TIME TO PAMPER YOUR POOCH? LUXURY HOTEL CHAIN INTRODUCES DOG-FRIENDLY STAYS ACROSS NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA

If your pooch needs a break but doesn’t think much of the kennels, they (and you) now have a luxury option – hotels where they can dine on the likes of “woof tartare” made with pasture-fed beef and help themselves to a minibar stocked with designer dog wear and baked treats.

Boutique hotel chain QT Hotels & Resorts now allows guests to check in with their dogs at hotels across New Zealand and Australia.

The new “Pup Yeah!” service sees canine guests sleep in their own designer beds, and tuck into items from a room service menu designed by the property’s executive chef.

At QT Wellington, Jiwon Do, who helms the hotel’s Hippopotamus and Hot Sauce restaurants, has also taken on the title of “head of treats”, developing meals designed to satisfy discerning dogs while also meeting their dietary requirements. Think “woof tartare” made with pasture-fed beef, sautéed mushrooms and egg yolk, and a gluten-free, vegan “nourish bowl”.

The minibars in dog-friendly rooms are filled with items such as bandannas and bow ties from designer dog wear brands Wolves of Wellington and Smack Bang, which also offers baked goods such as personalised “bones” and a birthday cake made with “dog-friendly human-grade” ingredients.

Canine guests, which must weigh 20 kilograms or less, can also make use of a deodorising spritz, deli snacks and a supply of compostable poop bags.

The nightly turndown service will feature cookies from the Smack Bang bakery, while Wellington dog owners can opt to order their furry travel companion a celebratory two-tier cake.

In New Zealand, Pup Yeah! Stays are available in Wellington and Queenstown and will launch in Auckland in November when the new QT Auckland hotel opens its doors. Dog-friendly rooms start from $529 a night, which includes a dish from the in-room dog dining menu.

Wellington dogs can sample chef Do’s menu in the Hot Sauce courtyard on Sunday, October 25, while their owners enjoy human-friendly breakfast and coffee.