The Great Wolf Lodge is a popular resort location. It's been around since 1997 and has since become a national chain that millions of people stay at each year. Plus, there is plenty of fun for the whole family including pools, water parks, and even a new indoor arcade. While vacationing at the Great Wolf Lodge can be a great experience, it might not be right for everyone, especially if you need to bring a pet with you.
For this reason, it's important to understand what the Great Wolf Lodge pet policy looks like. Read on to learn more below.
What Is the Great Wolf Lodge?
The Great Wolf Lodge used to be a single vacation destination that included an indoor water park and other attractions. The first Great Wolf Lodge was opened in 1997 and has since expanded to several locations across many states in the US. However, Great Wolf Lodge now goes by the name Great Wolf Resorts due to its larger size.
Most locations operate in the same way, which means that you'll find the same facilities and pet policies at each Great Wolf Lodge. While the name of the Great Wolf Lodge has changed, Great Wolf Resorts provides the same amenities that Great Wolf Lodges used to provide in the past.
What Is the Great Wolf Lodge’s Pet Policy?
Great Wolf Lodge has a straightforward pet policy. The company does not allow pets on the premises due to the nature of the facilities. Because Great Wolf Resorts often have water parks, arcades, and lots of guests, the chain doesn't allow pets to stay with guests to keep everyone calm and safe.
This is also true if you’re part of the Great Wolf Resorts Voyager Club. While the club offers unique benefits for its members, these benefits don't extend to bringing pets. Some locations may have different rules, but in most cases, you won't be able to bring your dog, cat, or any other pets to the Great Wolf Lodge.
What Is the Great Wolf Lodge’s Policy for Service Dogs?
The Great Wolf Lodge does not allow pets, but that doesn't extend to service dogs. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs must be allowed in private businesses and public access spaces, including public transportation. This means that your service dog can accompany you to Great Wolf Resorts across the United States.
Your service dog can stay with you in your room and even accompany you to most areas of the resort. However, service dogs don't have free reign of the place. You need to keep an eye on your service dog at all times, make sure it's well-behaved, and keep it out of the pools.
While the ADA protects service dogs in public spaces, service dog registration is essential to ensure that the check-in process is smooth. Make sure you call ahead and notify the staff that you plan on bringing your service dog with you and carry any paperwork just in case. Additionally, make sure your service dog doesn't go to the bathroom on the premises and organize a cleaning schedule for your room when your dog won't be there.
What Is the Great Wolf Lodge’s Policy for Emotional Support Animals?
Emotional support animals are not treated the same way as service dogs at Great Wolf Resort locations. In fact, they're handled the same way that any other pet is handled. This means that an ESA won't be allowed on the premises, even if they're well-behaved. While ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), this doesn't extend to places beyond someone's home or apartment.
That said, you can call ahead and present your ESA letter to hotel staff to see if they will make an extension for you. This isn't guaranteed to work, but it's worth a shot if you feel that you need to bring your ESA with you.
Enjoy Your Stay at the Great Wolf Lodge Today!
The Great Wolf Lodge is a great place to spend time with your family. It has plenty of water attractions, arcades, and other activities for everyone to participate in. While you can enjoy the Great Wolf Lodge with your family, you might have to leave your canine companion or cat at home. There may be some exceptions based on management at each location, but a good rule of thumb to follow is that only service dogs are allowed at the Great Wolf Lodge based on their pet policies.
