Discovering Joy
As someone who has grown up with dogs, my heart breaks every time I see my Golden Retriever Mengmeng looking sadly at me packing my luggage by the door. In the past, I had to leave it at pet shops during travels, which was torturous for both of us. Things are different now - with society's progress, traveling with pets has become increasingly convenient.
Thinking back to five years ago is frustrating. Back then, finding a pet-friendly hotel was nearly impossible. When calling to make reservations, the customer service response was always "We're very sorry, but we don't accept pets." If you did find a pet-friendly hotel, it was either in poor condition or ridiculously expensive. But things are truly different now - hotels of all tiers are paying attention to the pet market, from budget hotels to luxury resorts, all striving to create better experiences for our furry friends.
I remember last summer when I took Mengmeng to Sanya for vacation. On the hotel beach, I saw many pets playing joyfully. Some were chasing waves, others rolling in the sand, and some sunbathing with their owners. The scene almost moved me to tears because this was exactly the kind of vacation I had always dreamed of.
International Chains
When it comes to pet services at high-end hotels, I must praise The House Collective by Swire Hotels. As someone who frequently stays at hotels with dogs, I've experienced many properties in The House Collection. The pet services at The Opposite House Beijing are simply amazing - they not only provide special pet beds and dining ware but also prepare delicious pet treats. Most touching is that their room service staff are specially trained in pet interaction.
My experience at The Temple House Chengdu was even more impressive. The hotel's outdoor garden has a designated pet activity area and professional pet groomers. Once when Mengmeng had an upset stomach, the hotel immediately helped me contact a nearby vet and arranged special transportation - such thoughtful service was truly touching.
As for The Middle House Shanghai, they even offer special "Pet Afternoon Tea" service. You can enjoy afternoon tea with your pet on the terrace, with special nutritious snacks for dogs while owners enjoy delicious desserts and tea. Such high-quality parent-child time really makes one feel blessed.
The InterContinental Miami's pet services are also exceptional. They not only prepare pet beds and food bowls in the room but also provide pet-exclusive indoor play areas. Most special is that they prepare a welcome package for each pet, containing treats, toys, and beautiful pet tags. However, I should remind everyone that even within the same hotel group, pet policies may vary by region.
For instance, some hotels only accept small dogs, while others welcome large breeds too. Some charge a one-time cleaning fee, while others charge per day. So make sure to call and confirm beforehand to avoid complications. I learned this lesson when I took Mengmeng to a hotel, only to find out at arrival that they only accepted pets under 15kg, forcing us to frantically book another hotel.
Local Brands
In recent years, domestic hotel brands have also been pulling out all the stops with pet services. The New Century Hotel Group really knows how to please furry friends, providing pet-specific mattresses and dining utensils in guest rooms, with different sizes available based on the pet's build.
Huazhu Group's Blossom Hill and Atour Hotels perfectly combine Chinese traditional culture with pet-friendliness. Last year at a Blossom Hill property by West Lake in Hangzhou, they specially prepared a hanfu-style scarf with Mengmeng's name on it - absolutely adorable. Atour Hotels targets the young market, regularly hosting pet-themed parties for resident pets to socialize.
Narada Resort's pet services are also unique. They considered pet needs in their room design, using non-slip flooring and special pet shower facilities in bathrooms. Most thoughtfully, they offer pet photography services to help capture precious moments with your furry friend.
The Aranya Kennel Hotel is absolutely the most dedicated pet hotel I've seen. The entire hotel concept revolves around "human-pet coexistence." Rooms use eco-friendly materials for safety and comfort; outdoors feature dedicated pet pools and training grounds; restaurants offer customized fresh pet food service. Most touching is that their staff are professionally trained in pet behavior, able to accurately understand and respond to pets' needs.
Speaking of pet-friendly hotels in the Yangtze River Delta region, Shanghai Sun Island Resort sets the standard. They have special pet-themed rooms equipped with pet entertainment facilities. You can often see pets playing chase on the hotel lawn - such heartwarming scenes. The Hyatt on the Bund in Chongming perfectly combines pet-friendliness with eco-tourism - you can walk your dog in the wetland park and experience nature's beauty.
The Banyan Tree Anji's pet services are also very thoughtful. They not only allow pets but also provide specialized pet massage services. Once when Mengmeng had an oil massage there, it fell asleep from comfort. Most special is how they adjust pet services according to seasons, with indoor cooling activities in summer and warming facilities in winter.
Domestic Attractions
Domestic scenic spots are becoming more open now too. In Jiangsu, famous attractions like Nanjing Presidential Palace, Confucius Temple, and Xuanwu Lake Park all allow pets. Suzhou's garden attractions are also friendly, though they might restrict large dogs during peak season, but overall they're quite accommodating. Last year when I took Mengmeng to the Humble Administrator's Garden, its contemplative pose by the rockery was absolutely adorable.
Some Sichuan attractions are even more surprising. The Shenmu Lei Forest Park is a dog-walking paradise with wide paths, fresh air, and beautiful scenery that both humans and dogs can't tear themselves away from. Leibo Ma Lake's waterfront scenery is also perfect for dog walks, especially at dusk when you can stroll by the lake with your pet watching the sunset - it's truly beautiful.
The Mali Lengjiu Scenic Area is a lesser-known but excellent choice. With fewer tourists and a serene environment, it's perfect for relaxing with your dog. Last time we went, Mengmeng was more excited than a child playing on the grass.
As for Shanghai BFC, it's an urban dog-walking paradise. They not only have designated pet activity areas in public spaces but also regularly host pet-themed events. Best of all, businesses here welcome pets, with many restaurants and cafes having special pet areas. You can enjoy coffee while watching your dog play on the terrace, experiencing leisurely urban life.
I remember attending a pet carnival there once - it was absolutely fantastic. There were professional booths for pet grooming and training, plus many fun interactive games. The funniest was the dog obstacle course, watching different breeds navigate obstacles - some as agile as athletes, others hilariously clumsy.
International Destinations
European and American Experiences
Speaking of international travel, Paris is truly a pet owner's paradise. Here, you can take your dog to the Louvre gardens, enjoy afternoon tea at Champs-Élysées cafes, and even take photos under the Eiffel Tower. Most surprisingly, many Michelin-starred restaurants welcome pets - something rare elsewhere.
Amsterdam's inclusivity is also impressive. Pet-friendly places are everywhere - cafes by the canals, museums, parks, almost everywhere welcomes furry friends. Most interesting is their special dog boat tours where you can take your dog on canal cruises, experiencing Amsterdam from a different perspective.
Portland, USA is another delightful city. It's practically built for dogs, with pet-friendly parks, restaurants, and shops everywhere. Most special are the many dog beer gardens where you can drink and chat with other dog owners while dogs play in designated areas. Seeing different breeds playing together always brings warmth to your heart.
Asian Flavors
In Asia, the Kanto region of Japan has excellent pet services. Tokyo has many specialized pet theme parks with comprehensive facilities and professional pet-sitting services. Yokohama's aquarium is special too, with dedicated pet viewing areas where dogs can observe marine life up close.
Most impressive were some hot spring inns in Hakone. They specially designed pet-friendly rooms, some even offering pet-specific hot spring pools. Last year when I took Mengmeng for its first hot spring experience, its expression of enjoyment was truly amusing.
However, pet etiquette in Japan requires special attention. For instance, you must carry your dog in elevators, keep them in designated areas at restaurants, and always clean up after them in parks. It's because everyone follows these rules that Japan's pet facilities can maintain such high standards.
Friendly Reminders
Traveling with pets definitely requires more preparation. First, prepare daily necessities including dog food, water bottles, food bowls, leashes, and toys. For long trips, it's best to bring portable fences or crates to give your dog a safe resting space.
A pet first aid kit is essential, containing common medications, bandages, and disinfectants. It's advisable to get a health check before departure to ensure your pet is in good condition. For international travel, prepare vaccination certificates, health certificates, and other documents - some countries may require pet passports in advance.
Though traveling with pets is more troublesome, the joy is doubled. Watching them explore new environments and make new friends during the journey is truly precious. Plus, through travel, my bond with Mengmeng has grown stronger.
More people are choosing to travel with pets now, a trend likely to continue growing. After all, for many people, pets are family members. Hopefully more places will open their doors to our furry friends in the future, making pet travel more convenient and joyful.
Have you traveled with your pets? What interesting experiences have you had? Welcome to share your stories in the comments!
