For some of us, the thought of having to leave our pets behind while we travel – for business or for pleasure – can be heart breaking. Fortunately, there are plenty of pet friendly destinations and services, ranging from the budget friendly to the extravagant indulgences.
Below we’ll list a few pet-friendly hotels, and services to fit every budget, as well as pet friendly cities and beaches.
Also, follow this list on Foursquare.
Pet Friendly Hotels
Kimpton Hotels – United States
With over 50 locations across the United States, Kimpton Hotels offers a unique experience at each of it’s hotels. What earns them a spot on this list is their KimptonPets program, hosPETality, which offers various amenities and services for your pets “regardless of all size, weight, kind or breed”.
Amenities and services include gourmet pet treats, dog walking services, chew toys, cat scratch posts, and pet massages. The company also enlists the help of their canine ”Directors of Pet Relations” to offer suggestions for pet-friendly locations throughout the city, and other pet focused activities.
Traveling with your pet is made special, with an in room honor bar stocked with both human and pet treats, bedding, bowls, plastic bags (for walking your dog), pet toys, and a special menu for ordering pet essentials (leash, collars, etc.).
L’Ermitage – Beverly Hills, CA
For those looking for a luxury hotel while traveling with their pet, look no further than L’Ermitage Beverly Hills. Guests are welcome to bring one dog (under 40 lbs) per room for an additional daily charge.
Their pet amenities and services include a welcome cookie, plush doggie bed, pet bowls (and bottled water), as well as pet spa treatments.
For the human travelers, you can expect to find one of Beverly Hills’ finest luxury hotels just a short distance from the famous Rodeo Drive. L’Ermitage comes with complementary wi-fi internet access, marble bathrooms, large flat screen televisions, a private bar, and a state of the art spa and fitness center.
Affinia Hotels – Chicago, Washington D.C., NYC
At Affinia Hotels, their Jet Set Pets Program allows pets of all species to stay comfortably with their owners while in town.
Their pet services and amenities include dog walking/sitting, grooming, day care and boarding, training, gourmet cakes and cookies, pet taxi, pet psychic, in room food and water bowls, doggie sidewalk bags, and a pet spa service.
You can also request a list of local dog parks, and pet-friendly restaurants for you to dine with your furry friend.
Pet Friendly Towns and Cities
Long Beach, CA
With LA County’s only off-leash dog beach, Long Beach hosts several annual pet parades, doggie beauty contests, and the Most Beautiful Bulldog Competition. The beach is open daily all year, and has plenty of pet-friendly shops nearby.
Asheville, NC
With the support of local government, restaurants in Asheville are allowed to let patrons bring their pet cats and dogs while dining in outdoor areas. In addition to dining Fido, you can get off the beaten path and follow the leashed dog-friendly trails of Pisgah National Forest, or Rock State Park. Not a nature buff? Take a stroll along the 1.7 miles of Asheville’s Urban Trail, which highlights the history of the city.
Chicago, IL
Situated along Lake Michigan, Chicago has plenty to offer for your pet. There are over 18 miles of paved trails along the lake, as well as dog-friendly lake cruises. Navy Pier, “Chicago’s lakefront playground”, has plenty of rides, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and tours for you to enjoy while visiting the city. Better yet, Navy Pier is pet friendly in all of their outdoor common areas. Some area hotels and restaurants are also pet friendly – some even offering your dog a complementary dinner.
Austin, TX
The Live Music Capital of the World®, Austin has more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the nation. Perhaps even more impressive are the 11 off-leash areas for you to enjoy with your dog. The city also has plenty of pet-friendly things to do such as restaurants and businesses that will cater to your pooch, dog friendly horse drawn carriage rides, and doggie yoga (a.k.a. “Doga”).
Bar Harbor, ME
Nearby Acadia National Park boasts 125 miles of hiking trails, nearly all of which is pet friendly. Bar Harbor received national attention when the Obama family (including Bo) spent a summer vacation there back in 2010. The town offers visitors access to nearby dog-friendly windjammer cruises, off-leash dog parks, and pet friendly restaurants.
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