Why should the human members of your family be the only ones who get to enjoy the perks of taking a vacation? In most cases when the family goes on vacation the pets are either left behind in an empty house or they're taken to a cramped and crowded boarding facility -- either way they pretty much just survive until the vacation is over and life returns to normal.

But what if you could take them to a luxury hotel of their own? Elmtree, in London, is offering just that service. Elmtree is a new luxury pet hotel that offers all the usual boarding amenities like individual kennels, accommodation of any special diet requirements, and daily walks, plus they also have an on-site grooming parlor, luxury pet bedding options (if you don't want to bring your own), exercise and play rooms, and even in-kennel web cams so you can keep constant tabs on your pet while you're away. Sounds like Fido and Frisky might actually have a good time! Prices start at £20/day for dogs and £12/day for cats.

I'm all for treating my little Maltese to a good night's sleep in a comfy bed, but that doesn't mean I want a miniature princess canopy bed eating up my precious floorspace and looking all corny and over-the-top in the process. But these pet beds (or pet dens I should say) from Denhaus look like a nice way to keep both me and my dog happy. Created of polished fiberglass with smooth, shatterproof glass tops (to act as both a skylight for the pet and a tabletop for you) they're both a comfy place for your pet to relax and a stylish addition to your home's decor. They look more like a contemporary designer end table than a pet crate (which is awesome!) and come in your choice of 4 colors. $525-$565

Via boing boing

Here's a bumper bed for your special family member that you can feel good about, ecologically-speaking. Covered in organic cotton twill, free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers, it's filled with a comfy, cozy stuffing and is made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, which diverts more than 25 tons of plastic bottles from landfills every year. The bed features a center, removable pillow that can also be used separately inside crates or the car. It's a great option for allergic, sensitive, or orthopedic pets. Made in the U.S.A., machine washable. A portion of sale proceeds are donated. Sizes S - XL; $76.95 - $178.95.

Cats, with their elitist attitudes and regal posture, might look good with your decor but the supplies they come with (scratching posts, kitty doors, pet beds) are something more commonly tolerated than enjoyed. "Cats in Style" by designer Marly Gommans aims to change that, though, with an artistic and modern approach to cat ownership and maintenance.

The series includes 4 pieces (a scratching post, covered litter box, bed/play area, and cat door) that are made up mainly of all-natural and environmentally friendly sisal and wool.

Via Wists

If you're an animal lover you probably have at least one cat or dog, if not several. And whether you're into mixed breeds from the local animal shelter or purebreds worthy of showing, pretty much all pet owners think their little baby is the most beautiful and unique of all. And although that may be true (I've got 3 unique sweeties of my own) there is something to be said for which kinds of cats and dogs really are the most unique, or in this case, the most rare. When it comes to rare breeds different experts have different opinions, but regardless who you ask certain names keep popping up.

The rarest cat breeds seem to be the Sokoke, the Egyptian Mau, and the Ashera. Of those the Ashera is the most expensive($20,000+), the Sokoke the most exotic (from the wilds of Africa), and the Egyptian Mau has the coolest history (lived with the Egyptians).

As for dog breeds, the one that keeps popping up on all the 'rare' lists is the Lundehund, or Norwegian Puffin Dog. Bred originally by the Vikings to hunt Puffins its most unique characteristic is its incredible flexibility in the joints. Other rare breeds include Otterhounds (about 350 in the US) and Stabyhounds (about 100 in the US).

I think a lot of people only consider getting an automatic pet feeder when planning a vacation, but they're actually pretty handy year round for keeping your pets on a regular eating schedule even if yours isn't. And the Perfect Pet Feeder was designed to do just that, or in their words it's meant to "feed your pet flawlessly, for a lifetime." How can you argue with that?

Made of stylishly shaped durable stainless steel, it's dishwasher safe and has battery back-up to keep things going smoothly in the event of a power outage. Programmable for up to 6 meals/snacks for 1 or 2 pets, this is just the thing to take some of the hectic stress out of your life (and your pets). I know my dog would love to know she doesn't have to wait for me to get up on Saturday morning before she gets breakfast! $699

It is a dog's world right now. The popularity of dogs versus cats appears uncanny. Even for a regular old joe dog, the treatment they receive is amazing! I have friends that treat their precious pets as children. And of course I would not want the treatment of dogs to be any less than civil. Now, if you are a celebrity dog, forget about it. You have reached instant stardom and the pinnacle of 4 star treatment.

But what about cats? When will they be seen on celebrity news programming? When will Garfield release his next installment? When will the cat have it's day? Being that I grew up with 4 cats in our home, I have a soft spot for the furry and laid back creatures. They do their own thing and they are so low maintenance. Maybe not the most exciting of all the pets one could have but it works for me.

Growing up, we had cat scratching posts in every room. My mom tried to make them look as unobtrusive as possible but antique furniture and rope scratching posts were not complementary to one another. Nowadays, the choices of pet furniture and accessories are plentiful. Whether in design, their construction, and materials used - they have become stylish on their own accord. Seen here is the modern scratching post/lounge chair for your feline companion. The Claw Cat Tree by Susan Kralovec is made of corrugated cardboard while the surface is treated with a zero-VOC, non-toxic paint. Maintenance is easy. All you have to do is lightly sand the corrugated surface to conceal scratch marks. Seen here in canary, it is also available in iguana, koi, and maltese. Dimensions: 24"H x 10"W x 12"H. Price: $75.

If this cat looks a bit extraordinary, that's because this is no ordinary cat. It's an Ashera, a breed created by mixing the bloodlines of a domesticated cat, an African Serval and an Asian Leopard Cat. The result is a 30 pound kitty who is highly intelligent, affectionate and has no problem with being walked on a leash. However, you might not want to rush out and spend the $22,000 asking price for this cat just yet. There is a controversy brewing and some say the Ashera isn't a new breed at all, but rather a Savannah cat with a different name and higher price. The Savannah was introduced in 2000, contains the same bloodlines and costs less than $5,000. Either way, this is a really cool cat.

Now going on a luxury cruise doesn't mean getting sad puppy eyes as you book a boarding house for your favorite pet -- the Atlantic cruise liner Queen Mary 2 gives you the option of bringing them along! The amenities of their "Pets on Deck" program include fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down, a variety of bedding and blanket options, and even a little coat with the QM2 logo. All pet guests also receive a complimentary gift pack with a mix of essentials and fun stuff, such as a food dish with scoop, a name tag, a frisbee, and a complimentary portrait with their owners.

As a dog owner I think it's great when vacations are pet-friendly, but in this case I can't help but wonder: do people's pets ever get seasick? That would not be pleasant!

Jet-setting pet owners in San Francisco can now feel a little less guilty about leaving their furry family members behind when they travel. The Wag Hotel in San Francisco has just opened, offering luxury accommodations for your dog. Comfy rooms, individual attention and playtime with other guests make the Wag Hotel different that your standard boarding facility. Promising more fun than a day at the park, standard rates include playgroup time and classical music in individual rooms. Upgrade to the Luxury Suite and your dog can relax on a comfy sofa to watch television or just gaze at the paintings on the wall. For the truly pampered pooch, a la carte options include grooming, massage and dips in the swimming pool. Cat lovers need not feel left out as the Wag Hotel also offers cat condos with a view of the tropical fish tank. The Wag Hotel also has a location in Sacramento and is planning to open another in Sunnyvale in November 2007. Rates for dogs start at $28 per day with a roommate and go up to $72 for the private Luxury Suite.

For the cat or dog with serious style and taste, and a flair for all things sparkly, this Crystal Collar from Harrod's is a must have. It's black leather studded with row after row of swarovski crystals, and it's available in three adjustable sizes (can't have ill-fitting crystal!).

With bling like this on, anything but a full-out strut is out of the question for your pet -- and as an added benefit walks in the dusk or dark will be safer due to the natural reflective properties! Sells for $224.

Elegant, yet functional, the Lotus Cat Scratcher is the ideal cat toy for those who want to keep their cat's favorite scratching post out where they can access it, without putting an eyesore in the room. The sleek scratcher is made of solid pine and is available with birch, cherry or mahogany stains. It has ledges for perching, carpeted areas for scratching and a cubbyhole at the base that serves as a hiding place, as well as for support. The curving, balanced design is pleasing to the eye, which is a huge plus, as its height of almost 6 feet (69") will make it a focal point in the room. Price: $295.

Not as over-the-top as the crystal Christmas tree collar that was on our pets' gift lists last year, the Ice Collar is still a pretty blingy way to accessorize your pooch. The collar is made of Italian crocodile-embossed leather in high-gloss black and is studded generously with two rows of Swarovski crystals. Prices range from $78 to $110, depending on size.

If you have a very small dog, you might want to opt for the teacup version of the collar, which comes in both black and bright red.

UGGs are in, UGGs are out - it's hard to keep track. Fortunately, your pets probably won't care if you are coordinating your footwear with this adorable UGG Dog Carrier. The carrier is made of cozy shearling with rubber mesh on all the top, bottom and sides to provide plenty of ventilation. The liner is removable for easy cleaning and there are two pockets to store leashes, treats, etc. It has two rounded handles and an adjustable shoulder strap. The bag measures 14" x 9.5" x 10". Price: $260.

[via purseblog]