Pets at Disney World 

What you need to know if you want to bring Pets to Disney World

Photo Credit: JD Hancock

What do you do with your pet when heading off on a Disney World vacation? Do you find a local kennel, leave them with friends, or take your pet with you on the trip? I think most of us devoted pet-owners would prefer to bring our pets with us, but is this even an option? The good news is yes you can, in fact, bring your pets to Disney World. There are, however, a few caveats.  In this Pets at Disney World article, we will discuss the policies around our furry friends, Disney’s dog-friendly hotels, and detail the other options you have for your pets at this magical destination.

Longstanding Pet Policy at Disney World

We all love our pets, whether they are dogs, cats, hamsters, or birds. Many of us consider our pets to be important members of the family—sometimes even the most important! So, what happens when we plan a trip to Disney World? Can we bring our pets along?

Walt Disney World Resort has a clear policy regarding pets. Pets are generally not allowed in resort hotels, theme parks, water parks, or in common areas such as pools, restaurants, and transportation. The only exceptions to this rule are for medical or disability-related service dogs, which are permitted everywhere, and at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and Campgrounds.

Does this mean we can’t bring our furry friends along? Not quite! As of October 2017, Disney has made some changes to its policy that benefit dog owners.

Disney World’s Pet-Friendly / Dog-Friendly Resort Hotel Program

In an exciting development for dog lovers worldwide, Walt Disney World Resort is now allowing dogs at select Disney resort hotels for the first time. This new initiative – first rolled out in 2017 – designates four Walt Disney World resort hotels as dog-friendly. Currently, the policy only applies to dogs; cats and other animals are not included. As of 2024 and into 2025, this program has transitioned from a pilot phase to standard policy.

Each dog-friendly hotel will charge a pet-cleaning fee per night, per room.

The dog-friendly resorts and extra cleaning fees are as follows:

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – $50/night
• Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort – $50/night
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – $75/night
• Cabins at Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Resort – $50/night

Here are a few details of the new pet policy:

• Disney designates a certain section (or floor) of these hotels as dog-friendly. The other sections of the hotel will remain off-limits to dogs. 
• Disney allows a maximum of two dogs per room.
• The designated dog-friendly rooms have quick access to outdoor pet walking paths and open green spaces to give them exercise and “relief.”

Some of the perks of dog-friendly accommodations include:

• Guests will receive a “Pluto’s Welcome Kit” of dog-friendly items upon check-in.
• Guests staying in dog-friendly rooms will have access to Best Friends Pet Care, a full-service pet facility on Disney World property (see below). Best Friends Pet Care can provide pet daycare, grooming, and other services (extra fees apply).

For more information on Disney’s new dog-friendly trial program, you may call 407-W-DISNEY for more additional details. DVC Members should direct their questions to Member Services at 800-800-9800. Or you can contact a Disney Travel Agent who can help you book your pet-friendly accommodations at no additional cost to you. Space is limited, so don’t delay!

Pet-Friendly Policy at Fort Wilderness

Until now, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground has been the only pet-friendly Disney resort. Their pet policy states that you may bring two dogs of any size for an additional fee ($5 per night for the campsites and $50 per night for the cabins).

Be advised that – like the new dog-friendly resorts – the availability of pet-friendly cabins is limited. Book early to secure your spot.

Dog owners must provide proof of vaccinations in order to book.  You will receive a “Pluto’s Welcome Kit'” upon check-in.  This includes goodies like a pet ID tag, mat, bowls, and a dog walking map.

Of all the Disney resorts a dog could love, we think they will be thrilled with the natural elements of Fort Wilderness. For more on this resort, see our Best Disney Moderate Resorts page.

Best Friends Pet Care – Pets at Disney World

Best Friends Pet Care will give you peace of mind when vacationing with your pets at Disney World. This full-service pet resort is located right on Disney grounds and across from Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. There are 45 highly-trained and compassionate pet care providers on staff to give your pets the proper attention they need during your stay.

Best Friends Pet Care is a 50,000 square-foot complex offering a wide range of amenities, activities, and perks to keep your pets happy when you are away enjoying the theme parks and water parks.

The square footage breakdown of the facility is as follows:

• 17,000 sq ft of air-conditioned indoor space
• 10,000 sq ft of outdoor runs and play areas (covered)
• 25,000 sq ft dog park

The pet center offers boarding, daycare, and grooming services for dogs, cats, and other types of animals.

If you are looking for a safe and fun environment to leave your pets, Best Friends Pet Care is your best bet in terms of proximity to your resort and the service they provide.

Here is a breakdown of the services they offer:

Boarding

Whether your pet stays for one day or a week+, know that The Best Friends Facility at Disney World is there to serve you with a variety of great pet accommodations. The suites are safe and they are cleaned daily (with hospital-grade disinfectants).

Choose from a range of accommodations: from basic indoor to indoor/outdoor to VIP!

Pets must have proof of current vaccinations to be accepted.

Current Rates for 2025 (subject to change)

Indoor Dog Boarding Accommodations (includes two potty walks)

• Day Rate: $56
• Overnight: $64

Indoor/ Outdoor 2-Rooms (includes one potty walk)

• Day Rate: $60
• Overnight: $69

Suites w/ Indoor/Outdoor Rooms and Premium Features (large room and premium features like one playtime, one pot and webcam, TV, and more)

• Villas: $115 (1 potty walk, one playtime, or one play & stay, flat screen TV, webcam, and more)
• Luxury: $140 (2 potty walks, two playtimes, or two play & stays, flat screen TV, webcam, and more)
• Club: $315 (w/ personal concierge and the most premium features)

Other accommodations and services are available.

Doggie Day Camp

Dogs can enjoy a safe and fun day as you are having a ball at the theme parks. Certified Doggy Day Camp counselors will supervise them during their stay. Doggie Day Camp even has its own webcam, so you can check in on Fido all day long.

Rates start at $210/month for a 6-day membership, with a lower cost per day for longer durations.

Grooming Services

The “Best Friends Pampered Pet Package” includes a deep cleaning hypo-allergenic shampoo and massage, gentle brushing,  ear cleaning, and nail trim.

Another service is “Go Home Fresh,” which is for overnight pets who just need a good cleaning and some pandering.

Other services include shed-reduction treatment, moisturizing treatment, teeth cleaning, and the list goes on.

Rates vary by breed and services received.

Contact Best Friends Pet Care to inquire about the latest offers and discuss your options.

Best Friends is located right across from Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. It boasts accommodations for up to 300 dogs, cats, and pocket pets. It also offers two 1,100 sq ft doggy day camp rooms and a full-service grooming salon.

As you are enjoying the rides, you’ll be able to relax and know that your pet is being taken care of. 

Pet guests will stay active by watching movies, eating special treats, and socializing with other pets during playgroup sessions.  Who knew Disney World could be so much fun for pets!

If you choose to board your pet at Best Friends Pet Care, you WILL be allowed to visit him/her after your day of park hopping. The facility offers a private dog park to play in (or you can just walk the grounds of the facility).

Best Friends Pet Care Address:

2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

To discuss your option or make a reservation, then call 877-4-WDW-PETS or visit the Best Friends Pet Care website.