In France, small dogs have always been pampered and accepted just about anywhere their owner goes. That can now be extended to cities around the world and is especially true for hotels at the higher end of the market.

There are two main reasons for this. More and more customers want to have their dog with them to maximize the pleasure of the holidays. This is a huge market: About 62 million people in the United States have dogs, and 29 million of them take their dogs with them when they travel. The other factor is that many owners feel guilty about putting their dog in kennels. All of this reflects the way that dogs are now seen much more as part of the family, rather than a mother pet.

CALCULATING NUMBERS

A survey on behalf of a hotel chain turned up some surprising findings. 76% of respondents said they would show more loyalty to a hotel chain that was prepared to house their dogs, even if they weren’t bringing their dog on vacation! 16% admitted that, at one time or another, they had smuggled their dog into a hotel that didn’t accept pets!

WHAT CAN MY DOG EXPECT FROM A HOTEL?

Most dog-friendly hotels offer basic services like food and water. Others add nice touches like a gift on arrival and personalized name tags. The more expensive the hotel, the more luxuries your dog can enjoy. You will be provided with toys, leashes and collars, poop scoops, and even videos for your dog to watch.

Dogs can now get organic rotisserie chicken and Aberdeen Angus steaks from room service. Some hotels offer dog foods that have been developed with the help of a veterinarian, especially to help your dog deal with the stress of travel! The hotel concierge will arrange dog walkers and a pet sitter, if you plan to spend some time away from your dog. One of the most amazing things offered in a pampered dog package is the use of a “dog translator” so guests can better communicate with their canines!

DOGS LOVE GROOMING!

If you opt for a relaxing pedicure, your dog can lie down next to you and have one too. Beauty salons in hotels are becoming more and more popular. Why not treat your pampered pooch with some highlights, lowlights, or French braids? Dental cleaning and massages are also offered.

THE TOP TEN DOG-FRIENDLY CITIES IN THE US AND CANADA ARE:

1. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

2. San Francisco, Calif.

3. Chicago, Illinois

4.Boston, MA

5.Austin, Texas

6. Seattle, Washington

7. New York City

8. Long Beach, Los Angeles

9. St. Louis, Missouri

10. Northern Virginia – Washington DC Area

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT

Here’s a quick rundown of what your dog could get in a luxury hotel stay in the Big Apple:

* Personalized 22 karat gold plated dog tag

* Spritz treatments for the dog’s coat in a selection of aromatherapy fragrances

*Deluxe bone dog pillow

* Homemade dog biscuits and treats

* 300 thread count sheets on a special mattress for dogs

* Room service for dogs offering appetizers, entrees and desserts

Hotels can’t control the weather, but they can make life more bearable for your dog with the loan of a trench coat (raincoat, of course!), a leather jacket or, if it’s cold, a cashmere sweater. It’s a dog’s life…