When booking your next family trip, why not take your pooch with you?
Many family hotels have funny, over-the-top extras for the furry members of your clan.
Doggie surfing lessons?
A session with a pet psychic? Yep!
These days, resorts are rolling out the red carpet for all the members of your family.
That said, when choosing a vacation destination, it pays to do your homework.
You need to do as much research when traveling with a pet as you would before setting off with a toddler.
“There’s a big difference between allowing pets and welcoming them,” notes Denise Seomin, manager of The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Here are some of our favorite options for your furry best friend.
Cowabunga!
At Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, CA, pooches hang ten when you reserve the Su-Ruff Camp package.
It includes a deluxe room, doggie board shorts (or bandana), “surf and turf” doggie room service and dog surfing lessons with specially trained instructors from Coronado Surfing Academy.
Taking a kitty along for the ride?
She gets to choose from a special room service menu for felines.
Tuck Me In
If you’re big on babying your pup, check into the Canyon Suites in Scottsdale, Ariz.
A welcome amenity is presented to each canine, including a natural treat — such as a “Bark Jacobs” shoe cookie — and an eco-healthy toy.
The room service menu includes doggie delights like Puppy Poppers (grilled chicken bits) and Pawsickles (Greek yogurt, fruit and carrots).
Bonus: Ten percent of room service sales goes to the Arizona Humane Society.
Concierge services are also offered: Would Fido fancy a private photo shoot or nighttime tuck-in service?
Canine Idol
The Hound of Music package at the Vanderbilt Hotel in — where else? — Nashville, Tenn., includes accommodations, pet vocal training, a professional in-studio recording session, a ride in a limo to the studio and a personalized CD case for your dog’s debut soundtrack.
Kitties snag a tag, bowl, bed, catnip, scratching pole, and a litter box complete with litter and pooper scooper.
It’s a Dog’s Life…
Your pooch gets away in style at The Ritz-Carlton in New York City, right on Central Park.
The Pampered Pet Package includes a luxurious stay in wrought-iron doggie beds, 22-karat gold-plated ID tags and home-baked dog treats.
You and your pet can borrow Burberry raincoats when it’s raining, natch.
Your Future Looks Ruff-tastic
The Provenance Hotels in Portland, Ore.; Tacoma, Wash.; Nashville, Tenn.; and Seattle all have luxury services for pets.
Aside from the pet beds, bowls, toys and treats delivered at check-in, the hotels also have groomers, dog walkers and vets on call.
Is Buster feeling achy after a long trip?
How about a massage?
Or acupuncture?
You can also take your little buddy to a pet psychic for a peek into his pampered future.
Can’t find what you were looking for in this list?
Don’t worry, there are plenty more pet-friendly hotels out there — a simple Google search will help you find the one that’s right for you.
Just remember: The key is to “look for a property that treats your pet as another member of your family, not as something to be tolerated,” says Seomin.
Amenities like spacious lawns and trails, dog walkers, pet sitters and provided bedding are a tip-off that your four-legged family member will enjoy the trip right along with you.
No matter how plush the digs you end up in are, be sure to bring along all your pet’s essentials (must-have toys, treats and air freshener), and your stay will be much more enjoyable and stress-free.
