Chinese hotel rolls out rent-a-dog companion service for guests

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.

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"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.