Pet-Friendly
Properties Cater
to Both Pets and People
By Susan Bard Hall
According
to the Chinese calendar, this is the year of the ram, but in the inn
industry, 2003 is the year of the pet.
Pet popularity is at a record high, with 55 percent* of all
U.S. households caring for at least one cat or dog or both.
Pet travel also is on the rise, with 42 percent** of all
pets vacationing with their owners, a percentage likely to
increase as pet lovers like Connie and Steve Segner create
pet-friendly properties that cater to both pets and people.
Steve shared that he's a purr-fect example of pet caregivers
who are reluctant to travel because leaving their furry family
members behind is heart-wrenching. That's precisely why El
Portal in Sedona, Arizona is pet-friendly. Steve, who boasts
30+ years of experience in the pet food and care industry
and still owns a pet shop, said anything that pet owners
forget, run out of, or find they need during their stay will
graciously be provided – be it food, treats, or accessories
such as bowls.
"Pets won't merely be accepted; they will be welcomed," Steve
said. "We are committed to making a memorable inn experience
for both you and your pet."
Whether pets are world-travelers or relatively new to family vacations,
adhering to their normal routine will help reduce the stress of unfamiliar
surroundings, Steve advised. Because pets may be accustomed to daily
walks or soaking in the sunshine, most of El Portal's 12 unique and historically-authentic
suites have private patios or balconies. Special blankets encourage pets
to lounge on the king- or queen-size bed, right along with their owners,
which is what 46 percent** do at home.
And because accidents happen, all floors at El Portal were
thoughtfully constructed of either Saltillo tile, flagstone
or wood. Noise also is a non-issue, as the inn has 18-inch
thick, hand-sculptured walls. And to ensure that pets feel
right at home, the only area that's off-limits is the dining
room when food is being served. The Segners simply ask that
pets be as well-behaved as their two-legged counterparts.
Advance reservations are requested in order to give Connie
and Steve sufficient time to prepare a purr-sonal pet welcome
basket as well as to ensure availability. El Portal opened
in June 2003 and is geared for the adult b&b experience,
with whirlpool baths for two or double showers; fireplaces;
and custom-made or antique furniture authentic to the 1900-1930
period.
For dog lovers without a canine companion, El Portal has a resident dog. Hank, a basset hound, follows Steve everywhere.
