Dog Friendly Brooklyn

Yesterday, TripAdvisor released the results of their survey of 1,200 U.S. travelers about their pet friendly travel habits. Some of the survey’s findings:

61% of pet-owners traveled with their pets in 2009

33% say they often bring their pets on trips

5% percent say they always bring their pets on trips (lucky pets!)

26% think of their pet as “an inseparable part of the family that goes everywhere (including vacation) with them”

14% believe that bringing their dog along is cheaper than using a kennel

44% of survey respondents who travel with their pets consider green space for walking pets as the most important characteristic of a pet-friendly hotel

The TripAdvisor team also released a list of the top ten pet friendly hotels in the U.S. based on travelers’ ratings. The #1 ranked hotel, the Hermitage in Nashville, TN, apparently won a “TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice” award and boasts a “Pampering Pet program, featuring treats upon check-in, cozy beds, and a menu of delicacies to satisfy animals’ appetites.” They also offer dog walking services, and can arrange for massage and hair styling, I mean grooming. The Hermitage has a $50 per night pet surcharge. I’ll try to keep that in mind next time I’m traveling through Tennessee….

As for New York City dog friendly hotels, the Affinia Dumont in midtown makes an appearance at #3 on the list. Their Jet Set Pets program includes the usual services (walking, grooming, etc.) plus “gourmet cakes and cookies for special occasions” and a pet psychic. Hmmmm…

TripAdvisor makes a point of noting that the Affinia Dumont’s restaurant is called the Barking Dog – cute yes, pet friendly, no.

The Affinia Dumont has a $25 pet surcharge per stay. Be sure to check out the other hotels on the Top Ten list!

(Photo courtesy of Affinia Dumont)