Jetsetters take advantage of airport’s pet hotel

Melbourne pet owners can check their pooch into an airport hotel on their way to check-in, taking the pet industry to an entirely new level.

Melbourne airport’s mutt motel features luxury suites fitted with TV screens, beds with doonas and even aromatherapy baths.

Hanrob Pet Hotels owner Andrew Biggs says people love the ease of dropping their pets off in the airport car park, while an optional limo service means the whole family can travel first class.

“There’s nothing like having your dogs in the car while you’re having a champagne on the way to the airport,” Biggs says.

“We can do a check-in and check-out and they don’t even have to get out of their car.”

According to Biggs, women aged 30 to 45 account for 90% of his customers, with male business travellers making up the balance.

His comments come as business search site Trulocal reveals pet boarding searches have surged by 80% from last year, suggesting the market is ripe with opportunity.