Pet lovers have spoken and the world has listened. Not long ago, a google search on “Pet Friendly” did not amount to much. A smattering of mostly personal weblogs dominated one page of search results. IRL (In Real Life), pets were limited to boutiques and other specialty locations. Things have changed! Many businesses now proudly offer “pet friendly” amenities built within or around their products and services. Hotels, restaurants and other brick and mortars have warmed up to our furry companions by adding just about anything in a “pet friendly” flavor. But we at MyPetRelocation wanted to explore what it really means to be “Pet Friendly.” We feel the term is more than a marketing or advertising term. Last week’s very successful Blog Paws pet bloggers conference reaffirmed that there is much, much more to the burgeoning 45 billion dollar pet industry than a simple key word, term or label. There is also heart. And quite a lot of it.

“Pet friendly” is not “pet tolerant” and vice versa. The difference between the two can be subtle but they are not impossible to decipher. A brick and mortar that is pet friendly will usually have water bowls, accident stations, pet beds or crates and even pet specific menu items. But these material items are nothing without the emotional support a true pet-friendly business will ingrain within their customer service and management staff. Pet owners know all to well the feeling of not being wanted or supported when pets act like, well, animals.

Pet owners can sniff out the difference between “pet friendly” and “pet tolerant” businesses. They’ll use their collaborative voices and buying power to segment them and rate them. They are a lively bunch who group by species, breed and location and word spreads fast among them. It is important to note that pet lovers must take ownership of their overall experience by being a committed and responsible pet owner (Don’t be the bad apple to spoil the bunch!). Before that can take place, businesses must take the first step by enabling them the opportunity to truly enjoy their establishment alongside their fuzzy family members. The team at MyPetRelocation is extremely pleased to see more and more hospitality, travel and destination companies stepping up their “pet-friendly” game all the time!

We want to know, what makes a place “Pet Friendly?” What has been your best experience with a pet friendly establishment and why? Should the term be hyphenated?

Tell us a little bit about it and we may feature your thoughts on our Facebook Fan Page and send you a blue Pet Relocation “Be Social” tee shirt!!

We look forward to your thoughts!

Happy travels!

pet friendly · pet travel · pets