Pets are four-legged family members, so it’s only natural to want to bring them on vacation. However, there is a distinct difference between a resort tolerating dogs versus actually being dog friendly. Booking at a dog friendly resort is crucial if you want your pup to have as much fun as you. Resorts that publicize their dog friendly status, offer pet services and amenities, are deliberately designed for dogs, and are truly dog friendly!
1. The Resort Features Their Dog Friendly Status
Dog friendly travel destinations are increasingly a priority for pet owners. Thankfully, dog friendly resorts are fairly easy to spot.
If a resort is truly dog friendly, you won’t ever be unsure if pets are allowed or have to call for clarification. Whereas the average resort does not advertise whether they allow pets, a dog friendly resort will heavily market this feature. It will often be clearly indicated on the home page of the website and dogs will make frequent appearances on the resort’s social media.
Dog friendly resorts are aware of the fact that pet owners may make up a significant portion of their customers. As such, they will make their dog friendly status as visible as possible, along with all of the amenities and services that cater to canines. Details on what pet perks are available and what restrictions apply, if any, will be easy to find on the website. The best dog friendly resorts will have no restrictions in terms of breed or size: all dogs will be welcome.
2. The Resort Offers Pet Services
Resorts and hotels that are dog friendly will do more than just welcome your pup: they’ll actually have services that cater to your dog’s needs. Most of the top-ranking dog friendly resorts offer services such as pet sitting and dog walking.
Many dog friendly resorts will also offer pet services that correspond to the resort’s biggest draws. For example, resorts with expansive spas may offer pet-friendly spa activities. Similarly, resorts that promote pool-side relaxation may offer lounge chairs for your pup or specific pools for dogs to play in. Whereas a resort that merely accepts dogs will expect you to leave your pup in the room, dog friendly resorts will ensure your dog has just as much fun as you do.
Dog friendly resorts also make it a priority to know how pet friendly the surrounding area is. The concierge or other staff will have ready suggestions for dog friendly restaurants, shops, parks, and beaches. They’ll also be able to list local pet friendly activities, such as hiking with your dog or visiting a dog friendly national park. This means that, ideally, your entire vacation can include your four-legged family members.
3. The Resort Offers Pet Amenities
Truly dog friendly resorts don’t just allow you to bring your pup: they actually cater to your canine and offer amenities catered to canines. Most dog friendly resorts include or offer dog bed(s), food and water bowls, and treats in every room. Extra amenities, such as toys and dog towels, may also be available depending on how luxurious the resort is. All of these amenities make resorts one of the best places to take your dog during the summer.
On the topic of price, some dog friendly resorts don’t charge extra fees for your dog at all. The average hotel or resort charges extra for dogs because more thorough cleaning is needed. The next guest may be allergic to dogs, so the resort needs to make sure all traces of the animal have been removed. But since dogs are a given at dog friendly resorts, the price model is often built from the start to incorporate considerations for deep cleaning.
4. The Resort is Designed for Dogs
A dog friendly resort will be designed with dogs in mind. One of the biggest concerns for pet owners is taking their dogs to the bathroom. Dog friendly resorts will have rooms available with easy access to doggy relief areas. The average resort will have limited lawn space, but a dog friendly resort will have larger grassy areas.
Besides bathroom spaces, dog friendly resorts will also have areas where you can exercise your dog. This may be a fenced in dog park, walking or jogging paths, or even an open space where well-behaved dogs can roam. The overall landscaping may also include more foliage or shrubbery for enrichment.
The rooms may also be larger at these resorts to allow for pet beds and space for larger breeds. Additional details that dog friendly resorts pay attention to may include restaurants with pet menus, floors with more traction, and even stations with complimentary dog treats and water. This careful attention to detail makes pet resorts one of the best ways to pamper your dog.
5. The Resort Has a “House Dog”
It’s commonplace to be greeted by a concierge, manager, or even front desk attendant when you enter a resort. At dog friendly resorts, you may be greeted by a four-legged equivalent in the form of a “house dog.” A “house dog” is a pup that works at the resort greeting guests and their furry companions. This canine concierge is an immediate, tangible sign that a resort caters to pets. “House dogs” also offer a friendly greeting and company for individuals who love animals, regardless of whether they brought their own pets.
