PET TRAVEL
similar — and branded — items via an on-site retail outlet .
As part of Sonesta ’ s PAWS program , amenities are primarily tailored for dogs , noted Hattingh . “ In all our lobbies , we have water bowls and treat jars and pets are given a welcome letter explaining local amenities . We have waste-bag stations outside of our hotel entrances . Dogs are given an in-room water bowl , waterproof mat and dog bed ( in full-service hotels ),” she said , adding , “ We have toys and snacks available for purchase in our retail markets along with necessities that might have been forgotten , such as a leash or waste bags . Our [ PAWS-branded ] products are available for sale should guests like to take them home .”
In terms of revenue generation , Hattingh said the pet retail space does well , selling mainly dog items , such as squeaky toys and tennis balls . “ However , each hotel is able to have its own selection of products so it varies from hotel to hotel ,” she said .
At the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa , leadership is busy building up its pet amenities offerings for dogs . “ We understand that pets are cherished members of the family , and we are thrilled to offer exclusive amenities to make their stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible ,” said GM Mirza . The hotel has complimentary pet beds , dog bowls and more available upon request , which are also available for purpose .
That ’ s if the dogs want to leave after they ’ ve gotten a taste of chef-crafted F & B items . “ Pets are given freshly baked flavored [ dog biscuits ] on arrival , can enjoy seasonal pet-friendly mocktails and savor a variety of gourmet meals and snacks for purchase from the hotel ’ s JW Pup Menu , specially crafted by the property ’ s Executive Chef Eric Theiss ,” said Binder . These items include resort-made cookie bones , a cup of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream , scrambled eggs and bacon , grilled hot dog with brown rice and veggies and chicken breasts , among other items . “ Food can be enjoyed via in-room dining or at the Rockwood Grill patio ,” she added .
The resort ’ s Spa Boutique currently is selling pet items , including dog collars , lavender dog blankets and other pet trinkets . “ We are still developing the pet-amenity program so I am certain our inventory will grow ,” said Binder , noting activities for pups also are under consideration .
There ’ s currently no amenities package for pets at My Place properties ; however , said Thomas , “ Pet food options and bowls are available for purchase from the My Store kiosk located in every My Place Hotel lobby .”
He added in terms of capturing market share , the company actively optimizes its website and purchases relevant search keywords to drive prospective pet-parent travelers to its website . “ We are always exploring interesting marketing partnerships that can create more awareness of My Place Hotels and our pet-friendly policy ,” he said .
PET PREP
Traveling with pets may be a joy , but things can go astray , fast . Veterinarian Dr . Mat Glassman believes hoteliers also need to be prepared for when things go sideways with pet guests .
“ Say I was vacationing with my dogs and they got into my heart medication or something on a trip 1,000 miles from home . If the front desk was like , ‘ Here ,
Dr . Mat Glassman is the founder of the Dr . Cuddles pet-care brand .
give your dog this and let ’ s get you to the nearest [ pet ] hospital ,’ I would never stay anywhere else … Someone helps me save their lives I ’ m in debt to them forever ,” said Glassman .
With this in mind — and encouraged by several lodging industry friends — Glassman ’ s mission over the past six months has been to heighten awareness about hygiene , wellness and emergency products that could supplement hotel pet-program offerings . “ From a business perspective , hotels really want to convey care and value , because anyone can sleep anywhere . I felt this would be a great synergy for hotels that have guests who clearly love their pets since they ’ re choosing to travel with them ,” said Glassman .
Glassman has been retailing such products for consumers for use at home for the past five years since founding Dr . Cuddles , an online pet-care company that works “ to empower pet parents .” ( Not to be confused with the Los Angeles-based human-therapy website .) Dr . Cuddles ’ products include brushes , ear care , eye flush , wound care , a bubble shampoo , biodegradable / compostable poop bags and dry shampoo . “ The dry shampoo really works for travel ; nobody wants to bathe their dog while they ’ re on vacation ,” he said . There ’ s also a dental spray that freshens pet breath and helps prevent calculus , tartar and tooth decay , he said .
The doctor is most proud of the emergency products , such as a first-aid kit and the trademarked ReadyRESCUE , a first-response emergency detoxifier for dogs and cats , which , through activated carbon spheres , works to absorb toxins before a pet ’ s body does , reducing the severity of clinical signs that typically come with intoxication and can buy critical time for pets before needing to visit a vet , if they do . A dose is poured into a bowl , mixed with a bit of pet food , peanut butter or water and set out for the pet to eat . Five percent of proceeds are donated to rescueanimal medical care , including surgeries and supplies .
“ Everything I ’ ve been doing right now has been to try to get ReadyRESCUE in every home that has a pet , because it just makes sense ; like a fire extinguisher . It ’ s the same for hotels that allow pets ,” he said .
30 hotelsmag . com September 2024