Chinese hotel rolls out rent-a-dog companion service for guests
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Dog breeds that are known for being gentle, stable and friendly are preferred for the programme.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: ST FILE
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WUHAN – During a woman’s recent visit to Wuhan, Hubei province, she had an unexpected experience: She rented a five-month-old golden retriever from a local hotel for companionship.
“I was initially concerned the puppy might be too energetic,” said the traveller, who asked to remain anonymous for privacy reasons. “But it turned out to be gentle and well behaved. The moment I called its name, it came running to me.”
She is one of more than 300 customers who has used the dog companion service launched in early July by the Country Garden Phoenix Hotel in Wuhan.
For 499 yuan (S$90) a night, guests can book a pet-themed room and select a dog to spend the day with after signing an agreement with the hotel.
The hotel’s general manager, known only as Mr Dong, said the hotel employs 10 “canine staff” and they include golden retrievers, West Highland white terriers and Siberian huskies.
“Some of them are owned and raised by the hotel, while others are provided by professional training institutions or private owners,” he said, adding that some working dogs receive 100 yuan’s worth of food and snacks in return per day.
Dog breeds that are known for being gentle, stable and friendly are preferred.
Before being “hired”, each dog undergoes a health examination, including checks on vaccinations and parasite control records, Mr Dong said.
The hotel’s trainers will also evaluate dogs for undesirable behaviours such as aggression or anxiety. Those that pass the assessment will receive systematic training to follow basic commands and adapt to a structured daily routine.
“Our guests are typically pet owners or animal lovers who can’t keep pets due to personal constraints,” Mr Dong said. “Weekends are especially busy, so we recommend booking in advance.”
The hotel has also installed pet-friendly amenities, including dedicated dog lifts, slides and swimming pools.
Ms Fang, owner of a 14-month-old samoyed named Naicha, enrolled her dog after seeing the hotel’s recruitment notice.
“Naicha has been with me since it was 40 days old. I used to send Naicha to pet cafes so it wouldn’t get lonely when I am at work,” she said.
Naicha started the job on Aug 5, and the hotel staff usually send Ms Fang videos of the pooch interacting with guests. During downtime, Naicha also gets to play with hotel staff and other dogs.
Ms Fang plans to take Naicha to the hotel on weekdays. “Left alone at home, Naicha will get restless, chew furniture and need an energy outlet,” she said. “This programme is perfect for us.”
With China’s booming pet industry, Mr Dong said the hotel expects to provide opportunities for pet lovers, especially those who are unable to own dogs, to enjoy quality time with them, as well as explore novel services catering to customers’ demands.
He added that after each work session, the dogs undergo mental and physical health evaluations, and guests who are found to harm animals will be blacklisted.
Ms Du Xingyue, a lawyer at Shanghai Yingdong Law Firm, said the hotel will bear full liability for any harm caused by the dogs unless the guests acted intentionally or with gross negligence.
She advised hotels to enhance staff training; hire professional trainers for temperament assessment and desensitisation; and ensure employees are sufficiently trained in pet first aid and emergency protocol. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
