As pet lovers, we know it's just not a vacation if we don't bring our family's four-legged member! Vacations are about enjoying time together, relaxing, and de-stressing. Selecting the right hotel or accommodation that allows pets will make or break your vacation with your dog or cat. Not all pet friendly hotels and accommodations are created equal. Did you know that many accommodations offer our pets the same amenities that we get? Hotels know how important our dogs and cats are to us, so they are offering an array of different pet services and amenities to make our furry ones feel right at home when they travel. With more and more pet parents refusing to travel without their pets, it only makes sense for hotels and other accommodations to start catering to the whole family.
Pet Welcome Packs & Stocked Rooms
Don't you just love it when you get to your room and there is a nice packet of goodies waiting for you? Maybe with some snacks, bottled water, nice toiletries, and some information on area activities? Well your dog or cat can also get a nice welcome package depending on where you're staying. If you're at a Loews Hotel, each pet that stays gets a personal note from the hotel GM with a full list of different activities and services just for your pet. Oftentimes, pet friendly hotels will have food and water dishes, toys, scratching posts and treats like chicken, salmon, or tuna (among many other delicious items). If you peek into a mini bar, you might find some delicious cookies or biscuits for Fido.
It's also not unheard of for rooms to be equipped with dog and cat beds, complete with pet turn down service and treats each night that they can enjoy while you eat the chocolate left on YOUR pillow. At Boston's Nine Zero Hotel, their doggie guests are given ID tags and a special room service menu. If you're staying at New York City's W Hotels, you can also arrange for pet birthday cakes if you happen to be staying there during that special occasion.
Spa Services for Dogs and Cats
Yes, you can schedule a relaxing massage or pawdicure for your pet at the Epic Hotel in Miami. In addition to the VIP (Very Important Pet) amenity delivered to your room upon arrival, your pampered pet can get a bubble bath, nail trim, and massage! If you're at the Casa Laguna Inn & Spa in Laguna Beach, you can schedule a massage for both you and your pet. The masseuse and pet massage therapist will come right to your guest suite the lap of luxury!
Pet Psychics & Events
Did you ever want to learn about your pets' past lives? Well, as part of Affinia Hotels' Jet Set Pets Program, your pet can have a reading from a pet psychic. Not only can you learn if your dog was a cat in a past life, but you can find out what your pet is thinking, as well as communicate with a pet that has passed over.
When you're in Alexandria, Virginia at Hotel Monaco, get ready for Doggie Happy Hour where it's all about the pooches. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 8 PM, from April through October, Hotel Monaco goes to the dogs! Complimentary doggie treats are served along with unlimited fresh water keeping the pooches happy, while adult human cocktails and pub fare ensure a fun gathering for all.
Some Kimpton Hotels host pet costume parties where you can dress up your pets and get together for some fun so everyone can get to know each other. Many pet friendly hotels host meet-and-greets and cocktail parties where humans and pets alike can socialize.
Other Pet Friendly Services
Ever receive a questionnaire from a hotel prior to your stay so that you can tell them exactly what kind of services you're looking for? The Peninsula Beverly Hills does just that and even sends pet preference surveys! It gives the hotel a chance to know what your dog or cat might be interested in doing and which services she will want to partake in. Many properties offer pet sitting services, dog walking services, and even a concierge to arrange any additional pet pampering.
Surf's Up! Let your dog hang 20 at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in California. This resort gives dog surfing lessons alongside their human so they can both enjoy some time in the sand and surf. At the Arizona Biltmore, you can sign your dog up for some Doga (dog yoga) classes if your canine needs to regain some Zen.
It's not just the posh hotels that are offering all of these wonderful things for our pets. There has been a large movement over the last few years in many hotel chains, vacation rentals, motels, and bed and breakfasts to make sure traveling dogs and cats are comfortable during vacations as well. One of the best parts of this trend is the welcoming attitude that accompanies all of the services. Pets are treated with the same love and respect that they receive from their own family members.