by Barbara Wade
Look to all four corners of the globe and you'll find the world has gone pet crazy. Once upon a time, a feline friend or canine kid was considered a family member. Today, they have achieved the level of status symbol. With stars such as Paris Hilton and Oprah Winfrey making their love of pets widely known, it is becoming significantly more common to find a local, pet-friendly hotel: Monaco to Memphis and Paris to Portland. Luxury hotel accommodations are even readily available for those who wish to pamper their four-legged babies.
Traditional Lodging for Pets
In years past, neighbors or family members traditionally shared the care of pets when owners left town. As the need for quality pet care grew, kennels began to sprout worldwide. These facilities generally offered basic shelter and food for dogs and cats. A wire kennel only big enough to turn around in, along with food and water bowls served as the accommodations for boarded pets. Wanting better for their loved ones, pet parents continued to make their wishes for care known and thus, luxury pet lodges were born.
As appealing as this option is, what many owners really wanted was to simply take their pets with them when they traveled. Providing that option, along with many pet amenities, is the fundamental premise behind a truly pet-friendly hotel. Monaco, Rome and countless other cosmopolitan destinations, for example, have pet-friendly hotels that allow guests to house pets in their rooms. While a much better option for some than leaving pets behind, other hotels go miles farther to make the pets' visit as outstanding as the owners'.
Amenities for Pets
Right here in the U.S., pets can receive exceptional treatment when traveling with their families. For example, one Portland luxury hotel has a K-9 Director of Pet Relations whose job it is to make all pet-guests feel right at home. This social golden retriever named Art ensures that all pets - and their owners - understand the amenities available to pets, including a food bowl with coordinating mat, dog bed, complimentary dog treats, bottled spring water and dispose-a-scoop cleaning supplies.
Scheduling a massage for yourself? Don't forget your pet. Canine and feline massage specialists are on staff to de-stress your pet after a long day of travel. While you're at the hotel fitness center, your pet can enjoy a delightful stroll around the block at the hands of a trained professional. While you and your family are out with business or sightseeing during the day, your pet can visit with a pet sitter so loneliness and boredom don't set in.
When booking pet-friendly hotels, be sure you ask about extras such as deposits or additional cleaning fees. You'll also want to inquire about weight limits imposed on dogs and other pets.
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