The Best Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Old Saybrook, CT

May 05, 2025
By: Adriana Valle
Our charming coastal town of Old Saybrook is not just for travelers, but also for our four-legged companions. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a staycation, Old Saybrook offers a variety of pet-friendly hotels that make it easy to explore the Shoreline with your furry friend by your side. Here’s a guide to some of the best pet-friendly accommodations in Old Saybrook, CT, plus tips on making the most of your visit.

marina old saybrook, ctSaybrook Point Resort & Marina

The standout choice in Old Saybrook is the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, a beautiful waterfront property that warmly welcomes dogs up to 60 pounds. The resort offers a range of dog-friendly rooms and vacation rentals, ensuring comfort for every member of the family. There is a pet fee, but in return, your pup can join you in many of the resort’s public areas and on the scenic exterior grounds.

While dogs aren’t allowed in the pool, spa, or indoor dining areas, they can enjoy plenty of outdoor spaces and must be kept on a leash at all times. For added peace of mind, dogs must be crated when left unattended in rooms, and the hotel provides clear guidelines to ensure a pleasant stay for all guests.

Please note that the Saybrook Point Resort website doesn’t mention being cat-friendly. As with many “pet-friendly” accommodations, they seem to only be “dog-friendly.”

dog at hotel in Old Saybrook, CTPier Blue Inn Old Saybrook – Essex

Another excellent option is the Pier Blue Inn Old Saybrook – Essex, conveniently located off US Route 1 and close to many local attractions. This pet-friendly hotel offers comfortable accommodations at a great value, making it a popular pick for travelers with dogs. The inn’s location provides easy access to parks, walking trails, and pet-friendly restaurants, so you and your pet can enjoy all that our coastal area has to offer.

The pet policy here says “pets allowed on request,” therefore place your request before booking and be prepared to promote your pet’s excellent house training and manners when you ask if they can join you. If bringing a cat, mention other properties where your adventure kitty has stayed and how well they do traveling. Unfortunately, cats aren’t always appealing to hotels and pet-friendly rentals.

dog at bed and breakfast in Old Saybrook, CTThe Homestead

The Homestead in Madison, just a short drive or train ride from Old Saybrook, is an outstanding choice for a pet-friendly stay along the Connecticut Shoreline. This boutique inn offers individually decorated rooms-many with private entrances and hardwood floors ideal for guests with dogs-and welcomes well-behaved pets under 35 pounds in designated accommodations.

With extensive outdoor grounds, patios, and fire pits, there’s plenty of space for you and your furry companion to relax and enjoy the coastal setting. Its convenient location provides easy access to both Madison’s and Old Saybrook’s beaches, parks, and pet-friendly attractions, making The Homestead a perfect home base for exploring the area with your dog.

From their BringFido listing, “the Homestead welcomes one dog up to 30 lbs in designated rooms for an additional fee of $25 per night. Sorry, no cats.” At least we know where they stand on cats, right?! I don’t like when they make it difficult for cat parents.

riley dog walking essex Old Saybrook dog hiking shoreline happy pawsPet-Friendly Activities & Dining in Old Saybrook

Beyond hotels, Old Saybrook is truly a pet-friendly destination. Many local restaurants offer outdoor seating where dogs are welcome, such as Fresh Salt, Johnny Ad’s Drive-In, and Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant. For playtime, head to Paw Dog Park or Bailey’s Dog Park, and explore scenic spots like Timberland Preserve. The town’s welcoming atmosphere ensures you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy with your pet.

The Best Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Old Saybrook, CT

Old Saybrook is a fantastic destination for pet lovers and it’s also a great place to call home! I would know, I’ve lived here for most of my adult life. Whether you’re visiting or planning a staycation near your home, Old Saybrook’s hotels, restaurants, and natural beauty are fun for the whole family!

dog walking dog walker ct shoreline

The Best Dog Walkers in Old Saybrook, CT

Shoreline Happy Paws is currently accepting new dog walking, dog hiking, and cat sitting clients! New Shoreline Happy Paws clients can create an account. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you, your family, and your cat(s) up for success. Existing clients may book services by logging in to your client profile.

We serve the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:

  • Old Saybrook
  • Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
  • Deep River
  • Chester
  • Westbrook
  • Clinton
  • Old Lyme
  • East Lyme
  • Niantic

Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:

  • Lyme and Madison
  • Waterford, New London, Groton
  • Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank

Adriana Valle

Adriana Valle is the Owner, Founder, and Chief Pet-Loving Officer at Shoreline Happy Paws LLC, where she has led professional pet care since 2010. Her pet care journey started in Doha, Qatar, where she founded the country's first full-time pet sitting service, before relocating to the Connecticut Shoreline in 2017 and rebuilding it into a team-based pet care company trusted by more than 600 local families. Adriana is a Certified Pet First Aid and CPR Instructor, trained through the Pet Safety Crusader curriculum by Denise Fleck, and teaches hands-on Pet CPR and First Aid classes for pet parents throughout the Shoreline. She is currently pursuing a certificate in dog behavior from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and is a longtime member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International. She regularly attends pet industry conferences across the country to stay on the leading edge of professional pet care standards, safety practices, and industry trends. Shoreline Happy Paws is veterinarian recommended and proudly holds a 5-star Google review from Saybrook Veterinary Hospital. Beyond daily pet care, Adriana leads the Shoreline's pet parent community, running social community walks, hikes, and Dog Water Adventures for pet parents across Southeastern Connecticut, along with the CT Pet Parents Facebook community. She also welcomes dogs into her own Essex home through the company's Homestyle Boarding service, and is currently launching the first Doggie Adventure Bus in the CT Shoreline, a group enrichment adventure on wheels. Her love of animals started early, growing up in El Salvador surrounded by eight Boxers and her grandparents' farm animals, and later volunteering with the Qatar Animal Welfare Society caring for rescued strays. A fluent Spanish speaker, she is proud to serve Shoreline families in both English and Spanish. Today she shares her home with her husband Chris, Cannoli the Corgi, and Gnocchi the hedgehog. Adriana has written more than 200 articles on pet care, safety, and pet-friendly living. She posts weekly blogs to ensure that pet parents in the Shoreline and Lower River Valley areas of Southeastern Connecticut stay informed and educated on pet care best practices and pet-friendly living. Her topics range from Shoreline Happy Paws-specific topics, including highlighting the benefits of Dog Walking, Dog Hiking, and Cat Sitting services, to reporting on local shelter changes, wildlife threats, pet industry trends, and other current events.

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