Staypineapple is converting International Dog Day into a seven-day charitable campaign, pledging to donate 100% of pet fees from reservations booked August 24–30, 2026 to Seattle Humane, the Pacific Northwest shelter and adoption organization. The initiative, branded Bark Week, also includes staff volunteerism and a free public event — giving the boutique hotel brand a concrete giving mechanism rather than a symbolic nod to the holiday.

What's in It for Operators

For hospitality operators watching pet-friendly hotel programming evolve, Staypineapple's model offers a replicable framework: route an existing revenue line — pet fees — directly to a named nonprofit partner, then layer community-facing activations on top to amplify the campaign's reach. Staypineapple President Dina Belon framed it as an extension of a longstanding relationship. "We've been proud to support Seattle Humane for many years," she said, "and Bark Week gives us an opportunity to take that support even further while celebrating our furry guests and helping animals who are still waiting for their forever homes."

The campaign's in-property component focuses on Seattle locations — The Maxwell Hotel, Hotel FIVE, Watertown Hotel, and University Inn — which will accept drop-off donations of unopened pet food and treats throughout the week. Donors receive a complimentary pineapple-themed dog toy from Toby & Linus while supplies last. Staypineapple team members will also spend a day at Seattle Humane's Pet Food Bank packing delivery orders for community members.

The Bark to School Event

Bark Week culminates August 29 with "Bark to School," a free public event at The Maxwell Hotel near Seattle Center, running 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can bring their dogs for school-themed Polaroid portraits by Clooney Dog & Friends and Joybird Studios, watch live pet portraits by artist Dozfy, and pick up coloring sheets featuring adoptable Seattle Humane dogs illustrated by artist Sie-ce. Seattle Humane staff will be on-site to process donations and share adoption resources — turning the hotel property into an active community venue.

Nicole Collin, Corporate Relations Manager at Seattle Humane, noted the partnership extends beyond a single transaction. "Their continued commitment to pets and the people who love them makes a meaningful difference for animals in need throughout our region," Collin said.

Beyond the Week

During Bark Week, Staypineapple will also roll out "Paws on Payroll," a social media program spotlighting the resident dogs stationed at its properties — a guest-experience differentiator that boutique hotel brands have increasingly used to build brand identity on social channels. Animal-focused brand partners spotlighted during the campaign include Zoundz, a sound therapy app for pets serving as the official wellness partner, and VEG ER for Pets, an emergency veterinary care provider with locations near Staypineapple properties.

The combination of a clear financial commitment — all pet fees to charity — with staff engagement and a consumer event illustrates how pet-friendly positioning can be operationalized into a measurable giving program, a model that independent and boutique hotel operators may find worth tracking as pet travel continues to grow as a booking driver.

Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.