Smart Travel: Hotel chains see profits from pampered pets

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Linda and Dr. Don Overend are principals in The Travel Group, a full-service travel agency.|ret||ret||tab|

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Americans love their pets. Now, more and more hotels and motels welcome pets when you travel, so you no longer have to leave Fido at home. |ret||ret||tab|

Upscale hotel chains are leading the way in this pet revolution. A survey by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the latest chain to enter the pet-friendly arena, found that 82 percent of respondents did not believe that upscale hotels allowed dogs to stay. In addition, 76 percent said they would be more loyal to a hotel or chain that accepted dogs.|ret||ret||tab|

Loews Hotels launched Loews Loves Pets in 2000, and the business has grown by 100 percent every year. Its no wonder, with the level of pampering provided at the chains 19 hotels. On arrival, guests get a note from the manager listing available pet services, recommended dog-walking routes, pet shops and pet-friendly restaurants. Pets get specialized bedding, a bag of treats, a toy, placemats with food and water bowls and a special do not disturb sign to warn housekeeping staff that an animal is in the room. There are equivalent arrangements for cats, too.|ret||ret||tab|

Kimpton Hotels and Resorts is one of the earliest pet-friendly programs, which started in 1981. In addition to provisions like Loews, they have a did you forget closet where owners can borrow leashes, kitty-litter boxes and the like, or a frisbee for walks in the park. The Topaz Hotel in Washington, D.C., allows dog owners to check out the video Non-Stop Kittens for the dogs entertainment and the Hotel Allegro includes a copy of the book Dog Massage.|ret||ret||tab|

Many hotels offer raincoats for dogs, with the hotel logo, that can be purchased. Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach sends a uniformed waiter with food and water bowls on a silver tray, then fills them up with Evian and dog bones. Some hotels limit doggie guests by weight, allowing only dogs under 15, 25 or 50 pounds, or charge a small fee for larger dogs.|ret||ret||tab|

All Sheraton, Westin and W Hotels in North America now accept dogs and some accept cats. There is no extra fee or deposit required except at some W Hotels. The Starwood LTD (Love That Dog) program even provides nifty bandannas and special hotel dog-tags in case a pooch gets lost. Almost all of the programs include concierge arrangements for dog-walking, grooming and pet sitting. |ret||ret||tab|

We havent mentioned all the hotels and chains that have arrangements for your pet, so if you plan to travel with a pet, be sure and inquire about pet status when you book a hotel or motel.|ret||ret||tab|

With American pets as pampered as they are, it is no wonder hotels have begun to cater to pet owners and their pets. Since being pet-friendly is increasing their occupancy rate, other hotel chains may well get on the dog-wagon and make their lodgings welcome to the much-beloved dogs and cats fortunate enough to travel with their families throughout the United States. |ret||ret||tab|

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