Pets Can Stay Pet-Friendly Travel Services

Pets Can Stay Bed & Breakfast Corner - December 2005

Pampered Paws Inn

Imagine an inn with custom doggy menus...enclosed outdoor play area...themed pet guest rooms...even a scheduled "Yappy Hour". Only in Fido's dreams, right? Not anymore.

At the Pampered Paws Inn in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia, owner Wendy Gillespie and her top-notch staff have created an atmosphere where the pets are guaranteed to have as much fun on their vacation as their owners. The only B&B in Atlantic Canada to truly specialize in people who travel with their pets, the Pampered Paws Inn opened its doors last August and is quickly establishing a fantastic reputation, including a rave review from the President of the Dog Legislation Council of Canada. "The whole reason we opened this B&B is because we love dogs, and from my own experience I know that people travelling with their pets often have trouble finding a place to stay." comments Gillespie. "We designed and built it from scratch, with that in mind." In line with that vision, the inn boasts indoor and outdoor dog play areas, a dog loft, pet window rests, and big cushions and blankets that are thoughtfully placed around the house.

Guests at the B&B enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, and their furry companions also receive their own doggy menu with hot & cold breakfast options and homemade doggy treats that are baked onsite. Each guest room has its own pet-related theme, from the Blue Dog House to the Red Rover, and all are fully equipped with dog dishes, towels, blankets and pooper scooper bags. In the back yard, dogs can play to their hearts content in a large off-leash area, which is double-gated and double-fenced for added peace of mind. The inn even had the brilliant foresight to create two separate play areas, one for large dogs and one for small dogs, to ensure that every pet has a great time.

Only 15 minutes from downtown Halifax, the Pampered Paws Inn is around the corner from Atlantic Playland and within walking distance of Hatfield Farms, a favourite locale for horseback riding and the occasional pig roast. But don't worry about making arrangements for your pet while you tour the area - it's all taken care of! Yes, the inn even has an onsite daycare staffed by resident dog handlers, with grooming/washing services available upon request, so that dogs can play, exercise and socialize in comfort and avoid being stuck in a car. For those travellers looking to go on a longer excursion, the inn even has a web cam in the Doggie Area so that pet owners can log onto the internet and watch their pet play while they are away.

Guests at the Pampered Paws Inn can take advantage of a large, covered wraparound deck to take in the sunrises and sunsets, make use of picnic tables and a bonfire area in the back, or even plug in their laptop to the inn's high-speed internet connection. In terms of events, the inn recently hosted a Christmas with Santa event for a local greyhound rescue club, and it may also become the host site for the 2007 Italian Greyhound Canadian Convention, which will draw travellers from across the country. On a more regular basis, the B&B is hosting a series of brunches in support of the SPCA (next one is scheduled for February) where people can enjoy a delectable home-cooked meal while their dogs play in the back with the inn's handlers. "Yappy Hours" will also start up in February, involving a wine and cheese for pet owners up in the dog loft, and live entertainment in the dog area below. "These events are a great opportunity for people and dogs to meet and socialize." adds Gillespie. "We are always thinking of new ways to make you and your pets' stay more enjoyable."

"Everyone who has stayed here has loved it, as we really go the extra mile to accommodate people and their pets, from dogs to cats, and rabbits to birds! We maintain a comfortable atmosphere where you can come and go as you please, and our great staff and delicious food are a real hit with our guests. In our mind, it's your pet's vacation too, and not only will they absolutely love it here, but I guarantee they will beg you to come back!"

For more information about the Pampered Paws Inn, click here. To make your reservation now, call Pets Can Stay Travel Services 1-800-574-3161, or to complete the online accommodation request form click here.