From massages to Burberry raincoats, the Ritz-Carlton woos luxury pet owners with upscale perks and programs.

The Ritz-Carlton hotel chain, long known for setting the standard in the luxury market with impeccable service and sterling guest amenities, is now applying their successful human model to four-legged visitors. From an innovative pet massage program to providing designer duds and gourmet “barkery” treats, pet-friendly five-star Ritz-Carlton properties in Sarasota, New York, and San Francisco are committed to making your pal feel like a “top dog”.

Help Fido Escape the “Hounding” Pressures of his “Ruff” World
Director of Spa Services at the Sarasota Ritz-Carlton, Darlene Davison, learned the therapeutic benefits of pet massage firsthand when her beloved Schnauzer, Dusty, woke up one Christmas morning paralyzed. Dusty’s vet was baffled by the sudden paralysis, and could find no cause for the condition. One of Davison’s friends who was a massage therapist taught her some basic techniques to stimulate muscles and circulation, and within two weeks, Dusty was walking again. Apparently, canine Alzheimer’s had caused Dusty to “forget” how to walk, and the therapeutic massages re-awakened her sleeping muscles.

Inspired by her personal experience, Davison created a full line of “head to paw” treatments, and had her staff certified in canine massage. The Members Spa at the Sarasota resort was recently ranked #1 in the Ritz Carlton chain according to a Gallup poll of hotel guests. Now Davison is turning her expertise from pampering people to pampering pooches, and her new program is serving as a pilot that many other Ritz Carlton Spa Directors are observing carefully.

Treatments range from Swedish Pet Massage and Invigorating Sports Massage to specialized “Senior” massage techniques for older dogs with arthritis or joint stiffness. The one-hour sessions are $130 and include a lesson for the owner on how to perform the massage. The Sarasota Ritz-Carlton also offers a Privileged Pup Paw Package ($350) which includes the massage of Fido’s choice, a scenic walk over the Ringling Bridge, a Bon Ton Pet disposal kit, an organic gourmet stew and Evian water room service delivery, gourmet dog biscuits, a manicure, and a souvenir “Paw Experience” Photo.

Fashion Conscious Fidos at the Ritz-Carlton Central Park are Urban V.I.P.’s

Decadent doggy must-haves in the Very Important Pooch program at the Ritz-Carlton Central Park include 22-karat gold identification tags, an aromatherapy coat spritzer, home-baked treats, bone-shaped pillows, and RC’s signature ceramic dinnerware and quilted travel mats. Also on hand for canine guests to use during their stay are Burberry raincoats, leather jackets , cashmere sweaters, and ultra-chic Fido carriers for tooling around the city. All V.I.P. items are complimentary for the duration of the visit, and this Ritz accepts larger breeds than most, welcoming doggy divas up to 60 pounds.

The San Francisco Ritz-Carlton Unleashes A New Pooch Policy

The staff at the San Francisco Ritz-Carlton have taken to heart the quote by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: “Who loves me will love my dog also”. Powerbroker pooches have their own guest registration recording their food and water preferences, and their own custom furnishings including the RC signature Windsor dog bed. Other posh amenities include a bag of Fido Cookies, ceramic bowls and placemat, engraved dog tags, and a canine In-Room dining menu with entrees like Raw Chopped Beef Tenderloin with Slice Baby Carrots, Sauteed Lamb Loin with Steamed White Rice, and Ground Chicken Breast with Brown Rice. Owners receive a Pooch Pack which includes a bedtime story for baby, and information on pet-friendly activities, parks and stores in the surrounding area.

Pet policies, such as weight limits, differ at each pet-friendly Ritz-Carlton property, and every hotel has customized its own special “Very Important Pooch” program to reflect the unique aspects of its clientele and location. All pet-friendly properties do charge a non-refundable pet deposit of $125 to cover the costs of room cleaning and sanitizing, and some properties may require current vet certificates or proof of vaccinations. Be sure to call and verify the pet policy with each specific hotel before booking. All of the signature Ritz Carlton pet items including the hand-painted ceramic bowls, quilted mats, Windsor dog beds, and gold-plated tags are available in the hotel gift shops and online catalogue at www.ritzcarlton.com

If You Go:
The Ritz Carlton Sarasota
(941) 309-2000
The Ritz Carlton Central Park
(212) 308-9100
The Ritz Carlton San Francisco
(415) 364-3450