In my next life, I want to come back as a dog.
I’ll travel with my human via corporate jet, stay at five-star properties, enjoy a “peticure” and perhaps an aromatherapy bath and massage, lounge poolside and sip bottled water at the bar, chow down on gourmet burgers, and slumber on a therapeutic pillow.
Think I’m kidding? Pet travel is a boom industry, and accommodations are extending a welcoming paw. And not just for dogs. Consider this: when a traveling Busch Gardens menagerie checked in at Boston’s Langham Hotel, the anteater received a smoking room, because the windows open and it has, shall we say, a distinctive aroma; the mountain lions slumbered in a double, because they wouldn’t share a bed; and the flamingos were given a handicapped-accessible room with a mirrored floor so they could walk into the shower and think they were part of a flock. Compared with that, accommodating family pets—even horses—is a snap.
According to BringYourPet.com, a source for pet-friendly travel info, 77 percent of pet owners polled in 2007 traveled with their buddies. While a car is the most popular method of travel, the U.S. Department of Transportation reports that more than two million pets and other live animals are transported by air each year. Not all airlines accept pets, and those that do have differing policies regarding them. While those flying private jets can avoid the hassles, I discovered the costs and restrictions of flying with a pet when I flew to Chicago aboard United to retrieve a pup.
 Travels with Bernie
Some folks mark midlife by taking a lover. My husband acquired a pick-up truck. Me? I wanted a Leonberger, a big furry companionable dog, and I found one in Indiana, far from my Maine Coast home. With my decision to bring home Bernie, I entered the realm of traveling with a pet and Bernie earned his wings. I met the breeder at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, picked up the then 15-pound pup, and returned home the same day with him tucked safely under the seat in front of me. Now he’s too big to fly in the passenger compartment, and I’m unwilling to check him as cargo.
Still, I want bring Bernie along when I can, and accommodations are vying to outdo each other with amenities and services designed for pets and their credit card-carrying humans. While the rational part of me thinks we overindulge our pets and that many extravagances, such as pet massages and gourmet meals, are, well, the word ‘sinful’ comes to mind, I have to remind myself that flying halfway across the country to purchase a dog when so many linger and die in shelters wasn’t earning me any points in environmental or ethical heaven. So be it. Pets rule.
When it comes to traveling with Bernie, it’s not the extravagances I covet; it’s simply his company. Our first foray was an overnight at the Bear Mountain Inn (207-583-4404; www.bearmtninn.com), a lakefront bed-and-breakfast with a separate, pet-friendly cabin snugged amidst western Maine’s mountains in tiny—bordering on precious—Waterford. Less than an hour after I made the reservation, Bernie received a letter penned by the innkeeper’s dogs, Dakota and Cheyenne, detailing what would be provided and what was expected of him while visiting:
“Please insist that your human companions take you with them whenever they leave the inn’s property . . . your parents are responsible for any damage you may cause, so you’d better be on your best behavior . . . remember that not everyone loves us four-legged friends . . . please insist on being kept safe and sound on your leash while enjoying the outside property of the inn . . . do not leave your ‘you know what’ in the yard.”
 All reasonable requests, and when I read the letter aloud, Bernie thumped his tail in agreement. Although I had concerns about his behavior in a strange place, he was a model canine guest and gave the inn four paws up.
Encouraged, I began researching other possibilities. While our experience emphasized simple comforts, many hotels provide five-star services, not only for owners, but also for pets. Particularly pet-friendly hotel chains are Kimpton, Loews, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Fairmont, but many accommodations allow pets and provide special perks. Some even cater to Type A pets that demand new learning opportunities.
Those learning opportunities can extend to businesses, too. Because Boston Software Company’s employees all work virtually, it’s important that they gather periodically to meet on a more social level. “Many of us know each other’s dogs from conferences on the speaker phone,” says company president Sara McNeil, owner of a golden retriever named Jordan. “We would talk about our animals and what they were doing.” It seemed a natural fit to have a gathering that included pets, and they’ve done so twice at the pet-friendly Inn by the Sea, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine (see below).
“We only see each other twice a year, and bringing our pets is a way to break the ice,” McNeil says. “When dealing with each other on a business angle, we sometimes forget there’s a human on the other side.” Sitting on the inn’s lawn overlooking the ocean and watching the dogs play or walking them on the beach helps break down barriers.
Pawse for Thought: Purr-fect Lodging & Howling Good Times Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Long before pet travel became trendy, the Inn by the Sea welcomed four-legged companions. Always ahead of the curve, it was one of the first luxury properties to accept pets and to earn its green certification. Not content to rest on those laurels, however green, the oceanfront all-suites inn just completed a multi-million dollar renovation that added a full-service spa. Doggie divas can receive in-room massage and follow it with a gourmet room-service meal, perhaps complemented by a lobster-shaped treat. Doggie bags include homemade pet treats, Maine-made dog toys, and information on walking trails. Beach blankets are provided, and handouts detail the best local dog-walking trails and hours for the surrounding beaches. 800-888-4287; www.innbythesea.com
 The James Hotel, Chicago
Furry guests at The James Hotel can order room service from David Burke’s Primehouse restaurant: cats lick smoked salmon lollipops, while dogs chow down on steak tartare. At turndown, pets receive a carob truffle on their beds. Not to worry if it’s raining or snowing, The James will provide raincoats and galoshes for pets, or if it’s too inclement, walkers, day care, and even dog training are available. Of course, what most pets look forward to is an aromatherapy massage at the spa, followed by a swim in the indoor saltwater lap pool built especially for dogs, and perhaps, a “pawdicure.” 877-526-3755; www.jameshotels.com
FireSky Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona
My canine buddy Bosco visited me at Kimpton’s FireSky Resort to sample a treatment from the Jurlique Spa’s certified canine therapist (who knew!). The in-room choices included a facial, body treatment, dry bath, and even a couple’s massage—dog and owner. After a solo massage, Bosco perused a basket full of all-natural spa products and toys, chose a squeaky animal, and requested that I pop the Air Bud DVD into the TV, while he sprawled atop the bed. 800-528-7867; www.fireskyresort.com
Hotel Palomar, Washington, D.C.
Pooches on the “Reigning Cats and Dogs” package can schmooze around the three-tiered Bark Bar and nibble on snacks from The Dish, while their people unwind during the hotel’s evening wine hour, an image somewhat reminiscent of that dorm-room masterpiece “Dogs Playing Poker.” Other pet-pleasing possibilities include an in-room massage, thermo-regulating bed, and snug rug—remember, we’re talking dogs here, although one can assume the same are available for their bill-paying humans. Pets also receive a special tag, bowls, all-natural dog treats, and, yes, even bottled water. 877-866-3070; www.hotelpalomar-dc.com
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, Florida
In addition to lounging around, pets still trying to master behavior basics can enroll in petiquette classes taught by certified Humane Society instructors at the resort. 239-593-2000; www.ritzcarlton.co
 Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee
For overachievers, there are Loews Hotels. Pups participating in the Hounds of Music package at the Loews Vanderbilt receive a voice lesson, limo ride to a sound studio, and a professional recording session during which they cut a CD. After that, they unwind with massage and room-service meal. 800-336-3335; www.loewshotels.com
Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Coronado, California
For those that thrill to wallowing in mud, water, snow, or anything wet, there’s Su’Ruff Camp at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Dogs don either jams or a bandana for a one-hour surfing lesson (to quote Dave Barry, I’m not making this up) with the Coronado Surfing Academy at Dog Beach. Just in case they don’t absorb the nuances of the sport, they also receive a copy of The Dog’s Guide to Surfing. And afterward, a surf-and-turf (tenderloin and salmon) room service meal, of course. 800-815-6397; www.loewshotels.com
Loews Denver Hotel
Adventurous dogs burn calories along with excess energy during a two-hour guided hike with a personal trainer on the Outward Hound, at Loews Denver. Don’t worry about navigating busy city streets; limo transportation is provided. Fresh-baked, healthful treats keep hunger at bay during the hike, and after, dog and human can review the adventure via a web-based photo gallery. As a souvenir, pick from collapsible pet dishes, an H20 Frisbee, or travel bag with food and water carrier. Day care, group playtimes, supervised swims, and Reiki are all available for Loews’ VIPs (Very Important Pets). 800-345-9172; www.loewshotels.com
Hotel Gault, Montreal
Certified as pet-friendly by PetsCanStay.com, the Hotel Gault, a boutique property in Old Montreal, provides all the usual mod-cons and welcomes pets in the lobby, where they can dine with their owners, as well as in the library and bar. Small pets are even invited to sit on the furniture, atop a pet blanket. The Gault also recommends visiting Spa Bêtes VIP, with a pet bistro, boutique, spa services, and day care. 866-904-1616; www.hotelgault.com
 Fairmont Banff Springs, Chateau Lake Louise, & Jasper Park Lodge, Canadian Rockies
Banff’s castle-hotels treat four-legged guests like royalty. While they don’t provide fanciful extras, they do allow pets to join their humans on adventures ranging from cross-country skiing to whitewater rafting. Those with purse-sized pooches can carry their pets in front-carrier pouches or tow them behind a bike in a baby chariot. Also available are pet sitting and walking services, so guests can explore the national parks or hit the slopes for the day, and not worry about their critters. 800-257-7544; www.fairmont.com
Winvian, Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
A whinny for Winvian, which welcomes horses. While owners stay in private cottages, horses are lodged at neighboring Far Meadow Farm, where in addition to daily show grooming, they’re groomed and tacked prior to riding. Horse and rider participate in a one-hour private training session in Hunter, Jumper, Equitation, or pleasure riding, in addition to having access to farm trails. Available pampering services include bathing in a heated wash stall, special grooming services, and mane and tail shampooing and deep conditioning. 860-567-9600; www.winvian.com
Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana
The name alone, Resort at Paws Up, indicates the welcome pets receive at several of the esteemed property’s architect-designed, private homes. After a day of hiking or playing on the resort’s 37,000 acres of Montana wilderness, book a massage to ease tired paws. Long-term guests can arrange to bring and board their horses at the resort’s equestrian center, the largest privately owned one in the state. 800-473-0601, www.pawsup.com
Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
Travelers unable to bring along their own pooches can ease their loneliness by taking the hotel’s canine ambassador, a black lab named Miss Catie Copley, for a walk or run or simply engage in some heavy petting. 800-257-7544; www.fairmont.com. 
Pet on Board: Flying with a Pet in the Cabin
•Most commercial airlines charge for accompanying pets, and reservations are essential. If possible, book direct flights.
•Plan well in advance; make sure the animal meets the airline’s size and weight restrictions.
•Use an airline-approved animal carrier, and if possible acclimate the animal to it prior to flying.
•Secure in advance any necessary paperwork, such as a health certificate from a veterinarian. If traveling internationally, ask about quarantine restrictions.
•Check with airline about what additional supplies can be carried aboard: cleaning rags, plastic bags, toys, bowl, kibble, etc.
•Allow enough time between flights to recheck-in with the animal.
•When you board, try to tell a pilot and/or flight attendant that there is a pet on board.
•Upon boarding the flight, request a cup of ice. Use ice to keep your pet cool instead of water.
•Always confirm information with a live voice, and reconfirm frequently.
For more detailed information about flying with a pet, visit the Aviation Consumer Protection Division of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s web page covering transportation of live animals: http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/animals.htm.
Photo Captions:
Photo 1: For dogs, life's a beach at the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, photo courtesy of www.ogilviephoto.com.
Photo 2: A four-legged guest checks in at a Loews Hotel; although Loews Hotels provide Fido with his very own dog bed, their signature pillow top mattresses are too tempting for this furry traveler.
Photo 3: Pets are honored guests at the Hotel Palomar in Washington, D.C.
Photo 4: After a day at the beach, there’s no better place to relax than the Inn by the Sea, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Photo 5: Pampered pets at the Hotel Palomar in Washington, D.C., can join their families at the hotel’s evening wine hour.
Photo 6: Fifi might prefer privacy during her in-room massage at FireSky Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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