Doggone fun.

It’s true, Walt Disney World has gone to the dogs, but in a good way! Also, cats. LOL.

The good people at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida want your travels with Charlie to be as worry-free as possible. Enter, the pet resort (for the record, Disneyland does something different) where your furry friend can get pampered and attended to like royalty — something Disney knows a lot about.

The new 50.000 square foot Best Friends Pet Resort opens August 27, 2010, and they are already taking reservations for their air-conditioned rooms, “VIP” suites and private outdoor yards.  See? Pampered.

What, not enough? How about playgroups and ice cream socials. Yes, for the dogs.  And of course bedtime stories are available. Read More »

Did somebody say car ride?

If I learned anything from John Steinbeck it’s that there may be no better travel companion than a dog — and I don’t mean putting your dog in your purse and going to the supermarket. That’s not travel, that’s a cry for help. I’m talking a good ol’ road trip with a pooch that sits in the backseat with their tongue flapping out the window and their eyes on the prize (the prize in this scenario being adventure). A good dog is a trusted friend, a faithful guardian and the perfect road trip pillow. Dogs are family.

Which makes it hard to leave them behind on family vacations… but what if you didn’t have to? Read More »

Let's go off leash!

You’ve heard it before, when traveling great distances by car it’s a good idea to stop and stretch now and again. Let the kids run around, get some coffee, lay in the cool grass – it’s common sense and it is important.  If you’re traveling with dogs you can go ahead and add a few exclamation points to that last part: it is important!!

Rest stops often have some sort of dog area, and that’s a nice touch.  However, if you really want to get Rover some exercise you may want to jump on your iPhone or the like (not while driving) and find an official dog park along your route.  Dog parks are popping up all over the place and like that perfect mix-tape they soothe the savage beasts – and the dogs. Read More »

From guest blogger Marsha Takeda-Morrison of Sweatpantsmom

In spite of the desperate pleas of my ten-year-old, we are not (yet) a dog family.  So it goes without saying that we haven’t had any occasion to find accommodations for man’s best friend while traveling, although I have plenty of friends who wouldn’t think of leaving home without Fido or Mr. Pugs.  I dedicate this post about finding pet-friendly lodging in Los Angeles to them.  Mostly out of admiration for their loyalty to their four-legged friends, but also in hopes that I’ll never have to hear the words, “Oops! Sorry about your couch.”

The first one that caught my eye is the Loews Hotel chain, because I read that they offer room service for pets.  I imagined a rawhide bone and a bowl of Alpo being delivered on a silver tray, and it doesn’t look like I was too far off the mark.  Here’s what their website says:

All pets receive their own gifts including a pet tag, bowl and a special treat to start their vacation. Owners receive a detailed brochure with information on hotel pet services — such as our Loews Loves Pets room service menu, local dog walking routes, and area pet services.

I’m curious as to what the “treat to start their vacation” might be, since the last time I checked most pets were always on vacation.

The Sofitel Hotel is also pet friendly, although their description is careful to say, “Pet Allowed” as in singular, not plural.  In other words, don’t show up with your sled and your 16 dogs on the way to the Iditarod.

If your pet is a hip scenester and likes to party like a rock star, then you’ll want to take him/her to the W Hotel in Westwood. How’s this for swank?  Their pet info page lists the following amenities:

• Custom W pet bed
• Food & water bowl with floor mat
• Pet-in-room door sign
• Special treat at Turndown

(Special treat at turndown?  Would that be a piece of mint-flavored kibble?)

I’ve seen celebrities there of the two-legged variety at the W, but I’ll bet your tabby would find some movie star feline to rub elbows with.  Your scratching post or mine?

You may bring Spot to the Four Points Sheraton Westside, but only if he’s been watching his little doggie waistline; they only allow pets up to 50 pounds.  Also, guests with pets are only allowed on the first level. So if you were hoping to slim down his paunch with some stair climbing, you’re out of luck.  Better stick to dogercise in your room, or better yet switch to Purina Lite a few days before your trip.

The Residence Inn in Burbank allows pets, and it appears most in the chain do as well. However, they do require a $100 non-refundable sanitation fee, which seems pretty steep; most hotels I’ve seen charge an average of $25 to $30 per night.  I guess the Residence Inn fee is only a bargain if you’re staying a few nights.  Otherwise it’ll cost you a paw and a leg. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

Photo: Stock.Xchng.com