Doggy entrees from Tradewinds Island Grand. Kristen Seymour
Usually.
Then I won a two-night stay at a pet-friendly hotel of my choice after after entering a slogan contest with I Love Dog Friendly. Suddenly I was a little more open to the idea of pampering my pooches.
My husband and I, along with our two dogs, stayed at the pet-friendly Tradewinds Island Grand in St. Pete Beach, Fla. which offered a fully fenced off-leash zone, designated dog-walking pathway, beachside hammock, and -- you guessed it -- doggy room service, for which we were provided two vouchers. (We chose the hotel because it is near the gorgeous Fort Desoto Park and dog beach.)
We opted for the Mutt Meatloaf (a grilled 12-ounce Salisbury steak with egg, garnished with a jerky-stuffed pork-hide twist) and the Pu Pu Pork Platter (two boneless pork chops, Vienna sausages and crispy pig ears). There were also options for cats.
The prices on the pet-friendly menu ranged from $7.95 to $12.95, and the two dishes we ordered were generous, beautifully presented, and, according to my husband who snuck a little taste, completely delicious. There was enough food on each plate for two meals.
If someone had asked me last week if I'd ever do this, I would have laughed them out of the room. Now I'd have to admit that I just might do it again. I wouldn't splurge on every meal or even every trip, but if I were staying with friends or family and had a chance to order room service for the dogs, I could come up with $20 or $25 for it.
Have you ever ordered room service for your pets, or do you think it sounds ridiculous? What would you be willing to spend on doggy delivery? $10? $20? Is any amount too high to spend spoiling your pets? Tell us in the comments.
Don't think pet travel is a booming business? This article at Gadling might change your mind.






