America has become a pet-aholic nation. We've fallen head over paws in love with our furry friends. Now more than ever before, we have elevated our pets to full-fledged members of our families with all the rights humans receive including designer clothing, toys, insurance, daycare, orthopedic specialists, organic food and travel privileges. No longer are dogs and cats automatically boarded in prison-like kennels for a week at a time. Instead, they venture out on the road with their families for annual vacations.

According to the Travel Industry Association of America, an estimated 29.1 million of us have traveled with our K-9 kids in the past three years. Approximately 78% of dogs vacation with their pet parents. That leads to a profound question. When taking your four-legged baby along for family fun, which would you prefer: a pet tolerant or a pet friendly hotel? Seem like a matter of semantics? Not really.

A pet tolerant hotel makes demands about what you and your pet must and mustn't do. A pet friendly hotel cheerfully outlines all the services available for their four-legged guests. For years, many hotels in the United States and other countries worldwide have accepted pets. However, this practice hasn't moved into the custom of truly accommodating pets until the past few years.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 53% of all households in the U.S. have at least one pet. Also, over 46% of those households treat pets as family members. Obviously, you want your pet to feel as welcome as you do. It's for this reason that you'll want to search for a pet friendly hotel that provides exceptional services to accommodate your pet and make his/her stay as enjoyable as yours.

Available Services

You can tell a pet friendly hotel by the amenities it offers. Most often, boutique hotels will provide the more exceptional services. For example, pet food, dog-walking services, chew toys and an overall pet friendly attitude are good indications that an establishment will truly welcome your pet. Some more prominent hotels may even have pet ambassadors: live-in pets "employed" by the hotel to welcome furry guests and ensure their stays are everything they might hope for.

You might be delightfully surprised to find many pet friendly hotels also offer bottled water, pet-sitting services, special treats and catered room service menus for pets. Information about local dog-walking parks, veterinarians and other services may also be provided.

Making Smart Choices

MSNBC.com provided several tips for making smart choices while traveling with your pet. Among the best suggestions were:

1. Search for a pet friendly hotel. Hotels that merely allow pets won't provide the level of service you and your pet deserve.

2. Know the hotel's pet policies. Are there weight limits? Are medical records required? Understand what is expected of you as the pet owner.

3. Be responsible. Pets can destroy property. Be prepared to take responsibility for any damage your pet does to the hotel.

4. Make arrangements that suit your pet. If your pet loves people and gets lonely easily, then you may want to arrange for pet-walking or -sitting services while you're out sightseeing. If your pet prefers to be alone, then hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door when you leave. Also, provide instructions for the hotel housekeeping staff in case they need to enter the room during your absence.

5. Train your pet. No one likes to be around an unruly pet. Make sure you can control barking, jumping up and other unsavory behavior before checking into a pet friendly hotel.

In many cases, traveling with your pet can be a rewarding experience. You, your children and your pet can have a wonderful break from the everyday routine. Remember to think smart, plan ahead and find a sincerely pet friendly hotel; then, the vacation for your entire family can be a special trip you'll all remember fondly for years to come.

About The Author...

Barbara Wade writes articles for Kimpton Hotels – providers of pet friendly hotels across the country. With a dedication to pet owners and their furry family members, Kimpton Hotels is the right place to stay for sophisticated travelers. Visit http://www.kimptonhotels.com for a listing of hotels.