As several holidaymakers travel to their hometowns in time for the Lunar New Year celebrations, the need to have someone else take care of their pets have emerged as a growing concern. For many pet owners, sending their beloved buddies to a "pet hotel" stands out as a novel, if not entirely practical, solution.
Pet hotels, which are more common in China's more cosmopolitan areas in Beijing and Shanghai, are even more expensive compared to hotels normally reserved for humans. Demand is also high that pet owners are urged to book their accommodations a month before their travels, China Daily reported.
One such example is SmellMe, a luxurious pet hotel touted to have a "seven-star" rating. The Times reported that pets at the establishment are treated to massages and sea mud baths, while users have the privilege to check them out via a video link as they celebrate the Lunar New Year elsewhere.
SmellMe counts actress Fan Bingbing as among its celebrated clientele, and is reported to have checked in five of her cats and her French bulldog as she travels away for the holidays. That, said the establishment's owner Sun Yan, manifests the protective nature of the Chinese towards their pets.
Another rather lavish example is VAC Cat Hotel and Spa, a 350-yuan, nightly cat hotel located in Beijing. A self-described "best place" for cat care, the cat hotel has a generous set of amenities that includes suites good for one cat guest each, as well as platforms made for an active yet healthy experience for felines.
Apart from luxury accommodations, budget pet hotels have also reported increases in booking fees, citing burgeoning demand due to the Lunar New Year. That underscores the importance of looking for accommodations in advance, although growing demand suggests a future surge in available pet hotels.