Dog supplement? Paid dog? Dog option? What's behind these terms? Why do you pay extra for your dog? We explain everything in detail in this article. 

You've finally found a great dog-friendly place to stay for your next vacation. It accepts dogs (yay!), the location is ideal, everything is perfect… until you discover there's a dog surcharge . And that's when things can get a little grimacing. 😤

But why this extra cost? Is it really justified? Are we being "penalized" for going on vacation with our dog? What exactly is a dog supplement? How much does a dog supplement cost? Is it mandatory?

These are questions we often receive at EmmèneTonChien.com. So we've decided to explain everything to you, transparently and kindly. Because no, the dog supplement isn't a punishment!

The EmmèneTonChien.com team is in direct, daily contact with hosts and vacationers, which allows us to fully understand each person's expectations and constraints. We explain everything in this article.

NB: When I say "supplement" in this article, I mean a reasonable supplement. I'm not referring to establishments that charge exorbitant supplements for your dog (because yes, they exist too) and in this case, it's not to make you feel better, it's to discourage you from booking with your dog.

Let's focus on tourist accommodations that charge a reasonable supplement for welcoming your dog...

Summary

🧹 1. The supplement covers very real costs

We often tend to think that this small amount added to our booking is unfair. However, it covers very concrete elements... and sometimes even essential to ensuring a warm welcome for all holidaymakers – with or without a dog.

I often hear “but my dog ​​doesn’t consume anything”, “my dog ​​doesn’t use water or electricity” or “he doesn’t make any more of a mess than humans and he even makes less noise than some badly behaved children…” so why should he pay anything?!

However, this supplement covers very concrete elements that we don't necessarily think about at first glance.

Picking up dog hair and cleaning up takes time for tourist establishments

👉 Enhanced cleaning : Even if your dog is super clean (like Musher, of course!), the host often needs to do a more thorough cleaning after your stay. This isn't a criticism, it's a safety measure for the next guests – some may be allergic or simply uncomfortable around dog hair.

Hair on the sofa, paw prints, cushions to vacuum, even stubborn odors… It takes time, sometimes equipment and above all specific products, and often an additional cost for the host.

🐶 Yes, we know… it's infuriating for those who leave with their well-behaved dog, their blanket, their handheld vacuum cleaner, and their natural cleaning products to make the mobile home sometimes even cleaner than when they arrived. But as is often the case, it's the best students who pay the price for the bad ones.

Keep in mind that even if you are a well-behaved dog owner and are respectful, this is not the case and everyone… And sometimes, it happens that hosts have to spend 1 to 2 additional hours after guests with a dog have passed by.

👉 Equipment provided : bowls, a special blanket for the sofa, poop bags, a barrier to secure a terrace or an outdoor shower… some hosts invest in equipment to ensure your dog is welcomed in the best possible conditions. For example, blankets or baskets must be washed between each rental, which represents a costly expense for the host.

White Swiss Shepherd dog in a holiday home on the sofa with borrowed blankets

👉 Minor repairs : scratches on doors, torn cushions, a dug-up garden, or a slightly damaged terrace… It happens, even without malicious intent. And repairs between tenants are expensive , especially in properties rented on a tight schedule.

Again, we all know this: you Wouafer's are careful. You pay attention to everything. But not everyone operates like you… And it's because of those who respect nothing that others suffer 😕

👉 Insurance : Some professionals take out additional insurance to cover potential incidents related to the presence of an animal. This represents an additional cost for them.

And then there is another factor: the fear of bad experiences.

More and more hosts are eager to welcome dogs. They know it's a real need, and that more and more of you want to go on vacation with your dog. 

But… they don't only welcome Wouafer's … not only very respectful holidaymakers…

So, we agree, it's always the owner's fault and not the dog's, but it still involves constraints for the host. 

They sometimes lived:

  • dogs left alone to bark for hours;
  • poop left in the garden (💩);
  • prohibitions not respected;
  • damaged furniture or improvised litter boxes (yes, a real case in point...);
  • and customers who leave without a word, leaving everything behind; 
  • hidden and concealed damage; 
  • dogs sleeping in beds;
  • or some even hide their dog in the trunk hoping it won't be seen: out of sight, out of mind!

And that's where the problem lies. Because these isolated experiences, even if few in number, leave their mark. So, to protect themselves , to deter, to avoid excesses, some charge extra for hosting your pet.

It's unfair to owners with impeccable behavior, we know that. But ultimately, it's not the dog that's being taxed. It's irresponsible behavior that we're trying to limit. Because there are no bad dogs , just sometimes… bad owners.

It's important that the supplement requested is in line with the services offered. For example, a hotel that provides a bowl, a treat, and a basket upon the dog's arrival may charge a reasonable supplement per night. On the other hand, a high rate without any services for the animal is a clear sign that they don't want you... At EmmeneTonChien.com, we raise awareness among all QUALIDOG-certified hosts about this issue of supplements and the amount! It's extremely important. A supplement, yes, but any amount...!

PS: Please note that on EmmeneTonChien.com, among the accommodations with the QUALIDOG label , you will always find the price of the supplement clearly indicated: no surprises, it's transparent!

🐾 2. And yet, some accommodations don't charge anything!

Good news: some accommodations don't charge extra for having your dog. This is often the case:

  • Un militant choice, to affirm that dogs are welcome without conditions;
  • A commercial strategy to stand out;
  • Or simply a desire to treat yourself!
  • A commitment against abandonment: by limiting the constraints on traveling with your dog, we give fewer “good” excuses for abandonment

At EmmèneTonChien.com, we've created a custom filter to help you quickly identify them among all our QUALIDOG-certified accommodations.  

👉 Click here to discover QUALIDOG-certified accommodations with no extra charge for dogs.

👋 Musher's great deal

Dog food, supplies, grooming, vacations… the cost of a dog can quickly add up. So, with Musher, we created the Advantage Card : the very first card that brings together useful discounts to save you money all year round, on everyday expenses or vacations. 💸 See the 34 available discounts

🧘‍♀️ 3. It's not a tax, it's a service

The dog supplement is like the supplement for the baby cot, parking or access to the spa: it is not a penalty, it is an additional service offered.

And honestly… have you ever seen how comfortable some dogs are on vacation? Musher has sometimes had a basket softer than my mattress 😅. In some accommodations, our dogs get their own little welcome pack, treats, toys, or even memory foam beds… Clearly, they're more than just tolerated: they're pampered!

Dalmatian dog takes treats as a welcome gift on vacation at QUALIDOG accommodations

🌿 4. Together, we can make a difference

We all dream of seeing more accommodations that accept dogs without an extra charge. And it's possible… provided we present the best possible image of vacationers with dogs!

How?

  • Respecting the places; 
  • By systematically picking up your dog's droppings;
  • Making sure that your dog does not disturb the neighbors or the equipment.

The more of us who show that traveling with our dogs is possible and responsible , the more attitudes will change. And perhaps one day, these extra charges will be nothing but a distant memory.

The dog supplement may seem frustrating, but it often reflects a genuine desire to welcome you and your dog in good conditions.

Rather than seeing it as a punishment, it can be seen as a sign of quality , a sign that your dog is truly valued and receives dedicated care.

There you go, I hope I've been able to give you some insight into the "why and how" we often ask for a supplement for your dog when you travel with him...

What do you think? Have you ever paid a dog supplement? Was it justified in your opinion? Come discuss it with us in the comments!