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CNN World Report

Travel Agency Caters to Pet Owners

Aired June 17, 2001 - 14:52   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SHIHAB RATTANSI, CNN ANCHOR: For many animal lovers, their dogs aren't just their best friends, they're also their travel companions.

ASIEH NAMDAR, CNN ANCHOR: But taking your pet on vacation can be difficult, unless you're in the Netherlands. RNTV reports on a special travel agency that caters to dogs and yes, their owners.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEROEN BAAN, RNTV REPORTER (voice-over): Taking your dog on a special journey; it's something you might except from an Eskimo and his huskies. But a genuine holiday for a well-fed and spoiled Western pet dogs seems a little bit over the top to most.

But not to this man. Some years ago, Robbert-Jan Vennik introduced holidays especially for pets. His travel agency now organizes a number of different hiking trips for dogs and their owners, and the idea seems to have caught on. Dog owners are straining at the lease to sign up.

ROBBERT-JAN VENNIK, AGENCY OWNER (through translator): On most hiking trips, dogs are not allowed, but these trips are the ultimate dog-friendly holidays. Almost everything is possible, even joining his or her master into a sleeping bag.

BAAN: But these special dog tours have got their own do's and don'ts as well. Each dog has to be at least six months of age, he should be obedient. All dogs in heat and aggressive dogs are not allowed to join. And in the likely event of a accident, the owner has to provide the pooper scooper.

CORRY MEULENKAMP, DOG OWNER (through translator): I like spending time with my dog. Unfortunately, I'm too busy during weekdays to go out and play. That's why this is just perfect for us. He's just as thrilled as I am.

BAAN: This guilty conscience leads a lot of Dutch dog owners to want to invest a bit of money into quality time with their pals. Nevertheless, some people might think hound holidays are going just a bit too far.

VENNIK (through translator): Of course, there are a lot of people who think this is crazy, but we in the Netherlands have a different perspective when it comes to man-dog relationships. Over here, a dog can be a man's best friend and who would deny a friend a holiday?

BAAN: Jeroen Baan, Radio Netherlands Television for CNN WORLD REPORT.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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