SedonaEye.com Star Paws Up Columnist, Harley McGuire
Sedona AZ (December 8, 2013) – For businesses, the way to the heart of a pet parent just may be through their pets. Even if it means spending a little more or going a little bit out of the way, pet parents are willing to show loyalty to companies that are loyal to their furry kids.
SedonaEye.com Four Paws Up Star Pet Columnist Harley McGuire knows first-hand how a business’s choice to be pet friendly can influence a pet parent’s decisions. So does his pal, Kim Salerno.
“When I lived in Maine, I frequented a fantastic day spa called Salon Freeport, which allowed me to bring my dog Tucker,” Kim shared. “It was a great bonding time for us – a day of beauty with Mom, where he got to lounge and relax on the same table with me while I got a facial. I went back to that spa even at times when Tucker was not with me. They gained my loyalty in part because they made my dog feel welcome and loved.”
In a study commissioned by Starwood Hotels in 2003, out of 400 dog owners surveyed, 76 percent said that they were more likely to show loyalty to a hotel brand that was pet friendly – whether they were actually traveling with their pets or not.
There are a lot of pet owners out there. In 2012, 36.5 percent of American households owned dogs and 30.4 percent owned cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, making pet friendly brand loyalty something businesses would do well to consider. Pet parents dream of having the ability to bring their furry kids along with them to shop at favorite stores, hang out with them as they wait for a car repair, or keep them company while they get taxes done. Any business that brings this dream closer to a reality can win big with this demographic.
Businesses that open doors to pets can benefit in more ways than gaining a new source of loyal clients. Being pet friendly builds a positive, caring brand perception. It creates a fun and welcoming atmosphere. And it can create new revenue opportunities in the form of pet friendly products and services. With Americans spending an all-time high of more than $53 billion on their pets in 2012, the potential for added profit is certainly there.
Business owners who bring their own pets to the workplace benefit too. Pets are the ultimate welcome mat – it would be hard to find many children or grown-up animal lovers who could resist getting a closer peek at a little furry, friendly face they see in a shop window. Beyond inviting people in, pets are an ice-breaker. They inspire friendly conversation, help build connections between business owners and patrons, and make an establishment truly memorable within the community.
In general, the hotel industry has been one of the most eager to embrace pet friendly practices. Pet friendly hotel chains are increasing in numbers, and many independent and boutique hotels are going the pet friendly route, with some even offering luxury amenities like massages, grooming spas, gift baskets and pet taxis.
Restaurants have jumped on the bandwagon too. An increasing number of eateries welcome dogs to their outdoor dining areas, with many offering water bowls, dog treats, or even entire separate menus for dogs.
Harley McGuire pals, Chip and Dale, say “We’ll be warm by the fireplace while you silly dogs roll around in the snow!” MEOW!
Many non-hospitality businesses have found ways to welcome four-legged friends as well, doing everything from offering water bowls and treats, to providing pet-oriented services and products, to setting aside spaces for pets.
Florida Bank of Commerce CEO Dana Kilborne is a firm believer that being pet friendly is an extension of being a family and community-oriented business.
“We’re here to serve our community, which is made up of families,” she explains. “We don’t see ourselves as bankers. We’re mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who happen to practice banking. We welcome all well-behaved family members through our doors, and that includes pets.”
Kilborne believes that, while they may not always be overt, the benefits of being a pet friendly business are very real, both for clients and their pets.
“We find that our pet friendly practices help to humanize the otherwise institutional feel of the financial services industry,” she notes. “Our personal bankers don’t just know our clients by name. They know their pets by name as well.”
Even colleges and universities are seeing the benefits of accommodating pets. Pets can provide comfort and companionship for students who may be far from home, giving them a more positive college experience. Pet friendly policies can also be selling points for students. Most colleges allow fish, and many will allow hamsters and gerbils. Some allow dogs and cats outright, while others will sometimes agree to work with students to accommodate their dog or cat if asked.
As Harley McGuire’s mom says, “Whether a college, a hotel, or a salon, the bottom line is this – if a business welcomes pets, the people who love them won’t be far behind, and that’s a good thing for everyone.”
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@ Harley and his Mom
Am fully in agreement with you! As her service dog, my Mom and I get lots of attention wherever we go. It definitely breaks the ice, specially if your Mom rides around in a wheelchair. Before I was paired with her, people felt awkward and didn’t know how to deal with my Mom being in a wheelchair. Now they gravitate to her because I am with her.
Inoch
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Indeed, this world would be a warmer place if more businesses opened up their doors to our lovable pets. We only wish mommy and daddy would bring us along on all of their world adventures. But alas, we are cats and have virtually never been out of our home and aren’t declawed so we’d probably be a big financial burden on our parents since they’d get a huge hotel bill from the destruction we’d cause. But we get that doggies are more well-behaved (hah) & though we always hop in the suitcase as mom is packing, we know that some pets just wouldn’t make good travelers. Nevertheless, we would welcome our parents to stay in a pet-friendly motel & perchance they’d meet a cat that would remind them of home!
“Dogs are welcome in this hotel. We never had a dog that smoked in bed and set fire to the blankets. We never had a dog who stole our towels, played the TV too loud or had a noisy fight with his traveling companion. We never had a dog that got drunk and broke up the furniture. So if your dog can vouch for you, you’re welcome, too.”
Oh it ’tis a happy day! It’s a wondrus thing to hear from my kitty kat friends, Bonnie & Clyde, in Caleefornya and, of course, my pal Enoch . . . well, after all, he’s my hero. Besides working for his board and keep he gets to go in doggie unfriendly places cuz sometimes the law people won’t let just us regular guys go to.
I member my mom telling me that’s how she got to meet Enoch and his mom, in a grocery store! I’m still very jelus bout that cuz of the picture with Enoch smooching Mommy. No fair. Anyways, thanks for your great comments.
Mom just slapped my paws for spelling “Enoch” stead of “Inoch.” It’s HER fault. She only does prufe reading on my OFFICIAL work for my publisher.
Harley, that is for sure. We just watch the flakes falling out the window as we lie by the fireplace all snug and warm. Macho is not in our vocabulary!!!
Hugs and hisses C’n D
Our beloved Charlie Bert went to the great dog park in the sky today. He had a brain tumor that was discovered after he lost all his bodily control this morning.
He was a great pal with a good soul and spirit. We are heartbroken.
It is time to say goodbye Harley McGuire from your internet pal Charlie Bert.
Take care of yourself and please ask all your reader pals to give extra love and attention to them today, it would help our grief knowing our Charlie Bert was responsible for even more kindness today.
Oh “Charlie Bert” I’m ever so sad. Your comments will forever be held close to my heart. :-( Your name will be added to my memorial list of those who have recently crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.
Lovingly,
Harley McGuire
Harley,
Our beautiful Sadie has also recently crossed over the RANBOW BRIDGE due to cancer and kidney failure. We will all miss her sunny personality and a constantly wagging tail. She, too, had a great soul and spirit…we will NEVER forget you! :((
We are sure that she is enjoying running around the great dog park in the sky with Charley Bert.
Inoch, Dominic, Hudson and her human parents
Just case ya’ll think I skipped the town, my Chirsmas message never saw the light of day. Yoo Hoo, Publisher . . . where art thou? My fans are wanting to know if I crossed the Rainbow Bridge which is what I wrote ’bout cuz I wanted all to know I’m deeply revrent to those who have left us these recent months.
Hope I ain’t been fired.
Lovingly,
Harley McGuire