An empty hotel - and two children who do not know where to leave their Jack Russell Terrier while they are away: This is how the idea was formed not only for an adventure playground for stray dogs in the middle of Los Angeles, but also for the family comedy "Hotel for Dogs" (starting in theatres on February 5th). And the pet experts at Fressnapf know just what real-life hotels for dogs have to offer.

When you enter a hotel for dogs for the first time, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between it and a hotel for humans. There is a reception and waiting area, a hotel desk with personnel ready to help guests with any enquiries they might have, and even a traditional key rack. With respect to the quality of the rooms, service, leisure and recreation areas or full-board service, pet hotels are just as accommodating as their hospitality industry counterparts. In some cases, pricing schemes are also strikingly similar - the more exclusive the hotel, the more expensive it is, naturally.

These services are offered as a standard
Unlike the film, real-life hotels for dogs do not have mail carrier simulators or electronic evening skies with full moons. But they do offer frequent walks, an area where dogs can run free and in some cases even professional staff available around the clock to care for the furry guests. Based on our experience, hotels for dogs not only offer overnight stays but also provide accommodations to daytime guests that return home in the evenings. All pets staying for longer periods, for example because their owners are away, have fallen ill, or are otherwise unable to care for their pets, are put into small groups, pairs or in some cases are assigned rooms to themselves - depending on how well they get along with other animals. The hotel operators place a great deal of value on high-quality dog food and even cater to individual wishes and requests from both dogs and owners.

These services are offered on the side
Special services can vary as much as the individual hotels for dogs themselves. Some hotels offer behaviour training courses that help four-legged guests get along with other animals; others offer actual training packages featuring agility, swimming or other types of dog sports. There is also no shortage of health and well-being options for dogs: Hotels offer baths, haircuts and trims along with a broad range of paw and nail care packages. In major cities, hotels for dogs even offer vacation packages featuring accommodations for pet owners in one of the hotel’s double rooms

Here is what to look out for
The new movie’s subtitle is "No stray is ever sent away ." Things are a bit different in the real-life hotels, though. Dogs staying there will need vaccinations against rabies, kennel cough, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis. In some cases, hotels for dogs may even request that your pet is protected from fleas and ticks and has been de-wormed. Be sure to clarify any requirements with the reception desk in advance - the best thing to do is to visit your pet’s holiday domicile in advance and have a look around for yourself.

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Holiday for dogs Dogs are not only allowed here, they are welcomed. That is because dogs are the guests of honour here. Pet hotels have a great deal to offer four-legged friends: species-appropriate accommodations, full board with supervision and even health and well-being are on the agenda at many pet hotels. Photograph: Pfoetchenhotel ("Little Paws" Hotel)/Michael Hagedorn (Photos may only be reproduced with permission and in connection with editorial text. High-resolution photos can be requested from the Fressnapf press office.)