More and more pet owners are bringing their pets along during their business or leisure trips, and global hospitality leader Hilton is adapting two of its extended stay hotels to cater to their needs.
Home2 Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton have started introducing pet-friendly amenities for their guest’s animal companions, as reported by Forbes. Pets will be allowed in these hotels’ public areas and guest rooms, and both hotel brands will charge consistent pet fees per stay across all their locations across North America.
Hilton has partnered with Mars Petcare to implement a pet-focused digital pilot program in select hotels. The program is designed to offer guests complimentary assistance from pet experts via online chat or phone, including tips on how to help animal companions adjust to new environments while traveling. Guests can also learn about basic pet etiquette and what travel necessities they should pack for their pet, such as personalized puppy blankets, custom collapsible travel cups and bowls, or their fur baby’s favorite toys, to name a few.
Traveling with Pets Gaining Popularity Among Americans
A poll conducted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) found that, since the beginning of the global Covid-19 pandemic, 20 percent of Americans welcomed a new pet to their households. Additionally, a KRC Research survey found that 85 percent of pet parents had plans to travel within the next year or so, with over 60 percent of them intending to bring their fur babies along.
As the pet travel trend continues to grow, it’s a good idea for hotels to accommodate the needs of pet parents and their furry companions. A good start would be to provide custom dog beds, food and water bowls, dog treats, and other essentials to help their four-legged guests feel more at home. Hotels can also provide a printed map or a digital app with information on nearby pet parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and round-the-clock vet services for their human guests’ convenience and peace of mind.
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