Category Archives: dog-friendly accommodation

Dog-friendly Las Vegas

Posted on May 11, 2013 | Leave a comment

The Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is pet-friendly.  Through discount site Coupaw, it is currently offering a 3-day/2-night stay for 2 adults at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for $30.  The voucher for this deal includes a Las Vegas BITE card which provides the cardholder with other excellent deals on a wide array of food and entertainment throughout Las Vegas.

Riviera Hotel

As with many pet-friendly hotels, there are restrictions including breed specific ones :(

The fine print says:

2 Dog maximum – $25 additional fee – per dog/per night. Pet fees are paid directly to the Riviera Hotel. All pet arrangements must be made directly with the Riviera Hotel. Pet friendly rooms are located in classic room types – San Remo tower. Dogs cannot exceed 50 lbs. Dog Owner must provide proof of current vaccinations including exhibiting current rabies tag on check in. Dogs that are excluded to stay in pet friendly rooms include but are not limited to: Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Chows, Doberman Pinschers, English Bull, Terriers, German Shepherds, Mastiffs, Pit Bulls, Presa, Canaries, Rottweiler, or any dog with a bite history. Coupaw is not responsible for the Riviera hotel refusing to accommodate specific dogs for any reason.

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Dog-friendly design guidelines

Posted on November 15, 2012 | Leave a comment
  • First home and all you can afford is a townhouse?
  • Moving to a high-density subdivision?
  • Relocating to a city environment?
  • Down-sizing from the family home to a smaller section?

Don’t worry – none of these changes mean that you can’t own a dog!  It’s about having good design and thinking ahead.

If you make pets a priority in your decision-making, you will be amazed at what good design can achieve in reducing the risk of unwanted behaviours that annoy neighbours and keep your dog safe.

For example, choosing a property with some outdoor space like a secure courtyard is important.  Windows that allow the warmth of sunshine to power your new home but also allow your pet to observe its surroundings are also important.

The Petcare Information and Advisory Service in Australia has collaborated with an urban policy and design firm to come up with the Four Legs Four Walls design guidelines.   An interesting read even if you are not building or relocating!

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The Lamb and Lion Inn

Posted on November 12, 2012 | Leave a comment

Located in Barnstable, on Cape Cod, is the Lamb and Lion Inn.  Build in 1740 as a farmhouse, the old barn in the back is now accommodation with further additions to the property dating from the 1800s through to the 1960s.  Some say it is a cross between a bed and breakfast and a small luxury hotel.

Speaking of cross-breeds, the best part is that the Inn is dog-friendly.

Guests are offered a package with dog sheets to cover the furniture and a towel for when their dog goes to the beach.  They also receive a flashlight for  taking their dog for a walk during the night.

The Inn sports a yoga and massage studio on the property; the massage therapist also offers dog massage to relax and treat your dog during your vacation.

Of course, like all dog-friendly establishments, there are some rules.

The house rules are:

1. We accept dogs year-round, however in the summer months there is a 25-pound pet weight restriction.

2. Aggressive dogs need not apply! If you’re remotely concerned with your dog around other, sometimes smaller pets, or children, please leave him or her behind.

3. Dogs cannot be left in the room unattended. We ask that you take Fido with you when you leave the property. An in-room pet sitter may be arranged with advanced notice. There is also a wonderful doggie day care with a “doggie cam” 5 minutes away (they require papers)

4. All dogs must be leashed while on the property.

5. There is a $25/night per pet fee (with a $100 maximum per pet).

6. Our Inn will only accept 3 pets at a time. Please inquire before booking yours.

7. We ask that all dogs (and guests) be well groomed prior to arrival. A $30 cleaning fee will be applied for excessive fur left behind.

8. Bring bedding or a portable carrier for your pet to sleep in if you have any.

9. Pet sheets, towels, and water bowls are available free of charge at the Inn.

10. Please don’t leave any Cape Cod souvenirs! We have 4 acres for your pooch to walk on and ask that you please pick up after them.

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Pets-in-residence at Eckerd College

Posted on October 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

Eckerd College in St Petersburg, Florida has one of the oldest pets-in-residence programs in the United States.  This is another institution of higher learning where your dog can come too!

The College is open about the value it places on pets.  The College website states:

We believe that most, if not all, pets serve an important emotional support function.  Pets provide unconditional love, and help us understand the importance of caring for another living creature.  One of the reasons Eckerd’s pet policy was created was to provide students attending classes and living on campus with the opportunity to live with emotional support animals and family pets in their residence halls, recognizing the positive emotional support pets provide.

There’s an extensive pet policy at the campus which designates some dormitories as pet-friendly.   Dogs may not exceed 40 pounds in weight and – you guessed it – there are breed specific exclusions:

Pit bulls, rottweilers, wolf breeds, any aggressive breed, or any mix containing these, are not allowed on campus at any time.

Still, it’s an improvement over having to leave your dog at home if you pursue higher education.  Freshmen are required to live at the campus for a semester before being allowed to live with a pet on campus.

This College is very well prepared.  Its pet policy even contains provisions for evacuation in case of a hurricane or other emergency.  Since the facilities on campus will be shut down, all pets are required to be evacuated with their owners!

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A university where your dog can come too

Posted on September 18, 2012 | Leave a comment

It’s autumn in the northern hemisphere and the time of year when students are going to colleges and universities for the first time.   If they are enrolled at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri – there’s a high chance that their dog can come too!

Searcy Hall at the college is better known as Pet Central and houses 40 students and their pets.  Pets have been accepted at the college since 2004.  The college also has a pet fostering program.  They’ve partnered with a local no-kill shelter and students can foster a dog during their time at college and train and socialise them in preparation for adoption.

A scholarship, room discount, paid food and medications, and pet deposit waiver are just a few of the benefits available to freshmen and transfer students who apply to participate in the pet fostering program.

Sadly,  the college’s insurance policy excludes these breeds from staying at Pet Central:  Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Chow, Akita and German Shepherd.  I’m not a supporter of breed-specific legislation and so it’s hard to accept these types of restrictions but that’s the influence of the underwriters, unfortunately.

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Finding dog friendly accommodation

Posted on June 23, 2012 | Leave a comment

Many sites operated by the major hotel and motel chains in the US are pet friendly – but many are not.    When planning a trip with your dog this (northern hemisphere) summer, there’s a site that can help you.  It’s called Pets Welcome.  This site has a search engine for finding dog friendly accommodation that fits with your trip’s itinerary.

Best of all, the site is not limited to the major chains.  Independent operators are also listed.  For example, during my recent trip to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, I stayed at the Treasure Trail Motel and they are included in the Pets Welcome directory.

There are lots of properties that are seeing the value in offering dog friendly accommodation.  Here’s a brief synopsis of the number of properties amongst the major chains:

Hotel/Motel Chain

Number of sites
 Candlewood Suites

100
 Clarion Inn and Suites

60
 Comfort Inn and Suites

550
 Comfort Inn

85
 Econolodge

380
 Extended Stay America

680
 Holiday Inn

450
 Holiday Inn Express

375
 La Quinta Inn and Suites

700
 Motel 6

1000+
 Quality Inn

300
 Red Roof Inn

360

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The Pitty Pat Club at The Broadmoor

Posted on April 11, 2012 | Leave a comment

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is a high-end, pet-friendly resort that has a long history associated with animals.  Many dignitaries including US presidents, actors and actresses, and others have stayed in the luxurious surroundings.

But my preference is the resort’s Pitty Pat Club.

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs

Pet guests are welcomed to the Broadmoor’s own unique Best Friend in Residence Program.  A $50.00 per pet per day fee is added to your room charge.  With that surcharge, your pet receives a special Broadmoor identification tag to wear throughout their stay.   There are designated outdoor pet areas with clean up packs provided. The 24-hour Pitty Pat Pet Menu offers room service including Blue Buffalo adult dog food and health bars in three flavours:  apples and yogurt, bacon, egg & cheese, or chicken liver.

You are also encouraged to take your dog off-property in a safe manner.  A map of dog exercise areas is provided.  These off-property areas include:

  • North Cheyenne Canyon – dogs allowed on leash
  • Stratton Open Place – dogs allowed on leash
  • Bear Creek Park – off leash area called the Dog Loop Trail
  • Garden of the Gods – off leash exercise allowed in designated areas

A comprehensive list of other services is also given to dog owners.  This includes information on local veterinary practices, pet stores, and groomers.  Dog sitting and walking services can also be arranged.

If Colorado is on your list of destinations, then why not indulge yourself and your dog and stay at The Broadmoor?

The animal history (and how the Pitty Pat Club got its name):

Back in 1880, the land that the resort is situated on was a dairy farm.  In the 1890s, the owners realised that they could make more money by selling parcels of land for residential and commercial development.  A casino was built that was purchased in 1916 by Spencer Penrose, an entrepreneur from Philadelphia, and he began its transformation into a resort.

Mr Penrose saw the value of promoting Colorado Springs as a tourist destination.  He built the Pikes Peak Road leading to the summit as an alternative to the Cog Railway and he established the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which is still considered one of the finest privately owned zoos in the United States.   Hence, another strong connection to animals.

Mr Penrose’s wife was Julie and she was accompanied everywhere by a Poodle named Pitty Pat.  So, when the resort decided to offer pet-friendly accommodation, it was a natural fit to name the program after Pitty Pat!

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A resort where your dog is as welcome as you are

Posted on February 21, 2012 | Leave a comment

That’s the motto of Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara, California.  This resort doesn’t place a limit on the size of dog that can stay – so your Newfoundland, Great Dane, and St Bernard are welcome (along with your Chihuahua and Papillon)!

A pet-friendly room is an additional $25 per night.  Toys and treats are available at the resort gift shop and there is doggy room service to order your dog’s meal and treats (2 pigs ears will set you back $7.00)

The concierge can supply you with details of local pet-friendly attractions and establishments, veterinarians and pet sitters.

Best of all in two of the resort’s restaurants they have established “Pet Posts” where you can tether your dog in the patio area adjacent to your dining table.  (this is the best the resort can do because of Santa Barbara laws that prohibit pets in the dining area).

So, if you are planning a trip to California – Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort should be on your itinerary (please send photos)

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North America’s most pet-friendly airlines

Posted on November 23, 2011 | Leave a comment

As most of you know, I’m a big supporter of traveling with your dog when on holiday/vacation and I encourage you to support pet-friendly shops and accommodation providers in your area.

Petfinder.com recently released its findings for 2011′s most pet-friendly airlines.  This year, the site extended its coverage to Canada so it is now ranking airlines that service North America.

Petfinder reviewed airlines in the following categories:

  • what airline is most pet-friendly overall

Winner:  Pet Airways - a dedicated airline for transporting pets

  • offers the best amenities for pets and their parents

Winner:  JetBlue – for the 2nd year in a row.  JetBlue provides travelers with a pet carrier baggage tag, a travel “petiquette” guide, 300 TrueBlue points each way, and a comprehensive e-booklet with pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks and animal hospitals in some of JetBlue’s major cities.

  • best in offering transport to a variety of pets

Winner:   Frontier Airlines because they allow dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and small birds in the cabin

  • best for flying multiple pets in the cabin

Winner:  Frontier Airlines, which allows up to 10 pet containers on each flight. Only one pet container is allowed per person, but the limit per flight means that multiple friends/relatives can travel with animals so the entire family arrives at its destination together

  • best service for large sized pets

Winner:  Pet Airways, the maximum height for a pet carried by the airline is 34 inches.  This allows for large sized breeds like Newfoundlands and Great Danes to fly.

All pet-friendly airlines which made the ranking were required to have zero pet deaths in the past reported year according to official government reports.

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AA site for pet friendly accommodation

Posted on November 5, 2011 | 1 Comment

I was encouraged to see an item in the AA Directions magazine Summer 2011 issue.   Headlined as “www.aatravel.co.nz has some new accommodation categories to help refine your search for somewhere to stay or plan your next conference or meeting”, the item goes on to say that pet friendly accommodation is now a specified search on the AA Travel website.

From the homepage, it wasn’t as simple as going to the Accommodation tab and then picking a Pet Friendly category (which is what I expected).  I contacted the webmaster and was told

When you search for accommodation, you need to click on the Advanced Search button and choose the relevant criteria.

Here is the link:

http://www.aatravel.co.nz/accommodation-newzealand/

And it does work.  I’m just a little disappointed that the selection isn’t as prominent as it could be.  Still, well done to the AA.  It’s a sign of progress for those of us in New Zealand who want to travel with our pets that more accommodation providers are willing to accept pets.

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