Oct 7, 2008

ArfDog themed gift boxes featured at International Show

(Long Island City, NY) –– When the industry’s movers and shakers assemble for the 2008 International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IHMRS), a unique exhibitor will be among them. Slated for November 9–11, 2008 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, the exhibition will feature ArfDog’s complete collection of high-end dog-themed gift boxes as well as the individual dog bowls, dog treats, dog toys, dog grooming treatments and other personalized doggy items that are contained therein.

Occupying booth #2975, ArfDog will show pet-friendly establishments how they can make themselves even more amenable to their dog-loving guests. Dog-indulging establishments that would like to score bonus points with their clientele can view the full ArfDog line of products online at www.ArfDog.com.

“The Show That Means Business,” IHMRS is the world’s largest showcase and exchange of industry products, trends and developments. This year, this industry trade show expects to unveil more than 1,250 exhibitors’ products and services and draw more than 35,000 attendees. Participating exhibitors will display the newest products and services that are available to the hotel and restaurant industries.

While a pet-oriented business might be the last type of company one would expect to find there, ArfDog will be right amidst all the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show’s excitement. And in fact, the connection isn’t as unlikely as it might first sound.

According to a May 2008 BringYourPet.com poll, 79 percent of pet owners who frequently take their pets with them when leaving town stay at designated pet-friendly hotels or lodging each year. Of those individuals, 43.8 percent stay at such establishments three or more times each year. What’s more, 63 percent would likely lengthen their stay if given the opportunity to travel with their pets. And what else do pet-toting travelers need besides a place to stay? Why pet-friendly places to eat, of course.

The most recent edition of “Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA Pet Book” lists more than 13,000 pet-friendly motels, hotels and campgrounds in the United States and Canada. Pet Friendly Travel further reveals that although local health codes do no permit pets “inside of a dining establishment, many restaurants with outdoor seating will allow people to dine outside with their pets.” The number of such establishments is growing across the country, resulting in stiffer competition in attracting clientele.

One way that pet-friendly hotels and restaurants can differentiate themselves is with unique perks. For example, what road-weary dog owner and furry friend wouldn’t like finding a Sleepover Suitcase waiting for them inside their hotel room? Similarly, what sun- and surf-seeking man and his four-legged best friend wouldn’t go woof over a Beach Gift Box at their favorite seaside haunt? These are the kinds of unique touches the ArfDog collection of high-end dog-themed gift boxes can afford pet-friendly establishments. By extending such bonuses to their loyal customers, they can increase their odds of earning canine (and owner) loyalty.

Whatever amenity the hospitality industry is seeking to extend to its canine-loving customers, ArfDog provides it. From all-inclusive kits to individual dog bowls, dog beds and pampering spa treatments, the ArfDog Collection affords gift shops the ability to pick and choose the items they want to carry. Such products are an ideal way to entice hotel guests, with or without their dog in tow, into purchasing either a souvenir for their furry friend or a thank you gift for the dog sitter.

Pet-friendly hotels, motels and restaurants that would like to set themselves apart from the competition can test out the merchandise at the 2008 International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show by visiting booth #2975. Interested media areencouraged to arrange a personal interview with ArfDog by calling (512) 514-6045.

About ARFdog
ArfDog celebrates the bond that exists between pet owners and their dogs. The company offers the kind of beautiful, well-made and unique items dog lovers want to have for their canine best friends. Each of ArfDog’s product collections has been personally chosen or designed by the company’s owner with her own beloved dog, Sox, in mind.