In order to counter the stress and isolation of the pandemic, several Quebec families have decided to adopt an animal. More than half of Quebec households (52%) have a dog or cat, representing an increase of approximately 200,000 animals since the start of the pandemic. As travel is permitted again, hotels must be flexible in attracting traveling pet owners.

• Read also: Owning an animal, a burden?

A newcomer to the family, Poppy Parnell the corgi, only 4 months old, happily stayed in five hotels across Quebec.

Downtown Montreal

Services offered to animals: a small bed and a blanket for the dog or cat in the room as well as bowls for food and water.

Interesting little extras: the establishment offers an external pet sitting service in the room or outside (you can also have your pet walked) for $30 per hour, minimum of three hours. An initiative of pet sitter Frederique Grenier who is continuing her home pet sitting service in the greater Montreal area, in French, English and Spanish. (frederique.petsitter@hotmail.com)

Parks and activities in the area: Square Phillips is nearby for a walk with a pitou.

Pet Fee: $25 for a dog or cat up to 20 pounds.

Magog, Orford

Interesting little extras: the "pet-friendly" rooms are located on the ground floor of the Manoir and have a terrace and direct access to the large grounds surrounding the complex. There is also a lake nearby.

Parks and activities in the area: several outdoor activities including beautiful hikes on Mount Orford and walks along the pedestrian path along Lake Memphremagog.

Fee for animals: $30 taxes for the stay, maximum of two animals per room.

Downtown Trois-Rivières

A little more interesting: the establishment is attached to the Palais des Congrès de Trois-Rivières.

Parks and activities nearby: beautiful walks along the St. Lawrence River and in the lively little streets of Vieux-Trois-Rivières, a stone's throw from the hotel.

Pet fee: $35 per stay, 2 pets 23 kg or less allowed.

Rigaud

Services offered to animals: delivery of a well-being kit for pitou including a blanket, two bowls and a portable telescopic bowl for hiking. Welcome by the friendly Rosco, the dog "butler" of the place who lives on site. Treats also offered at the reception.

Interesting little extras: the dog-friendly rooms are located on the ground floor. They have a large terrace, look directly onto the grass and each have their own outdoor fireplace and Adirondack chairs to spend a nice evening with pitou by the fire.

Parks and activities in the area: the superb grounds of the inn have tall trees, a lake and a wooded area dotted with small paths. Other hiking trails are in the forest just opposite. Spa and delicious Sunday brunches for masters.

Pet Fee: $50 per night for a dog or cat.

Rimouski

A little more interesting: 25 minutes by car, in Sainte-Flavie, the microbrewery Le Ketch welcomes dogs on their terrace planted directly on the beach. Perfect for eating locally, watching the sunset and walking on the beach with your four-legged best friend.

Parks and activities in the surroundings: superb hikes in the Bic national park, walks on the coastal path and along the sea and breakwater promenade.

No charge for animals