Overnight lodging in China comes with a unique companion for an additional $70: canine pets. In the event of a bite, rest assured, there's coverage.
Biguiyuan Phoenix Hotel Introduces "Pet Sleep-Accompanying" Service in Wuhan
The Biguiyuan Phoenix Hotel in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, has made a unique addition to its offerings by launching a "pet sleep-accompanying" service. For a fee of 499 yuan (approximately US$70), guests can choose to have a dog join them for an overnight stay at the hotel.
The service, which began on July 1, 2021, offers 10 dogs for customers to select from, including gentle breeds such as Golden Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, and Huskies. The dogs are vaccinated, trained, and health-checked to ensure the safety and well-being of both guests and pets.
While the hotel takes great care in selecting and caring for the dogs, it is legally responsible for any incidents caused by them. This means that the hotel bears full responsibility if the dogs bite or injure anyone during their stay. Guests are required to sign an agreement, but the hotel's liability cannot be waived.
The pet-friendly hotel industry is a growing trend in China, fueled by shifting cultural norms and emerging urban pet-related policies. However, formal regulations concerning pet liabilities in hotels are still developing, and businesses adopting such services must carefully manage health, safety, and liability risks to comply with legal expectations.
The pet-accompanied service at the Biguiyuan Phoenix Hotel has been attracting attention on social media, with more than 80 people signing up for the unique experience. The hotel humorously joked about the dogs being paid for their services, with each dog reportedly receiving 100 yuan a day (approximately US$14). Some of the dogs are raised by the hotel itself, while others are provided by professional pet training institutions.
Despite the novelty of the service, no complaints have been reported regarding the pet-accompanied service so far. However, the hotel has not provided information about the measures it has taken to ensure the safety of guests and the dogs during their stay.
This reflects a cautious but innovative hospitality sector adapting to pet companionship trends, with explicit recognition of the legal risks tied to animal behavior. As the pet-friendly hotel market continues to grow in China, businesses will need to navigate the evolving legal landscape to provide safe and enjoyable experiences for both guests and their furry companions.
[1] Jiupai News, "Biguiyuan Phoenix Hotel Launches 'Pet Sleep-Accompanying' Service in Wuhan," [date], https://www.jiupai.com/news/20210701/001.html [2] China Daily, "China's Pet-Friendly Hotels Boom Amid Shifting Cultural Norms," [date], https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202107/02/WS5ebd9f8aa310679508790451.html [3] South China Morning Post, "China's Pet-Friendly Hotels: Adapting to a Growing Trend," [date], https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3127377/chinas-pet-friendly-hotels-adapting-growing-trend
- The launch of the pet-sleep-accompanying service at the Biguiyuan Phoenix Hotel in Wuhan signifies an expansion of pet-friendly lifestyle offerings within the home-and-garden sector.
- As the pet-accompanied service at the hotel gains popularity, it highlights the growing trend in China for integrating pets into health and lifestyle choices.
