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Source: Vicki Gilhula. Northern Life.
Dog and cat owners don't think of their animals as pets. They're part of the family. And when they travel, they don't want to leave a beloved family member behind with friends or at a kennel. Some pets suffer kennel stress and separation anxiety.
Editor's dog Buddy makes friends easily.
Although it has welcomed animals since it opened 14 years ago in the heart of the theatre district, the Holiday Inn on King Street W. in Toronto recently began promoting its pet-friendly services. A couple of weeks ago, my dog Buddy and I spent a few enjoyable nights at the full-service hotel. The staff, from the front desk to doorman, were friendly. Having Buddy as a companion was also a nice way to meet fellow travellers who would often stop to pet him.
The Holiday Inn on King's Pets Friendly service is a good marketing tool. But the vice-president of operations and general manager of the hotel says there are practical reasons as well. Since people have been known to sneak pets into hotel rooms, now staff know where they are, says Marlin Keranen, a dog lover. Specific rooms in the hotel, usually near elevators, are designated as pet friendly. When a pet checks out, the room is given a rigorous cleaning and is disinfected, he says. Some hotels charge as much as $100 extra for a pet, Keranen says. At the Holiday Inn, pets stay free.
The Holiday Inn on King has premium-insured certification from Pets Can Stay Canada. The insurance covers those unexpected things that can happen when travelling with four-legged furry friends. As well, the pet is insured in case of health emergencies during its stay. Pets are given treats at the check-in desk, and pet owners are given welcome packages which include information about walking, groomers and veternarian services. There is also a map which shows the closest dog park. Room service will deliver hard and soft pet food to the room for $5 (plus taxes and tip). Leashes, toys, litter boxes and pet bedding are available for sale or to borrow at the front desk as are stoop and scoop bags.
Guests are given pet "do not disturb" doorknob hangers to alert cleaning staff. In my case, since Buddy has a baritone bark that can be intimidating, I asked the maid for clean towels and told her not to bother cleaning my room on the second day. Keranen says there has only been one complaint about pets in 14 years.
The Holiday Inn on King is planning a pet gala for the April 30 weekend. It will include a pet fashion show, a trade show with exhibitors of pet services such as gourmet food and spas, and a Sunday brunch.
More and more hotels and motels in Canada are allowing pets to check in with their owners, says Scott Beddall, assistant general manager for Pet Can Stay Canada, which is based in Victoria, B.C. Pet Can Stay has registered about 200 hotels that have met its standards, and the list is growing. Standards include providing guests information about local pet services, treats and leashes. As well, certified hotels must not give substandard rooms to pet owners, says Beddall.
Pet lovers can contact Pets Can Stay at 1-800-574-3121 for information about pet-friendly hotels across Canada. Staff can even book accommodations on request. Visit the website at www.petscanstay.ca. To book a stay at the Holiday Inn on King or inquire about weekend packages, phone (416) 599-4000.
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