Amara Cay Resort pet policy: dogs, fees and rules
Amara Cay Resort is dog-friendly: up to two dogs per room are allowed for a $50 nonrefundable pet fee per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from the pet fee; housekeeping will not service a room while a pet is present and a deep‑cleaning fee (up to $100) may apply for pet damage.
In this guide
Who can bring pets to Amara Cay Resort?
Amara Cay Resort allows dogs in guest rooms with limits and fees — the resort is explicitly dog-friendly. Service animals are treated according to federal rules and are exempt from pet fees.
The primary guest must still meet the resort’s standard check-in requirements (21+ with valid photo ID and a card present). If you travel with a service animal, inform the front desk at arrival so staff can record any necessary exemptions or documentation.
- Allowed: dogs (maximum two dogs per room).
- Not allowed: the property’s published materials note a standard pet policy; one third‑party listing states cats are not permitted (that detail comes from an aggregator, not the resort’s main site).
- Service animals: exempt from pet fees; emotional support animals follow the normal pet policy.
| At a glance | Policy |
|---|---|
| Maximum dogs per room | 2 dogs |
| Pet fee | $50 nonrefundable per pet, per night |
| Service animals | Exempt from pet fee |
Fees, charges and housekeeping rules
The published pet fee is $50 nonrefundable per pet, per night; that charge is assessed outside the room rate. A portion of pet-fee proceeds is donated to the Upper Keys Humane Society, Inc., per the resort’s information.
Housekeeping will not service a room while a pet is present. Guests are responsible for any pet-caused damage; the resort may apply a deep‑cleaning fee for excessive mess or damage (the property lists a deep‑cleaning fee up to $100).
- Pet fee: $50 nonrefundable per pet, per night.
- Housekeeping: no servicing while pet is in room.
- Damage/deep clean: guest responsibility; deep‑cleaning fee can apply (resort lists up to $100).
- Portion of pet fees donated to Upper Keys Humane Society, Inc.
| Charge | Notes |
|---|---|
| Pet fee | Nonrefundable; per pet, per night |
| Deep‑cleaning fee | May apply for damage or excessive cleaning; listed up to $100 |
| Housekeeping | Will not service room while pet is present |
Which rooms allow pets and occupancy notes
The resort’s public materials allow dogs in guest rooms; the policy caps at two dogs per room with no stated weight limit. The resort offers 18 room types, including oceanfront and lanai options — the pet policy applies per room, not per bed type.
If you need a specific room, make the reservation and request pet accommodations in writing or via the property so they can note the room reservation. Rooms across the property include names such as Standard King Room; Room, Oceanfront; Room, Oceanfront, Lanai; Suite, with Sofa bed, Oceanfront; and Premium Suite, Multiple Beds, Oceanfront.
- Pet allowance is per room (max two dogs) — applies across room types.
- No weight limit is listed in the resort’s published policy.
- If you need accessible or specific room features (e.g., Suite, with Sofa bed, Oceanfront), confirm pet acceptance with the hotel at booking.
| Example room names | Pet policy applicability |
|---|---|
| Standard King Room | Policy applies — up to two dogs per room |
| Room, Oceanfront, Lanai | Policy applies — up to two dogs per room |
| Suite, Multiple Beds, Oceanfront | Policy applies — up to two dogs per room |
On-property rules for pets and public areas
Pets must be under control and on a leash or in a carrier when in public areas. For the comfort of all guests, pets are generally not permitted in food-service areas unless required by law (service animals), so expect restrictions around ReelCatch, the Tiki Bar at Amara Cay Resort, and other dining venues.
The resort notes that guests are responsible for cleaning up after their pets; bringing your own waste bags and pet supplies is recommended. If you plan to use outdoor areas, follow staff directions about which spots are pet-permitted and any local leash rules.
- Keep pets leashed or in carriers in public spaces.
- Pets typically not allowed in restaurants or bars (service animals excepted).
- Guests must clean up after their pets and control noise to avoid disturbing other guests.
| Area | Typical pet rule |
|---|---|
| Pool and beach areas | Check with front desk — pets often restricted near pools and food areas |
| Dining venues (ReelCatch, Tiki Bar) | Pets generally not permitted; service animals exempt |
| Public indoor spaces (Lobby, Coastal Cup & Lounge) | Pets must be leashed or in a carrier |
Booking, check-in and payment considerations when traveling with a dog
At check-in the resort requires the primary guest to be at least 21 years old, present a valid photo ID, and provide a credit/debit card. The property is cashless and accepts major cards only. Inform the front desk on arrival that you have pets so the pet fee and any incidental authorizations can be handled.
Because the pet fee is nonrefundable and housekeeping won’t service rooms with pets present, confirm the pet policy and any special requests (extra bedding, crates, etc.) when you book. If you have questions about emotional support animals or documentation for a service animal, contact the property directly to clarify requirements before arrival.
- Check-in: primary guest must be 21+ with ID and card present.
- Payment: property is cashless; accepts major credit cards.
- Confirm pet details at booking to ensure the room type you want allows pets and to note any special needs.
| At check-in | What to expect |
|---|---|
| ID/card | Primary guest (21+) with photo ID and card present |
| Pet fee handling | $50 nonrefundable per pet, per night recorded at booking/check-in |
| Incidental hold | Standard incidental authorization applies per hotel policy |
Nearby considerations and pet-friendly activities
Amara Cay Resort sits oceanfront at 80001 Overseas Hwy, Mile Marker 80 in Islamorada. The property offers beach seating, a zero-entry pool, and outdoor areas where leashed pets may be allowed; always check with the front desk about which outdoor spaces are pet-friendly on the day you visit.
Local attractions and some outdoor activities (like strolling the shoreline areas or the resort’s outdoor event lawns) may be enjoyable with a well-behaved dog. For boat-based or off-island activities, check operator policies: many charter boats and parks have separate rules for animals.
- Private Lighthouse Beach and the zero-entry pool are central outdoor features — confirm pet access with staff.
- On-island walking and outdoor spaces can be used with leashed dogs where allowed.
- For off-property excursions (boat trips, state parks), verify pet rules with the operator ahead of time.
| Nearby points | Pet note |
|---|---|
| Lighthouse Beach | Check access rules with front desk |
| Bud n' Mary's Dive Center | Water activities may not permit dogs — verify with operator |
| Indian Key Historic State Park | Access is by boat and may have restrictions for animals |
