Pet tolerant or pet welcoming: FIDO Friendly uncovers the reality
May 18, 2011 • Travel • Trends • Most Popular
Recently yours truly was invited to speak at the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau to a group of both well-established and newly growing businesses. What they had in common is the desire to become more pet friendly. Having traveled with dogs for 16 years and working for the leading magazine in dog travel, I rejoiced at the opportunity. What I shared with the group of executives applies also the readers of this blog and our magazine. Welcome my dog, make my dog feel special and customers are going to remember these special amenities and want to return.
I used to joke that my dog has better health insurance than me and his haircuts cost more, but it’s the truth and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
How many of you, when calling a hotel or facility to ask if they are pet friendly ask something like this, “Hi. Can you tell me if you allow pets?”
How many of you ask, “Hello, are you pet welcoming?”
What’s the difference?
Pet Tolerant: Allowing Fido the privilege to stay but without many amenities. I checked into a hotel once that said there were pet amenities. The carpet-less room was their featured amenity for pets. I never forgot that, in a negative way.
Pet Welcoming: Fido is treated like the family member he or she is. How so? Things like an in-room massage, spa robe, chic designer bowls, toys, towels, natural organic treats, Fido bed fold-down, offer of pet sitting, list of Fido-friendly events or activities, access to al fresco restaurant seating and/or doggie menus, provided doggie bowls, and of course, a free copy of FIDO Friendly. I never forget when businesses extend themselves to my dog. I return time and again.
More and more hotels, bed and breakfasts and businesses are becoming Fido welcoming and rolling out the red carpet to dogs. Even the mats so many of us place in front of our homes beckon “Welcome.” We want visitors to our home to instantly feel a friendly ambience long before entering. The same goes with the mindset of people spending their hard earned dollars at hotels that welcome dogs. We want to feel welcome.
Someone in the Pocono Mountain seminar group shared, “The economy is bad and people aren’t traveling with their pets, right?”
On the contrary, as the U.S. Census Bureau study of the retail segment of the economy showed 2009 down overall versus 2008, but the pet industry itself remained up yet again. Where most sectors are struggling to simply stay afloat, the pet industry is one of the fastest-growing with a projected 4.9% increase in spending to $47.74 billion in 2010.The Travel Industry Association of America says 78% of vacationing pets are dogs. FIDO Friendly is entering its 11th year and 50th issue.
Of course, travel also depends on budget. There is something for everyone’s budget, including glamping, which is glamorous camping for those who like the outdoors but not necessarily a sleeping bag. Check out our current issue for this fun trend. Our next issue features Bowser on a Budget, a new column, with lodging discounts for you and Fido. We always seek out a variety of locale, destinations and places to stay with dogs for every budget.
Wonder how popular pet travel is? Check out this Google search of “pet restraint travel.” As of this writing, there are 572,000 results. Companies like Bergan, Kurgo, and other big names are selling pet safety and restraint products with travel in mind. Where are all these dogs going??? They are traveling with their families.
Now in our eleventh year, FIDO Friendly has developed in-depth experience in Travel, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, and Fashion of the pet set. Each bimonthly issue of FIDO Friendly can be found at Borders, Barnes & Noble, Hastings, Safeway, newsstands, pet boutiques and Fido-friendly hotels nationwide. FIDO Friendly brings its readers valuable and entertaining information about health & wellness for their pets, the latest fashion trends, training, and destinations that roll out the red carpet for Fido. Each issue provides advice and motivating ideas on nutrition, buying a car with Fido in mind, creating healthy dog recipes, choosing holistic treats, dressing Fido to the K-9’s and finding the perfect weekend retreat.
The pet policy at Comfort Inn Ocean’s Edge in Belfast Maine stands out to me. According to the hotel’s website, “Dogs are welcome in this hotel. We’ve never had a dog that smoked in bed and set fire to the blankets. We’ve never had a dog who stole the towels, played the TV too loud or had a fight with his traveling companion. We’ve never had a dog who got drunk and broke up the furniture. So, if your dog can vouch for you, you’re welcome, too!”
