PET Ask our Pet Travel Specialists about travel WITH - or WITHOUT - your pet! Dog Friendly Accommodations - Richmond / Virginia
Beach / Williamsburg TIPS FOR AIR TRAVEL WITH ANIMALS According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), animals should be carried in the passenger cabin of airplanes. If circumstances arise that cause the animal to fly in the cargo section, PETA offered the following tips to help keep pets safe and healthy: Choose a
direct, nonstop flight. Ask a veterinarian about tranquilizing the animal. Stop giving the animal food and water six hours before the flight, but put ice cubes in the water dish. Give dogs a
small amount of water and a brisk walk right before boarding. Make sure the kennel is secure, with plenty of ventilation, a ridge around the outside so air holes can't be blocked and a "Live Animal" sign and a "This End Up" sign with arrows on its side and top. Upon landing, claim the animal immediately. KIMPTON GROUP HOTELS WELCOMES PETS Hotels are going to the dogs. At Kimpton properties, like Denver's Monaco. Fido stays FREE; The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael's Maryland, has osso buco on its mutt menu; Vancouver's Sutton Place Hotel serves pets seared tuna with caviar. In addition, each of the following properties in the Kimpton Group is making traveling convenient for pet owners by offering a variety of pet-friendly packages and policies: Alexis Hotel,
Seattle
The EDGEWATER HOTEL in Seattle is offering a package for travelers who bring pets on vacations. It includes 1 night's accommodations, a 'Three Dog Bakery Munch Box' for the pet, an autographed copy of Amazing Gracie: A Dog's Tale, and a $25 donation in your name to the Gracie Foundation. Rates start at $249 double.
The REGENCY on the Upper East Side offers dog walkers, gourmet dog biscuits, and a special room service menu for dogs that includes salmon fillet and beef tenderloin (starting at $269 a night for two people). NOVOTEL, in Midtown skips the frills, but is more affordable (starting at $199). A
"TROPICOOL" DOG'S LIFE IN MIAMI Maybe the issue isn't heat or things to do... maybe you won't go anywhere without your beloved pet. Not to worry! Two Miami hotels have carved a mini-niche for themselves as pet-friendly havens in the Magic City, offering pooches a place to stay and pampering pleasures of their own. The Bark If You Love Mayfair package at the MAYFAIR HOUSE HOTEL comes with a plush doggie bed and an in-room amenity package that includes gourmet dog biscuits, a rawhide bone, and chilled Doggy ChampPagne (spring water). But that's not all. A doggie room service menu has a wealth of selections, from snacks up to four-course meals. Along with six types of dog food, there is goose liver pate and "Doggie Burgers". Package prices start at $215 per night. Dogs aren't the only ones catered to with the Loews Loves Pets program, available at the upscale LOEWS MIAMI BEACH RESORT on Miami's South Beach. Cats and dogs of any size are welcome at the hotel, where their owners can pamper them with pet room service meals approved by a licensed veterinarian - including vegetarian entrees for the health-conscious. A note from the general manager informs pet owners of local dog-walking routes and area pet services. Animals get lace mats with food and water bowls, toys and treats. If guests need help the concierge can arrange for walks, and the Loews "Did You Forget?" closet can supply beds, leashes, collars, and toys. |
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BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIF. This popular resort area in the San Bernadino Mountains about two hours east of downtown Los Angeles "has one of the largest ratios of pet-friendly lodgings in the country", with dozens of possibilities from motels to private-home rentals. Don't miss the Alpine Pedal Path, a walking and biking trail that skirts the lake's forested shoreline. |
BUTCHART GARDENS, VICTORIA, B.C. "Dogs must keep owner on leash", warns a sign at this family-owned estate on British Columbia's Vancouver Island. The 60 acres of trees and gardens are a haven for wet, sniffing noses, and management even supplies water bowls and cleanup bags. |
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COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG, VA. Although you won't find any tail-wagging interpreters at this convincing re-creation of an 18th century town, and visiting dogs are banned from the historic buildings, still, they can join their owners on shuttle buses and on strolls through such magnets as Market Square and Duke of Gloucester Street. The surrounding area boasts "plenty of pet-friendly lodgings and campgrounds". |
DOG SCOUTS OF AMERICA At this summer camp in northern Michigan, four-legged scouts can earn merit badges in such fields as water safety, obedience and agility, or simply explore the 80-acre grounds (with their owners) in unleashed freedom. No breed discrimination here: "Even a Chihuahua earned a badge in backpacking". |
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DOLLYWOOD, PIGEON FORGE, TENN. This Smoky Mountains attraction about 35 miles southeast of Knoxville is famous for more than its namesake, Dolly Parton. "While many amusement parks have kennel facilities (including the Disney parks, most Six Flags, Busch Gardens and Universal Studios), Dollywood allows you to take your pet in the park and theaters" and on a 5-mile train ride through the surrounding countryside. Dogs must be leashed and aren't permitted on most rides or in the park's restaurants. |
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, FLA. Like other national parks, the Everglades bans pets beyond campgrounds and parking areas. But "if you'd like to get your dog a little deeper into the park, you can rent a canoe or motor skiff" at the Flamingo Lodge, Marina and Outpost Resort, which welcomes both people and pets (up to 40 pounds) and offers the only accommodations within the park. |
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HILTON HEAD, S.C. It may be the off-season for families, but Labor Day through Memorial Day is prime time for pooches on the beaches of Hilton Head Island. (In summer, they're allowed on the sand only before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.) Dogs are also welcome on the island's numerous bike paths, and "rental agencies can book your stay at a pet-friendly apartment". |
NEW YORK CITY RESTAURANTS It's not Paris, where pampered pets routinely scarf pate alongside their owners at the finest eateries. But while health codes prohibit animals inside Big Apple restaurants, "they can enjoy great meals at many of the city's outdoor cafes". At Cafe Giardinetto on East 40th Street, "your dog can feast on grilled chicken, grilled ham and, of course, dog biscuits". And at trendy Pastis on 9th Avenue, canines are served water in size-appropriate bowls. |
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STOWE, VT. Before the snow flies, dogs are welcome on Stowe's gondola and the trails on 4,395-foot Mount Mansfield, the state's highest peak. They're banned from the slopes during the winter, but "you can hike off-leash on a Quiet Path off Weeks Hill Road, or in the Wiessner Woods". |
WASHINGTON, D.C. "They may not be allowed to run for office, but dogs can run on the Mall from the Capitol to the Washington Monument". And though they're officially restricted to leashes, "we've seen many dogs off-leash playing Frisbee with their owners". In nearby Alexandria, Va., the Holiday Inn Select Old Town hosts weekly doggie happy hours, and several businesses supply free treats to furry visitors. |
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| Dog
Friendly.com's Travel Guide for Dogs of All Sizes - www.dogfriendly.com
Covers hotels, attractions, boat rides, museums, observatories and stores that allow dogs of almost any size to visit or stay in their establishments. There also are events listed that are only for animals such as the Happy Tails Walk for Homeless Animals in Phoenix and the Bark in the Park Festival in Dublin, Ohio. |
Pets
Welcome.com - www.petswelcome.com Find which hotels allow pets to accompany guests. Includes Canada and France as well. Provides lists of ski resorts, campgrounds, beaches, bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals that allow pets. Features information on emergency medical attention that may be needed when traveling with animals as well as tips on kennels and air travel with pets. |
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| Take Your Pet.com - www.takeyourpet.com This is basically a membership site to subscribe to a pet travel newsletter online (the subscription fee is only $1.95). The newsletter provides more than 20,000 pet-friendly properties as well as the names of thousands of animal hospitals, shelters, groomers, kennels, sitting services and veterinarians. |
Pet Vacations.com - www.petvacations.com This is a fun Web site that greets users with a bark when it comes on screen. The site offers information on accommodations and animal clinics/veterinarians (plug in the city and state), travel stories, and even a pet photo gallery. It is a limited site, but more choices are added monthly. (And we like the sound of the page!) |
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(Now travelers don't have to fret when leaving a pet home alone!) Incentive Media has produced a set of three CDs of calming music for pets, which retails for $19.99. Pet Music is a blend of soft instrumental music and nature sounds, developed specifically to help alleviate pet stress and separation anxiety. The CD set is available at pet and gift retailers and through mail-order catalogs and Internet merchants such as www.pets.com If
your pet wants a vacation while you're on yours... |
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West End DIRECTIONS:Take I-295 to Staples Mill Road (Rt. 33 East), turn left at the first stoplight onto Mountain Road. Travel approximately 1/4 mile, Holiday Barn is on the left. HOURS |
South Side DIRECTIONS: Off Midlothian Turnpike just 1/4 mile east of Chesterfield Towne Center. Turn onto Southlake Blvd. and Holiday Barn is the third building on the right. HOURS |
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| HOLIDAY BARN PET RESORTS have been a favorite
vacation venue for Richmond pets for over a quarter of a century. All
pets, from country hound dawgs to cosmopolitan cats, agree that Holiday Barn is a
unique mix of traditional southern hospitality and playfulness! Combined with spacious
accommodations, lots of personal attention, delicious food, spa treatments and a busy
activity schedule, Holiday Barn is destined to keep tails waggin’ and motors
purrin’ year after year! New this year, Holiday Barn's Camp Holiday Barn is an action-packed program which will keep your dog busy and happy all day. Your dog will receive lots of exercise and attention from our camp counselors. And you can pursue your career and activities without feeling guilty about leaving your dog home alone. Also new this year, Holiday Barn offers Deluxe Accomodation Suites for dogs and cats. Just imagine walking down a peaceful corridor with fluffy cloud wallpaper and baroque music. You enter a suite that is beautifully appointed with decorator wallpaper, chandelier, fine art and a bed - Dog Suites have color television and Cat Suites have fish aquariums. A cool drink is waiting. Amenities available include hair styling, pedicures, snacks, swimming and aerobics. And then you remember that you are at Holiday Barn Pet Resorts and this is all for your dog! We think that, at times, you and your
pet will agree that you may want separate vacations Many pet stores carry some kind of doggy wear - and you can always fashion your own - but the Web's huge selection of canine couture most likely would make "Blonde's" Elle Woods drool. If Bruiser were to purchase his duds off the rack, we're sure he'd check out... |
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| www.pet-bandanas.com/: Arf Scarves (from $725) is a collection of bandanas for all seasons. Choose from about 75 designs that look tied on but actually close with Velcro so Fido won't get caught on stray branches. | www.grobiz.com/: The Summer Collection features overalls with short-sleeve striped T;s starting at $23.95. The Hawaiian shirt (from $20.95) and two-piece skirted bathing suit (from $19.95). Made from leather-like vinyl so Butch won't think his outfit's a chew toy. | ||
| www.westelcom.com/users/kramer/: Who couldn't use a blaze orange fleece-n-nylon Varmint Garment? Great for long stretches of outdoor time (from $55). | www.ankhu.com/: Your dog will feel just as at ease watching the opera in his faux fur coat (from $30.95) as your dawg does rapping to 50 Cents' latest in his hooded gray sweatsuit (from $14.95). | ||
| www.k-9outfitters.com: For formal canine occasions, consider an elegant black and white, red and white, or plaid bow tie (from $12.95). | www.rhinestonedogcollars.net/index.html: Then you've got your super-formal dos where Fifi's trying to keep up with the Boneses. Check out the Crystal Waterfall ($21.95), 11 rhinestone strands hanging from a 3/8-inch rhinestone-covered collar. Woof! | ||
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DOG-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS |
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| HOTEL | RESTRICTIONS | ALLOWED IN ROOM? | CHARGES |
| Residence
Inn 2121 Dickens Rd. 804-2285-8200 |
none
|
yes | $50 -1 time cleaning fee |
| Richmond
Days Inn 1600 Robin Hood Rd. 804-282-1287 |
under 10 lbs. | yes | $5 per night |
| Days
Inn 2100 Dickens Rd. 804-282-3300 |
under 50 lbs. | yes | $5 per night |
| Wyndham
Garden 4700 S. Laburnum Ave. 804-560-1566 |
under
50 lbs. (no room service if dog is inside) |
yes | $50 - a time fee |
| Amerisuites 201 Arboretum Pl. 804-560-1566 |
under 30 lbs. | yes | none |
| Econolodge 2125 Willis Rd. 804-359-9441 |
under 50 lbs. | yes | $25 - 1 time charge |
| Howard
Johnson Hotel 2401 W. Hundred Rd. 804-745-7100 |
none | yes | none |
| La
Quinta Inn 6910 Midlothian Turnpike 804-745-7100 |
under 30 lbs. | yes | none |
| Travelodge 5221 Brook Rd. 804-261-6887for |
none | yes | none |
| Jefferson
Hotel 101 West Franklin St. 804-788-8000 |
well behaved/leashed in all public areas | yes | $35 per pet per night (they get royal treatment) |
| Motel
6 100 Gresham Wood 804-745-0600 |
1 well behaved pet per guest | yes | none |
| Red
Roof Inn 4350 Commerce Rd. 804-271-7240 |
not over 40 lbs. | yes | none |
| HOTEL | RESTRICTIONS | ALLOWED IN ROOM? | CHARGES |
| Days
Inn Oceanfront and 32nd Ave. 757-428-7233 |
none
|
yes | $15 per night |
| Ramada
Plaza Resort 5700 Atlantic Ave. 757-428-7025 |
Pet room availability | yes | $10 per night |
| Red
Roof Inn 196 Ballard Ct. 757-490-0225 |
under 80 lbs. | yes | no |
| Thunderbird
Motel 3410 Atlantic Ave. 757-428-3024 |
under 25 lbs. | yes | $15 per night |
| Days
Inn VA Beach Expressway 4600 Bonney Rd. 757-497-6620 |
none | yes | $10 per night |
| Econolodge
Expressway 3637 Bonney Rd. 757-497-6620 |
No more than 20 lbs. | yes | $20 deposit |
| La
Quinta Inn VA Beach 192 Newton Rd. 757-497-6620 |
none | yes | none |
| Ramada
Inn Airport 5725 North Hampton Blvd. 757-464-9351 |
Upto 100 lbs. | yes | $25 one time fee |
| Executive
Inn 717 S. Military Highway 757-420-2120 |
none | yes | |
| HOTEL | RESTRICTIONS | ALLOWED IN ROOM? | CHARGES |
| Best
Western Patrick Henry Inn 1600 Robin Hood Rd. 804-282-1287 |
under 10 lbs. | yes | $15 - one time fee |
| Clarion
Hotel 2100 Dickens Rd. 804-282-3300 |
under 40 lbs. | yes | $10 - one time fee |
| Holiday
Inn 4700 S. Laburnum Ave. 804-560-1566 |
small dogs | yes | $10 per night |
| Quarterpath
Inn 201 Arboretum Pl. 804-560-1566 |
medium size dogs | yes | none |
| Red
Roof Inn 2125 Willis Rd. 804-359-9441 |
up to 70 lbs. in certain rooms | yes | $10 per night |
| Thomas
Jefferson Inn 2401 W. Hundred Rd. 804-745-7100 |
none | yes | $10 per night |
| Super
8 Motel 6910 Midlothian Turnpike 804-745-7100 |
Big/great Danes! (no room service if dog is inside) | yes | $10 per night |
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DOG-GONE GOOD PET TRAVEL SPECIALS!
AT THE REGENCY At the REGENCY HOTEL, LOEWS HOTELS' 341-room flagship property on Park Avenue in New York, families - and their pets - are staying more often and staying longer. Loews showers pooches and youngsters with a variety of goodies,including their own menus, gifts at check-in, activities, turndown services and room-service items. Children, in fact, have Kaptain Kid, their very own concierge who often plays soccer in the hallways, bakes cookies in the kitchen and tells them bedtime stories. Kids under age 18 say FREE when sharing a room with their parents; special discounts are available for second, adjoining rooms. Meanwhile, pet owners are given a Puppy Pager at check-in so the hotel staff can contact them if a problem arises with the pet while the owner is out of the hotel. Promotional rates range from $295 per room, per night, double, to $335. The hotel has also geared many of its in-room amenities and service features to the business and corporate travelers. Each room is equipped with an in-room safe; a large writing desk with an ergonomically correct leather chair; a minibar; a kitchenette with a microwave and a refrigerator (in select rooms); digital, two-line telephones with custom voice mail, caller ID and teleconferencing; an entertainment system; high-speed Internet access and a dataport; and cable TV with pay-per-view movies. The Regency's boardrooms; its ballroom, which can hold up to 200 people for a reception; and its 540 Park Avenue restaurant are also attractive features for these travelers. PAMPERING PETS PACKAGE PET LOVERS: Did you know you can now share a Las Vegas vacation with your favorite furry friend? A new partnership between Vegas.com and the AMERICAN DOG AND CAT HOTEL now allows for Internet bookings of its pet suites. The hotel is offering private pet suites with color television; a free-range area like a pet playroom equipped with toys, soothing music and dog-friendly videos such as 101 Dalmatians and Lassie. Pets can either be dropped off at the hotel, which is located near the Strip, or picked up by the American Dog and Cat Hotel's staff at your hotel or at the airport. Per night rates start at $49 for dogs and $29 for cats. Proceeds from the Vegas.com bookings go to The Animal Foundation, a nonprofit organization that operates the Lied Animal Shelter for the city of Las Vegas. 800-851-1703 or visit www.vegas.com VIRGIN ATLANTIC NEWS FLASH VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRWAYS is the first airline to carry cats and dogs from the USA into London Heathrow under the UK Government's new Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). The PETS, which only applies to cats and dogs, extends to all routes. Cats and dogs no longer have to be quarantined in the UK as long as they meet certain criteria: Fitted with a microchip as a proof of identity Vaccinated against rabies at least 6 months prior to travel Blood tested at a recognized laboratory Treated against ticks and tapeworms and issued with an official certificate of such treatment Issued with an official PETS certificate Enter or re-enter the UK on approved routes When traveling by air they move in an approved seated container The owner will need to complete a declaration of residency that the pet has not been outside any of the PETS qualifying countries in the previous 6 months. For
more information on the UK Pet Travel Program, |
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BARKING
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