Penny's Motel
Thornbury, Canada · 5 Star Hotel
Penny's Motel Dog Friendly Review
Penny's Motel in Thornbury holds an acceptable C Roch Rank, and for dog owners it makes a solid case for itself with a genuinely welcoming attitude that runs through much of the property. Your dog is permitted into the restaurant space and onto the terrace and patio, and there is a garden set aside for canine use as well as a dedicated dog space within the motel itself, so you are rarely left wondering where you are allowed to go together. Green spaces and parks nearby give you somewhere further afield to head for a proper walk, and the motel backs this up with guidance on local walking routes. Most rooms are dog friendly, there is no weight or size limit to worry about, and the whole feel of the place is one of accommodation rather than tolerance.
Day to day, the practicalities are handled with a reasonable amount of care. Free treats are offered, which is a small but pleasant touch, and an emergency vet number is kept on hand should anything go wrong during your stay. The motel shares its pet policy with you before you book, so there are no surprises when you arrive, and there is no damage deposit to budget for, which takes some of the sting out of travelling with a dog. Your dog may be left alone in the room, giving you the freedom to step out without arranging cover, though this depends on your own dog's temperament. The dog fee is $35 per night, and against a stay that includes garden access, a dedicated dog space, free treats and no deposit, it represents fair value rather than a token gesture.
Set against this, there are real gaps to note. Dogs are not welcome in the bar or the lounge, so those communal areas remain off limits regardless of how well behaved your dog is. There is no dog wash or shower area, no dog bed, no real food or water bowls provided, and no dog food sold on site, so you will need to bring your own kit and be prepared to clean up after a wet walk yourself. There is no dog-walking or dog-sitting service, no poop bags supplied, no grooming, no toys, and no staff specifically trained for canine guests, so this is a stay for owners who are self reliant rather than those expecting hands-on canine care. This suits an owner who is happy to pack their own equipment and manage their dog independently in exchange for generous outdoor access and a fair fee; owners hoping for grooming, sitting services or a fully kitted-out room should look elsewhere.
Roch Score: 24/77. This hotel does not meet the Roch Dog Friendly Standard. This hotel has been evaluated, ranked and reviewed using the Roch Standard, the world’s first dog friendly standard for the hotel industry. We gathered data directly from the hotel and benchmarked it against thousands of other hotels to accurately and fairly derive its rank.
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This hotel was last certified on 29 September 2026.
Penny's Motel With Your Dog · Pet Policy
Is Penny's Motel dog friendly?
Penny's Motel welcomes dogs, and we have independently assessed and listed it against the Roch Dog Friendly Standard, where it holds a Rank C rating. It does not meet every minimum requirement of the Standard, so it sits below our top-rated dog friendly hotels; the review above explains what a stay is actually like with a dog.
Is there a pet fee at Penny's Motel?
Yes. Penny's Motel charges a pet fee of $35 plus tax per night. There is no additional deposit. It is always worth confirming the current pet fee when you book, as charges can change from time to time.
How many dogs can stay per room at Penny's Motel?
Up to 1 dog is permitted per room at Penny's Motel. If you are travelling with more than one dog, speak to the hotel directly before you book so they can advise on the best way to accommodate you.
Is there a weight limit for dogs at Penny's Motel?
No. Penny's Motel has no weight limit, so dogs of every size are welcome. From the smallest lap dog to the largest breed, your dog's size will never stand between you and a room.
Can I leave my dog alone in the room at Penny's Motel?
Yes. Dogs may be left unattended in the room at Penny's Motel. We would still suggest letting reception know and making sure your dog is calm and settled before you head out, so housekeeping and other guests are never caught by surprise.
Where are dogs allowed in Penny's Motel?
Dogs are welcome in several public areas at Penny's Motel, including the restaurant, terrace and garden. We would always suggest keeping your dog on a lead and settled in these shared spaces, out of courtesy to other guests.
What amenities does my dog get at Penny's Motel?
Penny's Motel provides free treats for your dog. With these laid on for you, you can travel lighter and leave some of the usual kit at home.
Is Penny's Motel pet-friendly?
Penny's Motel welcomes dogs. We hold no confirmation that it accepts cats or other animals, so check with the hotel before bringing any pet other than a dog. Our independent assessment gives it a Rank C rating.
Are pets allowed at Penny's Motel?
Yes. Penny's Motel allows dogs to stay. There is no weight limit, so size is not a barrier. Tell the hotel you are travelling with your dog when you book, so they can prepare the right room for you both.
What is the pet policy at Penny's Motel?
The pet policy at Penny's Motel covers the essentials: a pet fee of $35 plus tax per night applies, up to 1 dog per room, no weight limit and dogs welcome in the restaurant, terrace and garden. There is no additional deposit. Every detail here comes from the hotel's own independently verified assessment under the Roch Dog Friendly Standard.