When it comes to pet love, we're becoming more like the French, who have long welcomed their beloved pooches into five-star restaurants and upscale shops and hotels. This 'take your dog everywhere' attitude has spread to North America with dogs showing up as attendants at weddings, in places of business, alfresco-style restaurants and even at designated "pets welcome" Church services.
The trend appears to be strongest among aging (and fawning) baby boomers who fill their empty nests with man's best friend. According to industry statistics, people now spend more on pet accessories than children's toys. Posh pet-pampering spas, daycare, and even canine summer camps are increasingly popular.
And as more people want to travel with their pets, they're seeking out pet travel agents and websites that offer guidance on pet friendly hotels, restaurants and attractions, as well as information on airline pet policy.
So it comes as no surprise that even upscale hotels such as the Four Seasons are rolling out the red carpet to these Very Important Pooches. Loews Hotels reports their pet business has doubled every year for the past four years, and Petsonthego.com lists 30,000 motels, hotels, and inns that accept pets world-wide.
In Vancouver, the Opus Hotel offers an Out of the Doghouse Pet Package including a gourmet treat, toy, copy of Modern Dog Magazine as well as day care and walking services. And not to be outdone, The Fairmont Hotel's "Pets Are People Too!" program involves a welcome mat in the room, pet dish, and an assortment of gourmet treats and toys.
Planning a jaunt to New York? The doggy concierge at the Ritz-Carlton stands ready to provide your dog with a styling leather jacket or cashmere sweater if the weather happens to turn cool. And both you and your pet can de-stress by arranging side-by-side massages in your room.
Nor is there a shortage of creature comforts at The Peninsula Hotel on Fifth Avenue. Proudly elevating pet travel to an art form, the hotel offers an array of 5-star amenities including Simmons Beauty Rest Doggie Mattresses with 300-thread-count sheets, a canine cuisine room service menu with a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts including Tail Chasing Truffles.
(Note: the discerning traveller should take note, however, that additional fees are typically involved for all this posh pet pampering.)
For those thinking in more global terms, continental canines (and their owners) can find accommodations in a historic castle in France, a villa on the Italian Riviera or a Caribbean beachside bungalow. In his book Ella in Europe, author Michael Konik recounts his adventures with his beloved lab-greyhound as they make their way across the continent, dining in four-star Paris restaurants and taking a gondola ride in Venice.
If your pet is part of your travel plans, Fodor's offers this pet packing list:
Bedding. Be sure to pack your pet's favorite blanket or pillow
Bell and current photo. As a precaution, consider attaching a bell to your pet's collar and carry a current photo in the event your pet should become lost
Flashlight. This comes in handy not only for emergencies but for late night walks
Leash and collar or harness with ID tags. An extra set is advisable
Mini-fan. This comes in handy if your pet becomes overheated while travelling or in the hotel room
Health records. Carry with you a copy of your pet's health and vaccination records.
Toys. Of course, you'll want to pack the tried-and-true favorites, but also include toys that can occupy your pet, such as Kong toys which can be stuffed with meat, cheese, peanut butter, or kibble.
Two types of ID. Consider having your pet wear two tags when traveling: one with your permanent address and telephone number, another with a way to contact you while traveling. A useful trick is to staple a card of your hotel onto your pet's collar. You may also want to have your pet tattooed or micro-chipped in addition to wearing traditional identification tags. (Both are humane and effective means for tracking pets.)
Collapsible bowls or specially-designed pet water bottles are particularly useful for travelling. A spray bottle can also be used for squirting water into your pet's mouth. Always carry a container or two of water.
Medicine and First Aid. Be sure to include all prescription medicines, as well as a basic first aid kit. A supply of plastic bags may also come in handy.

Source: Sympatico/MSN