My Place Hotels Unlocks Rewards on Pet Fees for Travelers

ABERDEEN, S.D. – April 15, 2026 – My Place Hotels of America is turning a common travel expense for pet owners into a rewarding opportunity with the launch of "My Pet Points." The extended-stay hotel franchisor announced today that members of its Stay Rewarded® loyalty program can now earn 10 points for every dollar spent on pet fees during a qualified stay, a move that acknowledges the growing number of guests who travel with their furry companions.

This new perk enhances the value of the brand's free-to-join loyalty program by directly addressing an often-grumbled-about travel cost. By integrating pet fees into its rewards structure, My Place Hotels is making a calculated appeal to a significant and expanding market segment.

"Many of our guests are traveling with their pets," said Stacey Bebo, VP of Guest Loyalty & Engagement at My Place Hotels, in a press release. "Not only does My Pet Points make Stay Rewarded more valuable, but the program also shows that at My Place Hotels, pets are truly part of the family. We are proud to celebrate those bonds in meaningful ways."

To build excitement for the launch, the company distributed My Pet Points-branded pet toys and plush dogs to all its properties, creating a tangible connection to the new benefit for both staff and guests.

The New Pet Economy in Hospitality

The initiative is strategically timed to capitalize on the booming pet economy. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), pet parents in the United States are projected to spend a staggering $165 billion on their pets in 2026. This market is not just large; it's also growing, with younger demographics leading the charge.

Recent industry data highlights that Gen Z is a primary driver of this growth. The APPA reported a 43.5% increase in pet-owning households among Gen Z from 2023 to 2024, a demographic that is also more likely to own multiple pets. As these digital natives enter their prime travel and spending years, their lifestyle choices are increasingly shaping the hospitality landscape. For them, pets are not just animals; they are family members, and their travel decisions often revolve around accommodating them.

By creating a rewards pathway for pet-related expenses, My Place Hotels is directly targeting this consumer behavior. The move signals an understanding that for this audience, pet-friendliness is not just about allowing an animal in the room but about genuinely integrating their needs into the overall guest experience.

A Closer Look at the 'Stay Rewarded' Program

"My Pet Points" is not a standalone program but an enhancement to the existing Stay Rewarded® loyalty platform. For members, the mechanics are straightforward: in addition to earning 10 points per dollar on the qualified room rate, they now earn the same rate on any associated pet fees.

To be eligible, guests must be enrolled in the free loyalty program and book their stay directly through a My Place Hotels property, its central reservation line, or its official websites. This is a critical detail, as stays booked through third-party online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia or Booking.com do not qualify for earning points. This policy encourages direct bookings, a key strategic goal for hotel chains seeking to reduce commission costs and own the customer relationship.

Beyond points, Stay Rewarded members receive other benefits, including a complimentary bottle of water at check-in and access to early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability. Accumulated points can be redeemed for e-gift cards and other rewards. According to the program's terms, points remain active for 36 months, but an account may be closed and points forfeited if a member does not have a qualified stay for 18 consecutive months.

Addressing a Traveler Pain Point

For many travelers, the term "pet-friendly" is often followed by the unwelcome discovery of a non-refundable pet fee. A quick scan of online travel forums reveals a common frustration among pet owners who feel these fees can be exorbitant, sometimes accumulating to hundreds of dollars for an extended stay. While hotels justify these charges as necessary to cover deep cleaning, potential damages, and allergen removal, guests often perceive them as a profit center.

This sentiment creates a friction point in the guest experience. My Place Hotels' new program cleverly reframes this transaction. While the fee itself remains, it is no longer just a sunk cost. Instead, it becomes an investment in future rewards. For a frequent traveler with a pet, earning points on a fee they were going to pay anyway transforms a negative into a positive, fostering a sense of value and recognition.

This approach directly addresses the desire for value over an unavoidable expense. While some travelers might still prefer a refundable deposit, earning loyalty points provides a tangible return that can soften the financial sting of pet fees, especially for those on the road for work or relocating.

An Innovative Move in a Competitive Market

In the competitive landscape of mid-scale and extended-stay hotels, differentiation is key. While many competitors, including major players like Extended Stay America and various Hilton brands, have pet-friendly policies, My Place Hotels appears to be charting a new course. A review of competing loyalty programs shows that while they reward room spending, none explicitly highlight the ability to earn points on pet fees.

This makes "My Pet Points" a significant differentiator. It moves the definition of a "qualified" loyalty-earning expense beyond the traditional room night. By identifying a specific, often substantial, ancillary fee and incorporating it into the rewards ecosystem, the brand demonstrates a nuanced understanding of its customer base.

This strategy could prove particularly effective in the extended-stay segment, where My Place Hotels operates. Guests in these properties often stay for weeks or months at a time, for reasons ranging from job relocations to long-term projects. For these travelers, nightly pet fees can accumulate into a significant sum, making the opportunity to earn substantial points on that spending a compelling reason to choose My Place over a competitor.

The Future of Loyalty is Personal

My Place Hotels' initiative is more than just a perk for pet lovers; it's a reflection of a broader evolution in customer loyalty. Hospitality experts note that loyalty programs are shifting away from one-size-fits-all models toward hyper-personalized approaches that recognize and reward individual guest lifestyles and preferences.

Modern loyalty is about building an emotional connection by showing customers that a brand understands their unique needs. By targeting a passionate niche like pet owners, My Place Hotels is tapping into this powerful trend. The program doesn't just reward spending; it validates a guest's choice to travel with their pet and makes them feel seen and valued.

This level of targeted engagement is becoming crucial for brands looking to build lasting relationships and drive direct business. As loyalty programs continue to evolve, the focus will increasingly be on rewarding the whole customer, not just their room booking. Initiatives that find creative ways to add value to every part of the travel journey, especially those that address common pain points, are likely to set the standard for guest engagement in the years to come.