06 Apr 2004
BED & BREAKFASTS FOR BOWSER & FLICKA These B&Bs have gone to the dogs�and horses too � some with �over the top� amenities for pets
America's love affair with household pets is growing by leaps and bounds. In the last decade, the number of pet owners has increased to some 36-million households; the number of travelers who bring their pets on trips has risen too. According to Parade Magazine (March 28, 2004): �Every year, more than 10 million Americans include 4-footed family members in their travels. 80% of us take the dog, 15% carry a kitty, and the balance bring other pets."
Many BedandBreakfast.com members have responded enthusiastically, opening their rooms and grounds to both dogs and horses too. To ensure that your fine furry friends get the welcome they deserve, BedandBreakfast.com offers the following advice for those who want to stay out of the dog house on their B&B visit: � Not all pets (just like people) are good travelers. If your dog barks frequently, or nips at strangers; if your cat scratches or marks furnishings, leave them home to insure that you, your pet, and your fellow guests will enjoy themselves. � Never arrive with a pet unannounced. Be sure to mention you�ll be traveling with your pet when you make reservations, and get details on the inn�s pet policy. Innkeepers often limit the number of pets in residence, and will interview you to determine if your pet is a good traveler. � Be sure your pet has proper identification and tags, up-to-date immunizations and tick and flea treatments. � Keep your pet on a leash when outside your room, both inside the inn and while exploring the grounds. Respect the inn�s policy about pets in the common areas. Health regulations may prohibit pets in areas where food is served. � Although many inns provide them, bring your pet's own bedding, toys, treats, water/food bowls, etc to offer something familiar in a new environment. � Clean up after all pet messes � inside and out. � If your pet that doesn�t like to be left alone, leave on a television or radio during brief periods when you�re out of the room; pets must be crated during these times. � To insure that your pet deposit is returned, consider feeding your pet in the bathroom and avoid carpets; bring covers to protect furniture and bedding. Keep a lint brush in your bag. � Some B&Bs welcome pets in all their guest rooms, others invite pets to stay in a few selected rooms. Some welcome only dogs, and some may prefer small ones. Listed alphabetically by state, these BedandBreakfast.com members go out of their way to make Rover and �Mr. Ed� feel as welcome as their owners. All rates are for double occupancy, include breakfast for guests, and do not include tax and gratuity, unless otherwise stated.
Lodge at Sedona, Sedona, AZ: Several main-level king suites have been reserved for those traveling with their four-legged companions. Dog guests are welcomed with a Canine Goodie bag of dog treats, helpful information, and a "dog guest in residence" door hanger to be displayed when you�re having breakfast. The inn also provides a throw blanket, extra towels, a comfortable sleeping cot, and water bowl, too. Expect a $200 damage deposit and a $35 nightly fee applicable to pet owners. Rates are $160-295 nightly. Info: www.lodgeatsedona.com, 800-619-4467.
Bed and Bagels, Tucson, AZ: Supervised pets are welcomed in all the guest rooms, the family room, patio, fenced-in yard and even in the pool. A welcome letter includes information on the nearby park with a walking track that is a gathering place for local dog walkers. A ready supply of dog food, dog biscuits, and roasted piggie ears are always on hand. There�s a guest litter box for those who travel with their cats, too. Pets stay free. Room rates range from $80-110. Info: www.bedandbagels.com, 520-760-5595.
Casa Laguna Inn, Laguna Beach, CA: What dog or human wouldn�t enjoy staying at this pet-friendly B&B overlooking the Pacific Ocean, set amid terraced tropical gardens and flower-splashed patios? Pets are welcome in all guest rooms, and receive a place mat, bowl, bottled water, some treats and a welcome note from Emory, the inn mascot. Laguna Beach welcomes pets at the city�s beaches, parks, and at most restaurants with outdoor patios. Check the inn�s website for great pet travel advice. Pets are charged $25 nightly; rooms for their masters are $130-450. Info: www.casalaguna.com, 800-233-0449.
Collingwood Inn, Ferndale, CA: This dog-friendly B&B received a five-paw rating in Fido Friendly magazine. Your pet will enjoy dog beds, blankets, bowls, treats and even dog-sitting services. If your pet has any dietary restrictions, the innkeepers will try to accommodate them. Pet fees are $25-35 nightly; room rates are $145-203. Info: www.collingwoodinn.com, 800-469-1632.
Sundance Bear Lodge, Mancos, CO: Dogs are welcome to stay in the inn�s two cabins, and the 80-acre grounds offer plenty of room to romp and play. Horses and mules (yes, they�ve even had a guest mule) are welcome too. There are two pipe-panel corrals (sand footing over gravel), with a water and loafing shed. Owners are welcome to ride on the inn�s grounds along with their dogs. Stalls cost $20 per night for one horse, $30 for two. B&B rates are $90 nightly. Info: www.sundancebear.com or 866- 529-2480.
B&B By The Sea, Branford, CT: Dogs are welcomed with a number of amenities at B&B By The Sea. A ten-foot-square chain-link kennel behind the house contains an extra large crate, outdoor shower for washing off Bowser after swimming or hiking, (with many 'dog-towels' available for drying); a variety of snacks and treats, balls and toys are also available for your pet. Nearby Young�s Park offers woods and fields for an off-leash setting. Pet-sitting is available for an additional daily fee of $35. No deposit or fee is required, but guests must cover any damage caused by their pets. Room rates are $120-145 nightly. Info: www.bandbbythesea.net, 800-434-2985.
Foothills Farm B&B, Brownfield, ME: Both two and four-legged creatures will be delighted with this fifty-acre farm, ideal for those traveling with dogs, horses, and even ferrets. An extensive trail system is perfect for those who love to ride, accompanied by their dogs. Plenty of swimming holes and brooks will keep everyone happy. Dog-sitting services are available. A new four-stall barn accommodates horses for $18 per night; the nightly fee for dogs is $10. Room rates are $68-125 nightly. Info: 207-935-3799, www.foothillsfarmbedandbreakfast.com.
The Captain Jefferds Inn, Kennebunkport, ME: While their masters enjoy this historic inn, doggie divas are welcomed with special doggie towels, bags, treats (served on silver trays), and a tennis ball imprinted with paws. In addition they are provided with food and water bowls, a matching mat, and even scented waste bags. Kennebunkport is a dog-friendly town, and there are plenty of parks, beaches and restaurants that will welcome dogs. Doggie rates are $30 per day, people rates are $110-340. Info: 800-839-6844, www.captainjefferdsinn.com.
Perennial Inn, Rumford Point, ME: Stay at this pet-friendly inn, and a dog bed or crate (your choice) will be provided, in addition to ceramic food bowls. Acres of private walking trails and woods await owners and their pets. Special daily arrangements are possible for owners to leave their dogs in the inn�s fenced yard or nearby kennel. If you want to add to your family, the innkeepers have a kennel where they raise yellow, chocolate, and black labs, so ask if puppies are planned. Overnight rates for dogs are $20 nightly; people pay $75-165. Info: www.perennialinn.com, 207-369-0309.
Gilbert�s Tree Farm, Rehoboth, MA: People and horses can enjoy this award-winning tree farm and 168-year-old farm house. Owner Jeanne Gilbert, a licensed riding instructor, is happy to guide riders through miles of fields, forests and streams. Two-legged guests also enjoy a swim in the in-ground pool or the challenge of several local golf courses. A negative Coggins test within 12 months is required as well as proof of current inoculations. Stalls cost $25 for one night; guest room rates are $70-90 nightly. Info: www.gilbertsbb.com, 252-6416.
Bayberry Inn, East Falmouth, MA: Pets are welcome to roam freely in the guest rooms, but guests often bring an extra blanket for the bed so their pet can sleep in its usual spot. The half-acre back yard is fully fenced so animals can explore. A cache of dog biscuits is always available, supplemented by a wonderful pet bakery downtown. Pets stay free; humans pay only $50-95 nightly. Info: www.bedandbreakfast.com/ppf/inn/200804/Listing.aspx, 508-540-2962.
B&B at Ponder Cove, Mars Hill, NC: B&B goers and pet-lovers alike will delight in this luxury B&B, designed by former fashion maven, Martha Abraham. Your pampered canine will be welcomed with a personal doggy basket, while you can enjoy a complimentary issue of Fido Friendly magazine, along with an in-room Jacuzzi and fireplace. This is the only B&B in the Asheville area where you and your pet can be treated by a licensed masseuse. Doggie play dates with the inn�s own friendly Ponder and Henry in the nearby off-leash park or on the inn�s 91-acres with ponds and caves are encouraged. B&B rates are $145-185: a one-time $25 pet fee is charged. Info: www.pondercove.com, 866-689-7304.
Ivy Terrace B&B, New York, NY: In the heart of New York City, this B&B is just a ten-minute walk from Central Park. The innkeepers are animal lovers whose flock ranges from a Bengal cat to a 250-pound pig named Wilbur (don�t worry, they�re not kept at the B&B!). Two of the suites have private terraces, perfect for dogs or cats to explore, and all pets receive special treats. Deposit required for pets; room rates are $175-200 nightly. Info: www.ivyterrace.com, 516-662-6862.
Pipe Creek Farm Bed and Breakfast, West Falls, NY: Horses, cats and dogs will be in good company here, joined by the innkeepers� horses, dogs, cats and even a pot-bellied pig. Dogs and cats are welcome in the B&B; there�s also a large dog pen outside. Those traveling with horses will find guest stalls, a large turn-out pen, riding area, and 200 acres of riding trails. Stalls are $10 each, cats or dogs stay free; humans pay $50-125 nightly. Info: http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ppf/inn/216518/Listing.aspx, 716-652-4868.
Sun and Cricket Bed and Breakfast, Gibsonia, PA: They call this the horsy hotel. Guests can stay in the log cabin, but most horse owners choose the carriage house, where their mounts are sheltered below them in one of six roomy box stalls. The porch of the carriage house is 20 feet from a split-rail fenced grassy pasture, reserved exclusively for guests' horses. Stalls rent for $25 nightly and include bedding and hay; for pasture only, the rate is $15 per mount. Owners pay $120-130 nightly for their choice of the log cabin or carriage house. Other pets must be approved prior to arrival. Info: www.sunandcricket.com, 724-444-6300.
Mountain Top Inn & Resort, Chittenden, VT: Horses and dogs are welcome at this four-season resort on 350 acres, featuring a world-class equestrian center with miles of scenic trails, guided trail rides and lessons for all abilities. Overnight guests may board their horses for $75 daily, including a box stall with shavings, hay, grain, turnout, grazing, use of the trails, rings and X-C course. Staff will also feed, water, groom and clean stalls. Dogs may stay with guests in the resort's rustic cabins for $25 nightly per pet, plus a $200 per pet security deposit, and will receive a dog bed, food & water bowls, and a welcome treat. Rates range from $170-495. Info: www.mountaintopinn.com, 800-445-2100.
Inn at Mountainview Farm, East Burke, VT: The inn is home to the newly formed Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing farm animals -- especially ones with a difficult past -- with a safe and happy environment. The Sanctuary has adopted horses, cows, miniature donkeys, sheep, and pigs. Dogs and horses are welcome to accompany their owners at this scenic 440-acre farm in the Northeast Kingdom. Over 100 miles of trails are perfect for horseback riding, hiking or biking with dogs. For $15 a day, guests may board their horses in a box stall and are provided with hay; dogs are welcome in specified rooms for $25 daily. Rates are $155-255 for inn rooms. Info: www.innmtnview.com, 800-572-4509.
Inn at White Pine Bed and Barn, Loon Lake, WA: With more than 300 miles of trails and logging roads adjacent to the inn's property, guests can chose a scenic loop, ranging from 4 to 32 miles in length, free of charge. Resident horses are also available for those who do not have their own. Horse facilities include box stalls with paddocks opening onto a shaded pasture area. The barn features a heated tack room plus warm water for bathing your horse after long rides. Dogs are allowed full run of the grounds, are allowed in the house and in both guest rooms. If guests are riding and don't care to take their dog on the trail, there is an oversized kennel that has a giant doghouse loaded with blankets for doggie napping. The stalls and paddock are $15 per night per horse, and the turn-out area is $10 per night for each horse. Rooms are $85-70. Info: www.whitepineinn.com, 509- 233-2971.
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Media Contact: Marti Mayne 207-846-6331 Marti.Mayne@BedandBreakfast.com