Every once in a while, us hoomans need a break from the harsh grips of reality, and while we may leave the kids and spouse at home, our pets are always invited. Not all hotels are as welcoming as we are to a set of paws in the bed, so before you plan your next getaway, take a look at our list of accommodating hotels, airlines, and more, so your pooch can enjoy some R&R as much as you do.
Hotels
The Heathman Hotel, with locations in Portland, Washington, and beyond, is a dream hotel for any pampered pup. Each chain offers its own version of the “Pampered Pooch package,” which, for an additional $60, includes everything from your dog’s own bed to a doggie care package with freshly baked treats.
Pups agree: the Heathman Hotel in Kirkland, WA is the place to be!
Even Kimpton admits: they have an animal attraction. Unique to Kimpton Hotels are the furry Directors of Pet Relations, including Mr. Hershey Diego the Yorkie/Silky Terrier Mix at Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, Charlie the Bichon Frise at Hotel Monaco Alexandria, and Bosco the Cocker Spaniel at Hotel Palomar Phoenix. At night, your pup is welcome to join you at complimentary wine receptions, or he can choose to retire early in his comfy pet-bed loaner. Kimpton Hotels has 63 hotels in 30 cities, including New York City and Los Angeles, so wherever you want to go, you and your pup are taken care of.
“What’s fun about traveling without your pet? We say absolutely nothing.” We agree, Loews. And we are very grateful for your Loews Loves Pets program, which includes personalized name tags for every furry visitor and delicious treats. When it’s time to chow down, enjoy gourmet room service for you and your pup. Bone appetit.
Have a drink, order from the 24-hour in-room dining menu, and control nearly every aspect of your room from an app on your smartphone, all in the company of your best pal! 1 Hotels has several locations, their newest being just block south of Central Park. They invite both humans and canines to enjoy their nature-inspired rooms, and spend their fall getaway in style and comfort. (Plus, all dogs get a BarkBox at check-in!) For you curious hounds, go ahead and learn more about 1 Hotel Central Park’s pet-friendly features on their homepage!
Airlines
Similar to Pet Airways which unfortunately closed down in 2013, People and Pets will fly your pet to nearly any airport in the United States on demand for two weeks every month. Each flight has access to a veterinarian the entire flight and all pups are checked on by flight attendants to ensure a smooth ride. or now, People and Pets is only flying PAWfund charity flights, but look out for commercial flights beginning in October 2015.
In April 2015, Delta debuted its pet-tracking device at 10 U.S. airports for passengers with precious cargo under the plane. These devices monitor pups in real time, with data on everything from temperature to which position your pup is currently in (right-side up or sitting askew.) For $50 per flight, you can be reassured that your pet is flying as comfortably as you are.
Alaska Airlines think your pup should fly Fur-st Class! That’s why they have their PetStreak Animal Express service, which transports pups via a pressurized, temperature controlled compartment. Smaller dogs can even fly on board with you in the cabin.
What To Bring
Treats
Vacation is the one time of the year we don’t have to watch what we eat- and that applies for your dog, too! Obviously don’t go overboard and overfeed your dog, but throw him a bone every now and then. He’s been a good boy.
Extra Leash
The last thing you need on your relaxing vacation is your dog’s leash ripping in half and nothing to replace it with. Be prepared for the worst case scenario with an extra leash in your suitcase, just in case your pup tugs too hard out of excitement, because vacation.
Adequate Food
If you know you’re going to be traveling for a while, make sure you’ve packed enough dog food to last the trip. Dog food is expensive, and the last thing you want is to have to buy a huge bag of food and schlep it back, or waste your money on food you end up throwing out. Be extra careful about packing food if your dog is on a special diet or has any allergies.
Featured image via Austin Kirk
