Exclusive | Pet-friendly Travel Guide: Introduction & Resources

There are an increasing number of pet-friendly hotel and motel chains. But we want them to be gay-friendly and pet-friendly. You won?t be chasing your tail next time you want to know where to stay, play, eat, and meet when traveling with four-legged friends.

Boston
Chicago
Dallas
Miami
New York City
San Diego
San Francisco
Seattle
Vancouver, Canada
Washington, D.C.

BEWARE THOSE FEES
Some properties are specifically dog friendly, so make sure your accommodation accommodates all creatures before packing up cats, cougars, or crocodiles. Also keep in mind that there are often costs for bringing pets along. Pet fees and charges can run from $10 to $200, so call ahead and check. W Hotels, for instance, go all out providing treats, pet beds, and even pet concierge services, but charge $25 and a $100 cleaning fee for these services. Fairmont and Ritz Carlton charge similarly hefty amounts and deposits.

TOP PET-FRIENDLY STAYS
Our top choice for pet-friendly hotel companies is Kimpton Hotels and Resorts. Gay-friendly Kimpton hotels welcome all varieties of pet guests at the door, and many properties, such as Seattle?s Hotel Monaco offer pet food and spa menus, and fact sheets on local dog parks, pet stores, and city-specific information on regulations and transport with your pet. Gay pet owners can only hope that Kimpton?s incredibly gay-friendly and pet-friendly efforts will revolutionize travels for those of us with Toto and Co. in tow.

The latest hotel company to come out as pet-friendly is Hilton Hotels and Resorts. Hilton will dedicate rooms in each hotel in the Americas as pet friendly and equip them with upscale amenities and pet beds designed by famed pet photographer William Wegman. If your furry friend really loves them to bits, snap 'em up online at www.hiltontohome.com. The hotel brand will also offer a pet concierge service with information about local dog runs, veterinarian offices, and pet boutiques. We?re just relieved that Paris can now take Tinkerbell with her wherever she teeters.

RESOURCES
For listings of dog parks, campgrounds, beaches, dog-friendly attractions, in the U.S. and internationally, www.dogfriendly.com is an excellent resource.

Tips, blogs, and accommodation suggestions feature on www.petsonthego.com.

Check airline policies and hotels across the U.S. from Bellingham to Key West on www.bringfido.com.

Got a cat or dog that likes the high life? Call www.cruisecat.com and book berths on cruises for you both.

If you need some tips on traveling with cats, Cat Fanciers? Magazine has excellent advice.

READING
Paws and Reflect: A Special Bond Between Man and Dog (Alyson Books, sister company to The Out Traveler)
Paws and Reflect explores and celebrates the special and powerful bond between gay man and dog through twenty-five stories of personal experiences in this well-crafted collection. Touching, powerful, and often humorous, this is a must-read for all dog lovers.

Pet-friendly Travel Guides:
Boston
Chicago
Dallas
Miami
New York City
San Diego
San Francisco
Seattle
Vancouver, Canada
Washington, D.C.