“Good morning Scarlett, did you sleep well?” asks the concierge at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler as Robyn Cannon and her Tibetan terrier enter the lobby, ready for their morning walk. The Whistler Four Seasons’ staff is pet-friendly—literally. “During check-in, pet policy is reviewed with each of our guests, so there is a dialogue upon arrival,” says Judy Ahola, Public Relations Director. “And pets add ambience to the lobby; it’s great to see a dog by the fireplace, a real conversation starter and a great way to meet other guests.” Cannon, her husband Don and Scarlett have stayed at the Four Seasons on numerous occasions. “I like the idea of being able to stay in a world-class property and not be treated as a second class citizen,” says Cannon. Not everyone in the hospitality industry is pet-friendly, but thanks to forward thinking on the part of places like the Four Seasons, the Pan Pacific and several other luxury hotels, pets are treated like family members. There are a few ground rules, however. For instance, some places won’t allow a dog alone in your room. “When we go to the dining room, I inform the bellman that Scarlett is going to the car,” says Cannon. “They bring my car to the driveway and keep an eye on her and give her treats.” However, with the amenities offered, most canines would probably opt for room service. At this hotel, they can chow down on Executive Chef Jason Mcleod’s home-made dog cookies from a porcelain bowl and lap up Evian water as they lounge on an overstuffed cushion by the fireplace. Meanwhile, over at the Pan Pacific Village Centre a picture of a fire hydrant is displayed in the guest bedroom -- inspiration for Fido? Bottled water, canned filet mignon and hand-crafted cookies are offered as part of the “pamper your pet” package, which includes a massage, a two-hour pet tour of Whistler village, one day of pet sitting and—wait for it—complimentary pet turndown service! Since opening its doors to pets last July, Dean Nelson, Pan Pacific Village Centre’s? Director of Sales, has found that “most of our guests are professional adults and their pets are better-behaved than some children.” But from a housekeeping point of view, pet guests aren’t always pristine, and some hotels will charge for the extra time it takes to clean a room. “We don’t want to leave any stray hairs,” says Nelson. Some rooms are delegated just for pets and so far, he notes, “not one guest has complained about other people’s pets.” As for leaving your pet alone, “We make it a policy that the owner gives us a mobile number, but we’ve never had to make a call,” says Nelson. Better to be pro-active rather than reactive. If your pooch does have to be left alone for any length of time, dog-walking services and day care are available. Kathleen Duffy, owner of Whistler’s Tail Waggers dog walking service, also room-sits. “Usually [I dog-sit] when people go out for dinner and the hotel won’t allow dogs to be alone,” she says. Some people show up at a hotel that isn’t pet-friendly, dog in tow. Duffy to the rescue. “The owners are relieved that I will take the dog into my house,” she says. Or perhaps the dog is constantly barking. “I’ll take them for long walks—a tired dog is a happy dog,” says Duffy. She picks up the pooch at the hotel door, then takes it off to one of the many off-leash trails surrounding Whistler. Duffy will take up to eight dogs “that just want to play together. I’m there to make sure nobody gets hurt and my main goal is to make sure they have a good time,” she says. (Although the village of Whistler itself is a dog town—stand-alone posts stuffed full of doggy bags are abundant and outdoor patio cafes and pubs are packed with canines—it does require that you leash your pet.) After a two and-a-half hour hike comes a brush and rub-down, but not before the group takes a break, says Duffy. “We will sit at a lake or resting spot, especially in the winter because they are working harder in the deep snow.” Although the snow is packed on the trails, the dogs love to run freely through deeper snow. Duffy sticks to the same trails so she doesn’t take the dogs anywhere that is unfamiliar to her. She has never run into a bear. “The pack being as big as it is, the bears would probably head for the hills,” she says, laughing. Whistler’s Nanny Network also started a dog service, as an adjunct to its main business of babysitting. The nanny arrives at the client’s hotel room and chats about the dog’s routine. The company will try to send the same person if the client books more than once so there is no anxiety with the owner or dog. It’s much the same as looking after a child, owner Nicole Thomas says. For longer sleepovers and “a stress-free vacation,” says co-owner Michelle Jackson, some critters make Cozy Mountain Pet Resort their home away from home. With five acres to play in and a lounge complete with beds, couches, chairs and a fireplace, it might be so comfortable that Fluffy won’t want to come home. Christmas was fully booked in October by regular customers from Vancouver. Sun or snow, Whistler has become one big doggy playland and some of the resort’s poshest hotels recognize VIP’s: very important pooches. We can just hope that airlines will follow suit sometime soon…
SIDEBARS Missing your dog? A doggy day at Cozy Mountain Resort: The Jacksons live just behind the lodge, says Michelle, “but we have a baby monitor and all you hear is snoring until sunrise.”
IF YOU GO Four Seasons Resort Whistler: (604) 935-3400 or 1- (800) 819-5053 Pan Pacific Village Centre: For more pet-friendly accommodations visit www.tourismwhistler.com Click “Plan your Trip” then go to “Facts for the Traveler” on the left hand side and scroll down to “Pets in Whistler”. The Nanny Network: Charges by the hour, 3 hour minimum. Dec to April: $16 per hour Tail Waggers: $15 for 2.5 hour walks, sleepovers: $30 ( 24 hours)
Cozy Mountain Resort: $22 - $26 for sleepovers. Weekly rate: $140 to $170
WAG: (Whistler Animals Galore) 604-935-8364
|