Updated 01/09/2024: Cape Cod, Massachusetts has always been my family’s favorite place to go during the summer. Now that we have a dog again, we need to find a pet friendly place to stay at the cape. But, with so many options it is hard to decide where to stay in Cape Cod with a pet dog.
If you have read my post Dog Friendly Guide to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, you know that Cape Cod is a large area. It is about 65 miles from the Cape Cod Canal to the outermost tip of the cape and ranges from 1-mile to 20-miles wide.
When the population swells in the summer, the roads become congested and it is hard to get around quickly. This means, where you chose to stay on the cape will have a lot to do with what you will be able to do or how much time you spend in traffic.
Dog Friendly Beaches
Most of the Cape Cod beaches are not dog friendly during the high season. Though, some towns will allow dogs on the beach during the summer in the off hours. That is before the lifeguards arrive or after they leave.
Beach related pet policies are up to each individual town, including when they consider the high season to start and end.
In my post Dog Friendly Beaches: Cape Cod, Massachusetts (MA) you can find an overview of the dog friendly beaches on the cape.
My goal for this post is to help you find dog friendly lodging on the cape in the area that suites you the best. I have listed a variety of places to stay which include; dog friendly resorts, hotels, motels and even dog friendly B&B’s.
What is pet friendly lodging?
Before we get too far in to where you can stay with a dog on the cape, I want to discuss what pet friendly lodging generally means.
For most hotels being pet friendly means that your pet can stay with you in the hotel. But only while you are there.
Most chain hotels and motels do not allow you to leave your pet in the room alone. Plus, “pet” generally refers to dogs only but some chains also allow cats and other pets, like birds.
This presents a problem for most people who are planning a trip to Cape Cod with their dog. I am going to go out on a limb here, but I think that the majority of people who visit the cape during the summer want to go to the beach.
But most town beaches do not allow dogs starting as early as April in some towns to September or October.
It is also why I liked our trip to dog friendly Block Island. Dogs are allowed on most of the beaches there.
In this post, we will list the best options we have been able to find and solutions for where the options are not as good.
Pet Hotel Etiquette
There are some people that love pets, but not everyone does. In order to keep everyone happy please follow these pet hotel etiquette rules:
- Pet should be fully house trained
- Confirm with the venue that they have a pet friendly room available before booking the trip. Many venues require that you to register your pet prior to arriving. The last thing you want to do is arrive at your hotel to find out they don’t have an available room for you.
- Pets should be up-to-date on vaccines. Some venues will require proof of rabies shots.
- Pets should be on some sort of flea and tick prevention. Ticks are prevalent on the Cape.
- Dogs should be groomed/washed before staying in the room.
- Keep pets away from other guests.
- Clean up after your dog.
- If your dog makes a mess or is destructive except to pay for the clean-up and repairs
- Keep your pets off the furniture. Otherwise bring a sheet or towel from home to cover where they lay.
First time traveling with your dog?
If you have never traveled with a dog before, you might not know where to start or what to bring. To help you we have put together a couple of posts with our best tips for traveling with a dog and also tips on hotel stays with a dog.
Where to stay at the cape with a dog?
The most dog friendly region of Cape Cod is the outer cape. As you can see from the map above, the outer cape is the furthest region from the mainland. This means, it will take you longer to get there. Especially during the summer. But you will be rewarded for your efforts.
Why?
This is where the Cape Cod National Seashore is located. It’s one of the few nice public beaches on Cape Cod that allows dogs in the summer. For full details on where dogs are allowed and not allowed please refer to the Pets at Cape Cod National Seashore page. Just be careful at the beach, since the outer cape has been known to have shark sightings. This is due to the seal population in the area.
Before booking a dog friendly place to stay, please confirm with the venue that pets are still allowed. Information in this post is subject to change without notice. While we strive to insure accuracy on Happyoodles.com, accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Also, the mentioning of a business in this post should not be viewed as an endorsement. And one more thing, our pet policy highlights are really just highlights, for complete details contact the venue. Contact information has been provided when available.
Dog Friendly Places to Stay in the Outer Cape Region
There are four towns on the outer cape; Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, and Eastham. As you will see on our list, Provincetown has the most dog friendly accommodations ranging from historic Inn’s to larger modern hotels. Provincetown is also the largest town on the Outer Cape.
For things to do with your dog in Provincetown, visit our post on Dog Friendly Guide to Provincetown, MA. The outer cape has been known to have shark sightings. This is due to the seal population in the area.
1. Surfside Hotel and Suites, Provincetown, MA
Our first hotel is the Surfside Hotel and Suites. This hotel just might be the most pet-friendly place on the Cape. Not only are they pet friendly, but they allow dogs on their private beach and allow well-behaved dogs to stay in the room unattended.
Add to that, the fact that they are within walking distance to the very dog friendly town of Provincetown, where you will find plenty of dog friendly restaurant patio’s and dog friendly shops. Plus, the off-leash dog park is only 5 minutes away.
- Pet fees are per day per pet
- Dogs are allowed by the fire pit and on the private beach
- They even have an outdoor dog shower
- Dogs may be left in your room unattended
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 543 Commercial Street Provincetown, Massachusetts, 02657
Contact Number: 508-487-1726
2. Cape Colony Inn, Provincetown, MA
The Cape Colony Inn is a little less than a mile from the main drag in P’town allowing you to get away from the crowds while still being close to the action. This Inn is just two blocks from the beach and offers a heated outdoor pool, fire-pit and a volley ball court.
- Dogs must be registered at the front desk
- Dog fee is per day, per dog plus taxes
- Well-behaved, quiet dogs may be left unattended in room
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 280 Bradford Street, Provincetown, Massachusetts, 02657
Contact Number: 508-487-1755
3. The Tucker Inn Bed and Breakfast, Provincetown, MA
If you are looking for a dog friendly Bed and Breakfast close to the action in Provincetown you may want to consider the Tucker Inn Bed and Breakfast. Located just a short distance from Commercial Street you can leave your car in their parking lot and walk around the town with your pup. If you would like to enjoy their gardens, your well-behaved pup can join your there.
The Tucker Inn offers rooms with private bathroom, rooms with a shared bathroom and a cottage with a fully equipped kitchen.
- Pet fee required
- Pets should not be left alone in a room if they cannot be quiet
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 12 Center Street, Provincetown, MA 02657
Contact Number: 508-487-0381, Toll Free: 1-800-477-1867
4. Brasswood Inn, Provincetown, MA
The Brasswood Inn stands out from the rest thanks to its live music performances that are offered at various times on the front porch of the Inn and inside the common rooms. You can see some of the past performances on their Facebook page.
Not all rooms are dog friendly but there are five dog friendly rooms to choose from. The Inn also offers an inviting front porch to people watch and a private back patio to relax on.
- Dogs friendly
- Per night pet fee for up to two dogs.
- Dogs not allowed in the common room during breakfast.
- Dogs that cannot be quiet when left alone must be taken with you
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 174 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA, United States, 02657
Contact Number: 508-487-1526
5. Aerie House, Provincetown, MA
The pet friendly Aerie House offers a selection of accommodations including rooms with private baths, an efficiency apartment, and suites. Breakfast is included in the nightly fee in season and includes a variety of hot dishes and baked goods. Dogs are welcomed in all of their accommodations.
- Per night fee for one or more dogs
- Well-behaved dogs that get along with other dogs welcomed.
- More than one dogs allowed – please contact the Arie are information on multiple dogs
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 184 Bradford Street, Provincetown, Massachusetts 02657
Contact Number: 508-487-1197
6. Harbor Hotel, Provincetown, MA
Yet another dog friendly hotel in Provincetown is the Harbor Hotel. The Harbor Hotel is one of the largest non-chain hotels on this list, with 118 guest rooms and suites. The retro-chic hotel offers some rooms with views of the Provincetown Bay. All rooms at the Harbor Hotel are pet friendly.
- Per night per pet fee
- Need to let them know you are bringing a pet at the time you book your reservation
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 698 Commercial St, Provincetown, Massachusetts 02657
Contact Number: 508-487-1711
7. The Brass Key Guesthouse, Provincetown, Ma
The Brass Key Guesthouse is an adult only refuge that offers pet friendly cottages. While the Brass Key offers an assortment of accommodations, they only allow dogs in a limited number of their standalone cottages
- One dog allowed
- No weight or size limit
- Guests must sign a pet contract
- Guest must leave a cell phone number if leaving a dog alone in cottage
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 67 Bradford Street, Provincetown, Massachusetts, 02657
Contact Number: 508-487-9005
8. Dune Crest Hotel, North Truro, MA
The Dune Crest Hotel is located within 12 acres of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Amenities here include an outdoor pool, walking trails, tennis courts and a dog park. Dog friendly rooms are located in designated dog friendly buildings with conveniently located relief areas.
- Designated pet friendly rooms
- Per pet per night pet fee
- Pets must be registered at check-in
- Pets must be crated when left alone in the room
- Pets cannot be left alone for more than 4 hours
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 535 Route 6 North Truro, MA 02652
Contact Number: Toll free- 800-942-5388, Direct 508-487-9090
9. Truro Beach Cottages, North Truro, Ma
Truro Beach Cottages offer 11 renovated beachfront cottages overlooking Beach Point on the Truro/Provincetown border. All cottages offer a full kitchen and one bath. Cottages come with either one bedroom, two bedrooms or as a studio. Some of the cottages are standalone buildings while other are attached.
- Pet fee: Per dog, per night
- Need to contact management to register your dog in advance
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 640 Shore Road, North Truro, MA, 02652
Contact Number: 774-251-2009
10. Captain’s Quarters Motel, Eastham, MA
The Captain’s Quarter Motel is conveniently located to many of the outer cape’s beaches and towns. This is where you will find the start of the dog friendly Cape Cod National Seashore. The dog friendly motel backs up to the Cape Cod Rail Trail giving you easy access to go for a long walk with your pup and even a long walk to the shore. There are a limited number of dog friendly rooms, but they appear to be updated with dog friendly flooring.
- Pets are allowed in designated pet friendly rooms only
- Pet fee: Per pet/night extra
- You must leave a cell phone no, if you leave your pet in the room
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 5000 Route 6, N. Eastham, MA 02651
Contact Number: 508-255-5686
11. Inn at the Oaks, Eastham, MA
The Inn at the Oaks is a 13 room Inn located in the historic town of Eastham. This Inn is located right across the street from the National Seashore Visitor Center. It is also close to the Cape Cod Rail Trail and an easy drive to historic towns like Chatham, Wellfleet and Provincetown. Your stay includes a continental breakfast which can be eaten on the outside patio on nice days.
There are four pet friendly rooms at this Inn. Please call ahead ensure you reserve a pet friendly room.
- 2-night minimum stay required for all pet friendly rooms.
- Per pet per night fee
- One large dog or 2 smalls dogs are allowed in each room
- Dogs must be crate when alone
- Must leave contact number when leaving dogs alone
- Please contact the innkeeper for a list of breed restrictions
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 3085 State Highway, Eastham, MA
Contact Number: 508-255-1886
12. The Seagrove Suites and Guest Rooms, Eastham, MA
The Seagrove Suites and Guest Rooms offers pet friendly two bedrooms suites, deluxe king suites and king studios suites. Pet friendly rooms come with a compact kitchen and bath. Pets are not allowed in the 2nd floor guest rooms.
Daily housekeeping for stays shorter than 4 nights is not included in the price of the rental, but can be added for an additional fee.
- Pet Fee: Onetime fee based on number of pets
- Only 2 pets allowed in room
- Accepts dogs or cats
- Breed restrictions do apply
- Pre-registration is required, contact the property directly prior to arrival
- Dogs that bark excessively may not be left unattended
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 25 Seaview Road, Eastham, MA 02642
Contact Number: 508-240-1616
Dog Friendly Places to Stay in the Lower Cape Region
The Lower Cape is often referred to as the elbow of the cape. The main towns are; Brewster, this town sits on the Cape Cod Bay, Harwich which runs along the Nantucket Sound, Chatham is located on the elbow part of the cape and Orleans which is located to the north of Chatham.
This area does not have easy access to dog friendly public beaches in the summer, but you may be able to find waterfront dog friendly rental homes in the area. If you are willing to drive a bit, the dog friendly (with restrictions) National Seashore is located one town up from Orleans in Eastham.
The other thing you need to know about the location is that it has been known to have shark sightings. This is due to the seal population in the area.
13. Nauset Beach Inn, Orleans, MA
The Nauset Beach Inn is located just a short walk to Nauset Beach. You can see the beach and ocean from the Inn. Unfortunately, Nauset Beach is not dog friendly in season. But it is a nice place to walk along the shore in the off season with your pup and look for seals and distant whales. Plus, it is fairly close to the Cape Cod National Seashore.
- Pet friendly rooms are limited to specific rooms
- There is a nightly pet fee
- An additional charge will be applied if you do not clean up after your pet
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 237 Beach Road, Orleans, MA 02653
Contact Number: 508-255-2364
14. Pleasant Bay Village Resort, Chatham, MA
The Pleasant Bay Village Resort offers a variety of pet dog friendly accommodations in the charming town of Chatham. From Chatham you can hop on the dog friendly Cape Cod Rail Trail or explore the many short nature trails maintained by the Chatham Conservation Foundation with your dog. The Cape Cod National Seashore is less than a half hour away.
Pet friendly rooms include deluxe queen rooms, deluxe studio rooms and a couple of two-bedroom cottage units. Since rooms are limited they strongly suggest that you call the reservation center to ensure that the desired unit is available.
- Pets fees are per dog, per night
- Maximum of two dogs allowed per room
- Dogs only
- Dogs should not be left in the room alone, for extended periods of time or if they will cause a disturbance.
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 1191 Orleans Rd, Chatham, MA 02633
Contact Number: 508-945-6061
15. Kingfisher Lodging, Dennis, MA
The Kingfisher lodging is a classical Cape Cod motel that was undated in 2021. Their central location makes them convenient to explore other parts of the cape. Though, beaches around here are not pet friendly in season.
- Pet fees are based on the room, number of pets and nights stayed
- All rooms are pet friendly
- Fenced in dog run available
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 177 Main St, Dennis, Massachusetts 02638
Contact Number: 508-385-5883
Dog Friendly Places to Stay in the Mid-Cape Region
The Mid Cape runs down the middle of Cape Cod and stretches from the Cape Cod Bay to Nantucket Sound. The main towns are Barnstable, and Yarmouth to the North and Mashpee, Hyannis and Dennis to the South.
The only public dog friendly beach during the summer in the Mid-cape that I am aware of is the Off-road-vehicle beach at Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable.
16. The Inn on Main, Yarmouth Port, Ma
The Inn on Main is a pet friendly B&B that is centrally located on the Cape making it easier to see many of the dog friendly attractions nearby. The highlight of your stay here maybe the two-course gourmet breaks that can be served outside on nice days.
- Well-behaved, fully house-trained dogs are welcomed
- There is a nightly per pet fee
- Cleaning fees may be incurred if there is an accident
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 186 Route 6A Yarmouth Port, MA 02675
Contact Number: 774-994-8478
17. Sea Shell Cape Cod Motel, Dennis Port, Ma
This quaint motel runs along the southern shore of the mid-cape. The Sea Shell Cape Cod offers its own small private beach on the Nantucket Sound. While dogs are not allowed on the beach, they are allowed to stay in the room for short periods of time while you enjoy the private beach.
Additional amenities include continental breakfast in season and rooms have air conditioners. They even offer beach yoga.
- Most of the rooms are pet friendly, but not all.
- Pet fee is per pet, per night.
- No size limits
- Well-behaved, house trained pets may be allowed to stay in room unattended for short periods of time.
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 45 Chase Avenue, Dennis Port, MA 02639
Contact Phone: 508-398-8965
18. Blue Water Resort, South Yarmouth, MA
Located on a private Beach, the Blue Water Resort offers vacation goers a little of everything. In addition to the wide sandy beach, the Blue Water Resort also has indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service restaurant and lounge and they even have summer programs for kids aged 5 to 15.
- Limited number of rooms are dog friendly
- Contact the reservations center directly when booking to ensure a dog-friendly room is available
- Pet fee: Per dog/per night
- Maximum weight limit: 75lbs. and under
- Only dogs allowed
- Dogs not allowed in lobby, dining rooms, pool and private beach
- Dogs cannot be left alone in guest rooms for more than two hours at a time
- Owners should not leave dogs alone if they will create a disturbance.
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 291 South Shore Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664
Contact Number: 800-227-3763
19. Green Harbor Resort, West Yarmouth, MA
The Green Harbor Resort is a family oriented resort that offers a private beach with a play set and swings right on the beach. Plus, it has a small mini golf course and pool.
Both the Blue Water Resort and the Green Harbor Resort (see above) are part of the Red Jacket Resorts Brand.
- Limited number of rooms are dog friendly
- Contact the reservations center directly when booking to ensure a dog-friendly room is available
- Pet fee: Per dog/per night
- Maximum weight limit: 75lbs. and under
- Only dogs allowed
- Dogs cannot be left alone in guest rooms for more than two hours at a time
- Owners should not leave dogs alone if they will create a disturbance.
- Dogs not allowed in lobby, dining rooms, pool and private beach
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 182 Baxter Ave, West Yarmouth, MA 02673
20. Lamb and Loin Inn, Barnstable, MA
This award-winning hotel is located in the central mid-cape region, making it a great home base for exploring the rest of the Cape. This pet friendly inn has won recognition from places like CNN, the Travel Channel and Trip Advisor.
The Lamb and Loin Inn is not just pet friendly, they welcome your pup to enjoy the grounds with you, even the pool area. In addition, they hold the secrets of pet friendly places and things to do that is only available to guests of the Inn.
- The Lamb and Loin Inn allows a limited number of pets at a time. So, you need to book early to make sure you get a room.
- 1-year age minimum requirement for dogs
- Per day, per pet fees apply
- Not all rooms are pet friendly
- 40-pound pet weight restriction, July-September
- No more than 2 dogs allowed in a room
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 2504 Main Street, Barnstable, MA 02630
Contact Number: (508) 945-6061
21. Best Western Cape Cod Hotel, Hyannis, MA
The Best Western, Cape Cod is the only chain hotel on this list. It is located in about 2.5-miles from downtown Hyannis, Ma. Downtown Hyannis is a very walkable town, with an assortment of dog friendly restaurants and parks.
- Per pet, per night pet fee
- Up to 2 dogs allowed
- Size limit for any one dog shall be 80 pounds
- Other pets allowed with prior approval
- Refundable cleaning and damage deposit of $50 is required upon check-in.
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 1470 Iyannough Road, Hyannis, Massachusetts 02601-1835
Contact Number: 508-771-4804
Dog Friendly Places to Stay in the Upper-Cape Region
This section of the Cape is closest to the Cape Cod Canal and the bridges that bring people from the mainland. The primary towns here are Sandwich to the north, Bourne which runs along the canal and Falmouth to the South. Inside of Falmouth you will find Woods Hole. This is a favorite spot of ours thanks to the very walkable downtown where you can see the boats go by.
22. Palmer House Inn, Falmouth, MA
The Palmer House Inn is a romantic Victorian inn, located close to downtown Falmouth. It’s just a short walk to the main street and village green. You will also find the ferries for a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard nearby. Dogs are not allowed on the town beaches here, but you can take a 10-minute drive out to the Knob for a seaside walk. Plus, the Palmer House offers even more dog friendly ideas on their website.
Pets are not allowed at the Palmer House Inn main rooms, but they are welcomed at some of the guest house rooms and private cottage.
- Per day pet fees apply
- One dog per room allowed
- Pets are not allowed in any part of the Main Inn.
- Guests can arrange to have breakfast brought to your room.
- All dogs must be registered guests of the inn.
- Dogs are not allowed to be unattended on the Inn’s grounds or rooms.
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 81 Palmer Ave Falmouth, MA 02540
Contact Number: 508-548-1230
23. Sea Crest Hotel, North Falmouth, Ma
The Sea Crest Hotel is private beach front hotel is just 15 minutes from the Bourne Bridge. In addition to the private beach amenities include both indoor and outdoor pools, onsite water sports rentals, an on-site restaurant and kid-friendly activities in season.
They do charge a “resort fee” in addition to the room fees.
- Up to two dogs per room
- Maximum weight limit 50 pounds
- Pet fee is per stay
- Dogs limited to certain rooms
- Dogs must be crated if left unattended in room
- For full details please refer to their pet policy or call them directly
Address: 350 Quaker Road, North Falmouth, MA,
Contact Number: 800-225-3110
24. Dan’l Webster Inn and Spa, Sandwich, MA
If you are looking for a historic place to stay on Cape Cod the Dan’l Webster Inn and Spa has been welcoming guest for 300 years. Located in Cape Cods oldest town of Sandwich, the Inn is surrounded by quaint streets, antique shops, historical sites, and museums. The Inn also has its own restaurant on the premises.
Pet Policy Highlights:
- Pet Policy has changed- Please contact them for updated information.
Address: 149 Main Street, Sandwich, MA 02563
Contact Number: 508-888-3622
