FIUMICINO, Italy (AP) — As dog owners prepare for travel, they often find themselves faced with the challenging decision of whether to leave their beloved pets with a sitter or at a kennel. Both options demand substantial planning and logistics, leading to potential stress for pet parents. However, Rome's Fiumicino International Airport is working to ease this burden by launching one of Europe’s first on-site dog hotels, known as Dog Relais, following a similar initiative at Frankfurt Airport.
Marilena Blasi, chief commercial officer at Aeroporti di Roma, stated that the project aims to offer a more immersive experience for travelers. "In this case, we provide services to dogs and the owners of the dogs," she explained. Basic accommodations at Dog Relais start at approximately €40 (about $47) and include features like temperature-controlled floors and private gardens. For more timid dogs, there are kennels located at the facility's edge, where they can interact with staff rather than other dogs. To enhance relaxation, ambient music that resonates at a soothing frequency of 432 hertz is projected through the room speakers during nighttime.
The hotel also offers a range of optional services, from grooming and bathing to more luxurious treatments like lavender or peppermint aromatherapy, aimed at inducing calmness. For pet owners seeking to stay connected, a premium room option costing €60 (around $70) includes a screen for 24/7 video calls, allowing them to check in on their canine companions at all times, as well as an app that dispenses treats remotely.
Dog Relais caters not only to travelers but also to local dog owners in need of daycare solutions. Alessandra Morelli, who works in human resources for Aeroporti di Roma, frequently utilizes the hotel for her 2-year-old chocolate Labrador Retriever, Nina. "Since I’ve been able to bring Nina to this dog hotel, my life and the balance between my personal and professional life have changed,” she expressed. “It allows me to enjoy my working day and my personal travels in total peace and tranquility."
Dario Chiassarini, a car salesman, is another satisfied customer who has chosen to bring his Rottweiler puppy, Athena, to Dog Relais for training sessions. He appreciates the cleanliness, organization, and accessibility of the facility. “We will rely on them without hesitation, both because we got to know the people who work here and because of the love they have for animals,” Chiassarini remarked, detailing his comfort in entrusting Athena to their care.
Since its opening in May, Dog Relais has been well-received, with all 40 rooms occupied during August, a peak travel month in Italy. On average, occupancy has been around two-thirds full since the hotel’s inception. Additionally, in September, Italy’s commercial aviation authority relaxed regulations to allow larger dogs on domestic flights, pending they are secured in crates. This policy marks a significant shift, with the first such flight scheduled for September 23, as stated by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini.
While some travelers may welcome this change, others could have reservations. However, during a pet conference on September 16, Salvini expressed his pride in this development, viewing it as a progressive step towards enhanced civil freedoms for pet owners.
