| According to the Travel Industry Association of | | | | Ritz-Carlton are jumping on the bandwagon. (you can |
| America 19% of all pet owners take their pets with | | | | read about our experience with the Four Seasons |
| them when they are traveling, up 3% since 2002. | | | | here). Each of these hotels offer Pet VIP programs |
| The majority of these trips are by car with 6% by | | | | that cater to their canine guests with special pet |
| air. An amazing 29% of dog owners and their dogs | | | | menus, dog beds, special welcome "doggie bags" and |
| are staying in dog friendly hotels. | | | | even concierge services during your dog's stay. |
| And hotels are taking notice by offering | | | | The leader in the high-end hotel market is the Loews |
| unprecedented services such as special dog | | | | Hotel Chain. The "Loews Loves Pets" program has |
| packages, concierges that cater to your dog, and pet | | | | been around since 2000. Loews has even introduced |
| massages. And dogs, my Berry and Wanda included, | | | | learning vacations for dogs and their owners. |
| are lapping up these new dog amenities. | | | | Activities include surfing camp, guided hikes with a |
| Many hotels and motels are realizing that accepting | | | | personal trainer, and even a "Hound of Music" trip |
| dogs is usually not a problem. In fact many are | | | | where dogs can howl on their own CD. |
| noticing that those traveling with their dogs tend to | | | | So when planning your next vacation, bring your dog |
| be much more considerate guests. | | | | along. Your dog is part of the family, and I know |
| While motels such as Motel 6, Red Roof Inns, and La | | | | from experience that you can really have a fantastic |
| Quinta Inns have long been dog friendly upscale | | | | vacation with your dog(s). |
| hotels like Starwood Resorts, Four Seasons, and the | | | | |