21 Dec 2022
Words Christine Retschlag Informer 105

In The Dog House

Once a phrase aligned with being in strife with someone, “in the dog house” has taken on a whole new meaning with the proliferation of pet-friendly accommodation around the country. Even more interesting, it’s not just dogs and cats which are being ushered through lush lobbies and sleeping in stylish suites. Christine Retschlag discovers when it comes to holidaying with your pet, it’s a jungle out there.

Not so long ago, a pair of alpacas flaunting their fur in the foyer of a luxury hotel would have raised eyebrows, but this was not the case when the Kimpton Margot Sydney opened earlier this year. Launching with the mantra “If it fits in the lift”, the Kimpton flung open its doors to all manner of pets, whether they were furry, feathery or scaly – bringing new meaning to the term lounge lizard. The pet policy was introduced by Bill Kimpton - who owned a miniature collie Chianti named after his favourite wine – and who recognised the bond between animals and humans. There’s even a Spotify Pet Playlist at this hotel. Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog anyone?

Adorable alpacas aside, it appears the trend to pack your pet has been gaining momentum for some time. In fact, The Langham Sydney claims to be the city’s first five-star hotel to introduce pet-friendly stays around five years ago. Director of Marketing & Communications Gemma Frayne says their love of pets dates back to the brand’s roots. When The Langham London opened in 1865, it invited “small dogs only” enabling the English capital’s aristocrats to bring their animals with them on their stay.

“The Langham was one of the first luxury hotel groups to promote and cater for pets, specifically dogs, and to have our signature Langham pink branded line of dog accessories which have become popular with our pooches,” she says. 

“We go a little bit further with dog packs which include a dog bed, collar, treats and bowl which their owners get to keep. We even serve a dog afternoon tea like a high tea with three-tiered plates of treats to their room. 

“We used to have a 20 kilogram limit on dogs but that’s since been removed, as long as the dog is well behaved and not huge. They are also not allowed in any of the dining spaces.”

Curiously, The Langham will consider all pets “within reason” including cats, rabbits, birds and even snakes “as long as it stays in the cage.”

“Around 80 per cent of the pets here are dogs and about 50 per cent of guests bring them,” Frayne says.

“Even if a guest is not a dog lover, they like the fact there’s dogs around the place. People can book their pets in for a pamper, dog sitting or even dog walking.

“We’ve become a bit of a benchmark for pet stays. We’ve even had a dog wedding. Our pink dog bowls outside definitely make it clear that dogs are welcome.” 

Pet-friendly accommodation is a trend which has taken off faster than a cat up a tree all around the country. QT Hotels & Resorts around Australia offer a Pup Yeah! package which includes a decadent in-room dog’s dinner menu, a pooch approved mini bar and designer bedding by Nice Digs.

Dogs, which must be under 20 kilograms here, can also indulge in a deluxe day spa package at selected QTs – provided by Hollywoof (no less) – which includes a mineral mud bath with mud harvested from the Dead Sea, followed by a warm massaging bath with shampoo and conditioner. There’s also a blueberry facial, “pawdicure” and mouth clean, and guests have the choice of a takehome cologne in their dog’s signature scent of coconut or baby powder.

The W Brisbane invites pets up to 18 kilograms under their VIP P.A.W (Pets are Welcome) Program which includes a custom pet bed, clean up bags, pet toys and treats, food and water bowls, local pet information, litter box and litter (for cats), “Pet in Room” door sign, wee pad, and locations on dog parks, dog runs and specialty pet stores.

Those who choose to holiday with their pets here are charged an additional free of $50 a day plus a non-refundable $150 cleaning fee.

And it’s not just high-end hotels who are welcoming pets, with motels such as the Bushmans Motor Inn in Parkes also a popular place for pups while the BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park has introduced a pool for pets. 

Pets have become top-of-mind in the rental space too, with new legislation in Queensland from October 1 preventing landlords from applying blanket bans on pets in rental properties. For those who operate Management Rights, this opens up a whole can of worms. Effectively, while individual landlords can approve a pet, the Body Corporate pet by-law can overrule this decision.

Perhaps the most interesting legislation when it comes to travelling with pets relates to the sky with Australia’s Civil Aviation Authority (ACAA) earlier this year making it legal for pets to travel inside the cabin of a plane.

But while the pet set may be ready to jet set, it appears Australian airlines are not quite ready, with all carriers to date dragging the chain – pardon the pun – on allowing our furry friends to join us sky high.

Which means for now at least, travelling with your pets will be restricted to drive holidays. Alpacas and all. END