Category Archives: dog-friendly accommodation

The Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Among a growing number of dog-friendly accommodation options in the US, the Inn by the Sea sets itself apart by offering dog-friendly accommodation combined with support of locally made dog products.

When you book their Inncredible Pets package you and your dog receive:

  • a minimum of 2 nights in a single bedroom suite
  • a dog toy that is made in Maine
  • a personalised LL Bean dog bed (these beds are known for their quality and durability and LL Bean is a flagship retailer in Maine)
  • a 30-minute in-room dog massage to help your dog work out the kinks of the trip
  • a nightly entree from the Inn’s pet menu
  • a nightly pet turndown service that rewards you dog with a locally made dog treat

This package currently starts at US$472.21 per night for a garden suite (higher rates for a spa suite or at peak times).

The Inn is located on popular Crescent Beach which does not allow dogs in the summer months of April – October.  Inn staff can advise you on beaches that allow dogs during these times.

Kathleen Crisley, Fear-Free certified professional and specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

Woof cottages on Nantucket

The Cottages at the Boat Basin on Nantucket offer special pet-friendly cottages:  Woof Cottages!

These cottages are specially designated cottages containing 1 or 2 bedrooms.  Cats and dogs are welcome with pre-approval.  There is a non-refundable pet fee of $60 for 1-3 nights or $75 for 4 nights or more per stay.  10% of the pet fee is donated to the Nantucket MSPCA Adoption Centre.

When your dog stays at Woof Cottages, they receive:

  • A welcome basket of treats and toys
  • A Draper Canine Therapy Dog Bed
  • Food and water bowls
  • Personalised pet tags
  • A dog walking service
  • A directory of vet clinics and pet supply stores on the island
  • Doggy suncreen, 15 SPF protection

An interior view of a Woof Cottage

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

Woofie weekends

Loews Hotels, which owns 18 properties in the US and Canada have announced Woofie Weekend packages.

The hotel will waive their normal $25 pet cleaning fee for this package, which includes:

  • Accommodation for one night for dogs with their owners
  • A specially made “Wag Your Tail Delight” meal  delivered to your room
  • Microdry Memory Foam Ultimate Luxury Pet Mat (excellent for spinal support)
  • Loews Loves Pets standard amenities (Bowl, Mat & Tag)

The fine print:  you must bring a dog to take advantage of the special!

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

Pet friendly holiday homes in New Zealand

Keeping with the theme of dog-friendly accommodation…  If you are in New Zealand then you should check out the  Pets Can Come Too website.

This website lists holiday homes where pets are allowed.  The search function on the site is easy to use.  You will need to read the fine print, however.  For example, some properties only accept cats and others may require that your dog is crated when indoors.

If you own a holiday home and accept pets, then please do your part to grow this community-of-interest in New Zealand by registering your property.  Heather at Pets Can Come Too says:

We offer all new advertisers six months free advertising after which it costs $95.00 p.a. however there is no obligation to continue advertising with us if you do not wish to do so.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

The Benjamin Hotel, New York City

For those of you who have subscribed to my newsletter, you know that I have had an ongoing feature to highlight accommodation options that are dog-friendly.   Here’s my latest find:

The Benjamin Hotel in New York City caters to dogs of all sizes, whereas many dog-friendly hotels set size limits and only cater to the smaller breeds.  So all of you large dog people – this hotel is for you!

The Dream Dog TM package includes a bathrobe for your dog, spa treatments, gourmet food, and even a visit from a pet psychic if you choose.

When booking in to stay with your dog, you get to choose the type of bed they will sleep on.  For small dogs, there is a sofa bed with a removable cushion that doubles as a crate or travel mat.  For medium-sized dogs, there is an orthopedic bed “designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and support – the ideal blend for a perfect night’s sleep.”

And for dogs of any size (small to large),  there is the Luxury Bed which is an “ultra-plump, overstuffed round bed that completely surrounds Fido in down-like fiberfill. Deep and cushiony, with soft rhino suede and luxury gold braid, this bed will make your best friend feel safe and secure.”

The hotel also offers a dog walking service, clean up bags, a list of dog-friendly places to visit, and gourmet cakes and treats for special occasions.

It is great to see a hotel welcoming dogs of all sizes.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand