Luxurious Travels: How to Take Your Dog on a 5-Star Trip

The global pet travel services market is projected to soar to an impressive US$3.73 billion by 2030, as per The Global Pet Travel Services Analysis Report.

This growing market is fueled by the increase in pet travel services and the rise of animal-friendly accommodations and hotels.

Virgin Australia To Introduce Pet-Friendly Services

Virgin Australia, always on the cutting edge, is gearing up to introduce a pet-friendly service in 2025, pending regulatory approval.

A social media survey of Virgin Australia’s Facebook followers in 2021 revealed that a staggering 85 percent were in favor of the airline allowing pets in the cabin.

Recent research by Virgin Australia indicated that nearly 70 percent of Australian pet owners would be willing to travel with their pets in the cabin, with 57 percent stating they would fly more frequently if such a service was available.

This innovative service will cater to small cats and dogs on specific domestic routes. Pets will be required to stay in designated rows, with strict instructions to remain off laps and not wander the aisles during the flight.

North American airlines have been leading in this area for years, with major carriers like United Airlines and Air Canada already providing pet onboard services for domestic flights.

Dog-tinis in Cairns At the Crystalbrook

For those seeking the ultimate luxury stay with their furry companions, the options are more opulent than ever. Take, for instance, the Crystalbook Bailey Residences in Cairns with their Residential Paws package, featuring dog-tini cocktails to boot.

Meanwhile, The Dorsett Melbourne has elevated “pet-friendly” to an art form.

This canine sanctuary offers an Australian-made Snooza Snuggler Orthopaedic foam bed. In a culinary masterstroke, The Dorsett Melbourne’s “Pet Menu” includes delicacies such as chicken meatballs, beef tartare, and pup cakes.

The Langham Sydney, not to be outdone, provides a dedicated Pet Room Service menu, plush beds, signature Langham bowls, gourmet goodies, and a pet gift bag on arrival. Should you need a respite from your pampered pet, pet sitting and walking services are readily available.

The pièce de résistance? Afternoon tea for you and your pet (a modest $38 per pooch and $98 for yourself). And if your furry friend’s birthday is coming up, the Langham team offers pet party planning services in one of their function rooms.

Probiotic Smoothies At Double Bay

Next, we have the Intercontinental Double Bay, for those who like their luxury with a side of Eastern suburbs chic.

Beyond the usual dog bowls and beds, they present a pet-friendly in-room dining menu that’s positively ludicrous. Think angus beef with pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potato, or steamed salmon served with fresh peas and sweet potato.

And for dessert?

Mango ice cream made with lactose-free milk powder and organic mango powder. Feeling queasy just reading this? Never fear, they’ve got a probiotic smoothie for that, too, not for you but for your dog.

The Ovolo Woolloomooloo offers the VIPooch package, which includes a cosy bed, drinking and eating bowls, and a special gift bag packed with dog toys and treats. Positioned near the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, it’s ideal for scenic dog walks—provided your pup is on a leash and doesn’t

Pet-Friendly Bars To Wet Your Whistles

Over at QT Sydney, the Pup Yeah package ensures your dog is as pampered as you are.

The in-room menu, specifically designed for dogs, includes steak tartare with raw beef, mushrooms, and egg yolk; bone marrow risotto and chicken livers; and pork necks on wholemeal toast with chicken gravy.

For the pièce de résistance, a bacon ice cream sandwich made from bacon ice cream, dried liver, and oat biscuits. The team will even direct you to the best pet-friendly bars in the area, should you need to wet your own whistle while your dog snacks on gourmet treats.

Other luxury hotels to offer pet packages include the Kimpton Margot, Four Seasons, Pier One, the Old Clare Chippendale, 202 Elizabeth, and the Hughenden Boutique Hotel Woollahra to name a few.

A Hermes Collar And Leash For Max, Toby or Sascha?

On the other side of the world, the Americans have taken it to a whole new level of preposterousness.

At the Conrad Washington DC, a staggering US$5,999 buys you two nights in a “barkview” suite.

Included are a Hermes collar and leash, a Tiffany & Co. water bowl, and gourmet pet treats courtesy of chef Nelson Lopez. There’s also a picnic with car service to three dog-friendly wineries, a photo session at CityCenterDC, and a $500 donation to the Humane Society of the United States.

These lavish accommodations and ridiculous touches ensure that both you and your pet experience the pinnacle of indulgence.

Whether strolling through the dog-friendly streets of Sydney or contemplating a more extravagant escape, these offerings demonstrate that pet travel has indeed reached new, outrageous heights.

Bone appetit.