NEWTON, Mass., Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced the results of its pet travel survey of more than 1,100 U.S. animal-owners, revealing that pets today are vacation veterans. Forty-four percent of respondents have traveled with their pets in the last 12 months, while 47 percent plan to do so in the next 12 months.  

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Among those whose pets have traveled, 74 percent say their animals travel well, while owners themselves also take pleasure in the experience – with thirty-six percent maintaining that traveling with their four-legged friend is always enjoyable, and a further 41 percent saying it often is.

Among those planning to travel with their pets in the next 12 months, 96 percent will travel by car, and 12 percent will fly. Fifty-eight percent will stay in a pet-friendly hotel, fifty-four percent with family or friends, and 39 percent in a vacation rental.

TripAdvisor also identified the top 10 pet-friendly properties in the U.S., based on accommodations which have four or more circles out of five on TripAdvisor, and feature the greatest number of TripAdvisor traveler comments describing them as pet- or dog- friendly.

1. Affinia Dumont, New York City, New York – Average Nightly Rate: $192 - $614

Prized pooches, in addition to all other types of pet, will receive a warm welcome at this Midtown East hotel, whose amenities include plush dog beds and tasty treats. A $25 pet-surcharge applies per stay, and additional services – from grooming, to a pet psychic – can be booked via the concierge. "The hotel is pet friendly and welcoming... A gem in N.Y.C.," said one TripAdvisor traveler.

2. Hotel Monaco Portland, Portland, Oregon – Average Nightly Rate: $126 - $325

A personal greeting on the Pet Welcome Board awaits all animals who visit this downtown Portland property. Complimentary dog beds and bowls will be at the ready, while travelers who select the "Portland Unleashed" pet package will receive a map of pet-friendly local breweries and restaurants, a doggie beer for their four-legged companion, and more. "Fantastic property, especially for those traveling with Fido," said one TripAdvisor traveler.  

3. Ocean Park Resort, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – Average Nightly Rate: $57 - $150

For travelers seeking to enjoy an ocean-side outing with their furry friend, this Myrtle Beach property gets the thumbs and paws up. "Brought our two dogs with us and were never made to feel anything but welcome with them there," said one TripAdvisor traveler. A $15 per pet, per night surcharge applies, and any accessories must be provided by the owner.

4. Palomar Washington DC, Washington D.C., District of Columbia – Average Nightly Rate: $182 - $557

This property provides an array of complimentary amenities, from pet beds, to disposable pick-up bags – and the pet-perks on offer also extend beyond the essentials. During the evening wine hour from 5 to 6 p.m., four-legged travelers can enjoy "The Dish", a pet lounge complete with treats. "We noticed our dog was getting rock star treatment!," said one TripAdvisor traveler.

5. A Laughing Horse Lodge, Port Aransas, Texas – Average Nightly Rate: $59 - $239

Located just two blocks from the beach, the cottages at this property offer travelers and their dogs invigorating sea air and a welcome basket, featuring treats and a collar-tag, reading 'Return me to Laughing Horse Lodge'. A dog surcharge applies for the duration of the stay, of $25 for one dog, $35 for two dogs and $50 for three or more dogs. "Most pet-friendly place we've ever stayed," said one TripAdvisor traveler.

6. The Paw House Inn, West Rutland, Vermont – Average Nightly Rate: $135 - $255

Canine comforts, from beds to bowls to hiking trails, are the order of the day at this country retreat – and such is the emphasis on dog-friendly fun, that a $10 surcharge applies for travelers without an accompanying four-legged friend. Rates include use of the on-site dog care facility. "Strongly recommend the Paw House Inn as the perfect dog and human vacation experience," said one TripAdvisor traveler.

7. Carmel Country Inn, Carmel, California – Average Nightly Rate: $195 - $395

Pets of any shape and size are welcome at this charming Bed and Breakfast, for a daily surcharge of $20 per animal. Furry companions will delight in the knowledge that an unlimited supply of biscuits awaits in the kitchen, and their photograph will be taken for the pet display in the lobby. "Staff arranged for me to have a massage in my room, with my dog right there – wonderful!," said a TripAdvisor traveler.

8. Hotel Marlowe, Cambridge, Massachusetts – Average Nightly Rate: $204 - $489

All creatures great and small are welcome free of charge at this 236-room property, whose setting on the Charles River affords miles of waterside pathways. For travelers wishing to put their feet up while someone else puts their dog through its paces, the concierge can assist with dog walking or pet sitting services. "A great homely and pet-friendly hotel with great service," said one TripAdvisor traveler.

9. La Quinta Inn & Suites, Valdosta, Georgia – Average Nightly Rate: $89 - $128

This peach of a property for travelers visiting south Georgia with their furry companions features a large pet walk area, in which dogs can enjoy a spot of al fresco exercise. There is no pet surcharge, but owners must bring all pet necessities with them. "Excellent choice when traveling with a pet," said one TripAdvisor traveler.

10. Cypress Inn, Carmel, California – Average Nightly Rate: $150 - $575

Fine foods and great company await pets at this property, which offers a doggie menu and nightly "Yappy Hour", at which two- and four-legged guests alike can mingle. A nightly pet surcharge applies, of $30 for one pet, $50 for two pets and $70 for three pets. "It is refreshing to see how they accommodate people who travel with their pets," said one TripAdvisor traveler.

"TripAdvisor's survey shows that for 22 percent of pet-owners, finding quality pet-friendly accommodations is the most frustrating aspect of traveling with their animals. Yet while some accommodation options may be off-limits, there are countless fantastic properties which extend a warm welcome to four-legged companions," said Karen Drake, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor.

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features (including Flights search, TripAdvisor Mobile and Instant Personalization) with seamless links to booking tools.

TripAdvisor® Media Group, operated by TripAdvisor LLC, attracts more than 65 million unique monthly visitors* across 19 popular travel brands**. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors***, 20 million members, and over 50 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide****, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also operates TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor's millions of monthly visitors. The division includes Business Listings, which allows hoteliers to connect directly to millions of researching travelers, and Vacation Rentals, which helps property managers and individual home owners list their properties and showcase hotel alternatives.