties have built genuine pet-friendly infrastructure versus which ones just removed a “no pets” sign and hoped for the best.

Hotels that consistently perform in pet travel share a few things in common. They train staff to interact with animals. They build pet amenity packages that reflect real guest needs rather than a generic welcome bag. They connect guests to local pet services, from vets to grooming to walking routes. And they communicate their pet policies clearly before and during booking, so guests do not arrive with friction.

Pet-owning guests remember which hotels made traveling with their animal easy. They come back. They refer others. In a segment growing at 12.3% annually, that loyalty compounds.

Conclusion

The pet-based travel industry is reaching new heights, especially thanks to the new age of people traveling with their pets. These people travel less every year, but when they do, they expect their vacation to be without hindrances. As a result, they are open to paying more just for the positive experience.

Pet parents are a demographic that is often loyal to hotels and properties where they have had a good experience. Places with set policies and clear communication helps build authority in their eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won Best in Show at the 2026 Westminster Dog Show?

Penny, a 4-year-old Doberman Pinscher, won Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 3, 2026, at Madison Square Garden.

Do pet-friendly hotel programs need to be tied to events like Westminster?

No. Event-based programs drive seasonal awareness, but the highest-performing pet-friendly hotels run year-round amenities and policies that serve traveling pet owners consistently.

What do pet-friendly hotels need beyond a pet fee policy?

Trained staff, in-room amenities, local pet service connections, clear communication of pet policies, and ideally a branded identity around the pet-friendly experience rather than just a tolerance policy.

How fast is the pet-friendly hotel market growing?

The market was valued at $4.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $7.34 billion by 2029, growing at a 12.3% CAGR according to The Business Research Company.

What is the most important lesson from the VIPaws Suite concept?

That intentional pet hospitality, not just permission, is what drives loyalty. The details, amenities, local connections, and give-back elements are what guests remember and return for.