Considering Pets By Arrangement?

Last year we did a post on Pets By Arrangement.

We commented on the difference in attitude between motels/hotels in the USA and New Zealand towards accepting guests with pets. 

According to a study by the (US) Travel Industry Association, nearly 65 percent of Americans reported traveling with their pets and a whooping 29 percent of them stayed in a hotel or motel. 

Meanwhile back in New Zealand, it is an accepted that the majority of commercial accommodation refuse to allow pets. We are one of them and don't intend to amend our policy anytime soon! 

Are we being a bit harsh in turning away potential guests that insist on having their favorite pooch bunk in with them? 

Sure there's the minor concerns over allergies, pet hair, hygiene, noise and misgivings from other guests. But maybe hosting pets isn't so bad after all?

As an accommodation provider, how would you respond to the following email:

Dear Sir

My wife and I are planning to visit your city and we would very much like to bring our dog with us to your motel. We wondered if you would be willing to allow him to stay with us in our room at night?"

Kind regards
Jim Taylor

Hmmm...how to reply?

After some consideration, why not try this response?:

Hi Mr Taylor

Thank you for your email

I've been operating this motel for many years and in all of that time I have never had a dog steal towels, bed clothes, cutlery or pictures off the wall. I've never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly and I've never had a dog leave without paying his bill. 

Your dog will be very welcome and, if he will vouch for the two of you, you both will be welcome also.

(Yeah, we have to admit this joke has been around for a while ... but we still like it ;-))