“Is the Caribbean Tourism Market, Missing Out on Pet Tourism?

Abstract

The United States of America provides the largest number of tourists to the Caribbean on an
annual basis, and is, therefore, our main market for tourists. Pet Friendly hotels have been and
continue to be a growing trend in most developed countries, including the United States. The
growth in Pet Friendly hotels is being driven by the humanization of animals as well as the high
costs to board animals when pet owners take vacations. According to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, 2 million live animals are transported annually on airlines within the U.S. with
most of these animals being dogs. Several countries in the Caribbean, including St. Lucia,
Dominica, and The Cayman Islands, use a Pet Passport system, which allows pets such as dogs
that meet the requisite conditions - such as having a microchip with evidence of relevant
treatments to be allowed into the country without any quarantine. Other countries such as
Jamaica still have outdated laws where only dogs from rabies free countries are allowed but must
be quarantined for 14 days hence making it impractical for tourists from North America who stay
an average 7 nights to be accompanied by their Pet dogs. Research conducted indicates St. Lucia,
Dominica, and The Cayman Islands who operate a Pet Passport policy have not seriously
positioned themselves as a pet friendly destination. For the Caribbean to capitalize on aspects of
Pet Tourism several components in the travel supply chain would need to modify their facilities,
and a sensitization campaign among hotel workers and other stakeholders would have to be
conducted . The Caribbean, if it positions itself as a pet friendly region, could see significant
increase in the number of tourists from North America.

Brief Bio Nigel Cooper

Nigel Cooper, is currently a Programme Director, in the School of Hospitality and Tourism
Management at the University of Technology, Jamaica, where he has lectured tourism modules
over a period spanning 24 years. Mr. Cooper is a certified Master Project Manager and is a
Fellow of the American Academy of Project Management. He has worked in a wide range of
industries in senior management positions including construction, manufacturing, tourism, events
and general business consultancy. Mr. Cooper holds a BAA in Hospitality and Tourism
Management from Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and a MSc in Human
Resource Development from UWI Mona. He is currently a candidate for the MPhil/PhD in
Career and Technical Education at the University of Technology, Jamaica.
 Prepared by Nigel Cooper September 30th 2017

Executive Summary
This research is an adaptation of research looking at the possibility Jamaican Tourist to be accompanied
by there Pet Dogs while Vacationing in Jamaica presented by Nigel Cooper lead researcher and
Programme Director in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of
Technology (UTech,Jamaica) and Mrs. Deanna Marchalleck, assistant researcher in the School of
Hospitality and Tourism Management at (UTech, Jamaica)

The United States of America provides the largest amount of tourist to the Caribbean on an annual
basis and is therefore our main market for tourist. Pet Friendly hotels have been and continue to be a
growing trend in most developed countries, including the United States. The growth in Pet Friendly
hotels is being driven by the humanization of animals as well as the high costs to board animals when
pet owners take vacations.

Several countries in the Caribbean, including St. Lucia, Dominica, and The Cayman Islands, use a Pet
Passport system, which allows dogs that meet the requisite conditions - such as having a microchip with
evidence of relevant treatments - to be allowed into the country without any quarantine.

Other countries for example Jamaica is still enforcing the 1948 Animals (Diseases and Importation) Act
whereby dogs can only be imported directly from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, or the Republic of
Erie. The original intention of the 1948 law was to guard against rabies. Dogs from these rabies-free
countries are allowed entry, but still have to be quarantined for a 14 day period. Discussions and
surveys were conducted with hoteliers and other members of the hospitality and tourism industry
across Jamaica. There was no consensus among hoteliers from Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios
however, most were not opposed to the concept of a dog friendly hotel. As it related to their specific
properties , many needed more details on the actual operations and its impact on other guest before
they would fully commit to offering such services. Research was also conducted with the membership
of the Jamaica Veterinary Association and 97 per cent of the respondents supported a Pet Passport
model as used in St. Lucia to be implemented in Jamaica.

Hoteliers in St. Lucia, Dominica, and The Cayman Islands were surveyed and, although they have a
modern Pet passport system, none of these countries were capitalizing on this system and have not
positioned themselves as Pet Friendly destinations.

Twenty two Pet Friendly hotels were visited in Canada and discussions held with Senior Management of
Canadian hotel chains. Based on the Canadian experience, two (2) to five (5) percent of hotel guests in
the summer months travel with pets, primarily with a dog.

The Pet Passport system model used with other controls provides sufficient safe guards against
importing a dog with rabies. Therefore, it is being recommended that in Jamaica’s 1948 Animal
(Diseases and Importation) Act be amended. The retention of this Act in its present form is a major
impediment to establishing “Dog Friendly“ hotels in Jamaica. Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture,
in Jamaica have indicated that the law is in the process of being amended. The Researchers were not
privy as to what form the amendments would take. In addition, it is also being recommended that
aspects of the Public Health Act be amended, to allow dogs under certain guidelines s in public spaces
such as restaurants. Furthermore, a culture change would be needed by hotel staff to get them to
appreciate the importance of caring for the dogs and not just the dogs’ owners.

The Researchers are positing that if the Caribbean Region strategically markets itself with the necessary
infrastructure and cultural sensitization that the region could see an increase in visitor arrival. In the
case of Jamaica if applicable laws in Jamaica are amended, then Jamaica could over a five-year period
realize a two (2) percent increase in the number of tourists from the USA, thereby earning in excess of
US 17 Million dollars. T
”

Approach to Research

The potential for dog tourism in the Caribbean was assessed in to three segments

1.The Market Feasibility

2.The Legal /Technical Feasibility

3.The Operations Feasibility

Market Feasibility

Whilst the Pet Friendly hotel trend is also applicable to Europe we have focused on market feasibility
only on the US , primarily because of the trauma that long flights can have on a dog with a nine hour
flight versus a 4 hour flight out of the US from a major gate way such as New York.

Potential Size of the US Market

14 per cent of all US adults (29.1 million) say that have travelled with a pet on a trip of 50 miles and
more in the past three years (Source –Travel Industry Association of America , January 2009)

Dogs are the most common type of pet to travel with (diito)

29 per cent of persons travelling with a pet stay at a hotel (ditto)

2015 -In the US based on the American Pet Products Association (APPA) approximately 83 million dogs

2015 -In the US based on Statisa.com approximately 78 million dogs

2015 -In the US based on the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) 36 per cent of American
households have a dog

2016 www.officailpethotels.com list over 40,000 pet friendly hotels in North America

-Main driver of the increased number of hotels being classified as “Pet Friendly” is related to the -

1. “Humanisation “ of animals particularly in developed countries. “ Pet owners are increasingly treating
their cats, dogs and even small mammals like members of their family.”

-Urbanization is forcing people to live in, smaller spaces where large pets are not practical
-Ageing population look to a small, easy to care for companionship, so do young singles

-Increase in the amount of Gen Y and Gen X adults who have decided to get pets.

2. Another factor is the high costs of dog care

Costing of Dog Boarding services in New York professional dog boarding services US $65 to US$75 per
night with additional charges payable for additional services therefore a tourist spending 7 nights would
pay a minimum $455 , Another concern from pet owners is how dog will be treated . When compared
to the cost of leaving the dogs at a boarding facility not prohibitive to cost carry dog with them as
opposed to leaving dog at a dog boarding facility.

Three categories of Dogs based on US Dog Registry definitions are as follows;

Service Dogs

Service dogs are dogs that have been individually trained to perform a specific task for
individuals who have disabilities. In most countries hotels cannot charge any extra fees for
service dogs and the service dog must be allowed in the airline cabin..-Service Dogs are already
allowed in Jamaica with special permission and with no quarantine requirements -

Emotional Support Dogs

Emotional support dogs are dogs that provide comfort and support in forms of affection and
companionship for an individual suffering from various mental and emotional conditions.

An emotional support dog is not required to perform any specific tasks for a disability like
service dogs are. They are meant solely for emotional stability and unconditional love.

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs are dogs that are used to bring comfort and joy to those who are ill or under poor
conditions, such as those who have been affected by a natural disaster. Many people are able to
connect with dogs and feel the love that they provide, and this has a therapeutic effect on them.
Therapy dogs are generally very calm and well-behaved, so that they do not upset or make
uncomfortable those around them.
 The Canadian Experience with Pet Friendly hotels
The research involved conducting surveys and touring 22 pet friendly hotels in Canada , feedback
was that in the summer months that persons travelling with their pet dog accounted for 2 to 5 per cent
of business, and that even if persons did not carry their dogs with them , the fact that the property was
pet friendly impacted positively on their buying decision.

The Caribbean with Pet Friendly Hotels

Hotels in St. Lucia, Dominica and The Cayman Islands were surveyed, discussions were held with
representatives with various Ministries of Agriculture as well as tourism officials.

St. Lucia
51 hotel (also includes villas and apartment type vacation rentals) properties surveyed

80 % did not accept dogs

20 % accepted dogs

Important to note that even those who accepted dogs had no special facilities, conversations with some
of the owners of these properties confirmed that St.Lucia has not positioned themselves as a Pet
friendly destination.

Dominca
27 properties surveyed

75 % did not accept dogs

25 % accepted dogs

Again most properties in Dominica did not provide any facilities to accommodate dogs , and Dominica
is not seriously positioning itself as a pet friendly destination.

Cayman
12 properties surveyed

42 % accepted dogs
58 % did not accept dogs

Difference here is that the Cayman Hotels do provide facilities for dogs and so do have a structured
programme, but still not positioning the destination as pet friendly

Jamaica
Surveys and meeting were held with hotel operators and other players in the hospitality and tourism
industry , across the island. The surveys and results were tabulated and assessed .

Port Antonio

Six hotels in Port Antonio were visited, generally these hotels , did not think they had the facilities to
cater to the Pet dog market. Some hotel operators shared stories of persons coming on yachts who have
dogs who would be smuggled on the island and dog stay with their owners at the hotel.

Montego Bay

Montego Bay hoteliers had divided responses even amongst similar market segments such as all –
inclusive that cater to couples , however important to note that the main reasons for hoteliers who did
not support was that it might impact their guest negatively and therefore result in a negative guest
experience. However this goes against our research as the majority of their guest would have come out
of the US and would have likely been exposed to having pets in their surroundings .

Negril

Seventy five per cent of hotels surveyed were willing to consider having pet dogs at their property,
again 25 percent felt that pet dogs would not suit their market.

Ocho Rios

The majority of hotel properties in Ocho Rios expressed a willingness to offer accommodation although
there was need for more details as to how such a operation would be managed.

Kingston

The consensus of Kingston Hotels generally, is that they understand the potential market for Jamaica
being positioned as a Dog friendly destination , however they believe that the concept would best suit
resort hotels and not business hotels that make up the majority of hotels in Kingston.

Summary of Jamaica Hotels Feedback

There was mixed reaction from hoteliers to the concept offering Dog friendly accommodations. Those
who were not in support assumed that their guest would not want pets on the property, however for
those same hotels their main target market is the US , where our research says that a significant
number these guest would be used to having pet dogs in their environment. Also Jamaica has to
overcome cultural bias, as children many of us in Jamaica would stone dogs, therefore some hotel staff
might not readily appreciate the market potential of being Dog friendly..

Table Showing Number of Locations/Types Covered

Area
Category Montego Negril Ocho Rios Kingston Port Total
Bay Antonio
Hotels/Accommodation 8 4 5 4 6 27

Attractions 3 1 1 5
Transportation 3 1 1 5
Government Agency 3 1 4
Travel Agent 1 1
Supplier 1 1

It is important to note that in several instances we received more than one response from Managers at
the same hotel, so that for example 8 hotel locations does not mean that we only received 8 responses.

Operations Feasibility

The researcher took into account all the operational issues at all points in the supply chain that would
involve providing services to enable dogs to stay at accommodations i n the Caribbean a.

Airlines

The Airline industry through the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has minimum standards
for how various categories of pets

Service Dogs not an issue to be allowed in the Cabin

Some airlines allow emotional support dogs in Cabin with evidence of a medical certification.

Therapy dogs will normally have to travel in the check baggage or cargo section

The majority of airlines flying into the Caribbean originate out of North America where in their
domestic market they already have procedures in place to cater to persons travelling with dogs
Also several of the airlines that fly out of the Caribbean would have experience in handling
dogs as annually several tourist adopt dogs and carry these dogs back to the US. The
movement of live animals by airlines started in the 1930’s, based on the IATA website.

Table Showing – Airline Policies on Pet Travel

(adapted from IATA, airline web sites and www.officailpethotels.com)

Airline General Policy Weight for Pet & Pet Fees Charged for In-cabin
Cage/Carrier for In Cabin or Checked Baggage for
or Checked Baggage Pets
(one way)
Caribbean Airlines Caribbean Airlines will Not applicable , only allow
not accept animals of cargo
any kind in the
passenger cabins of
their aircraft. They will
allow certified service
dogs to travel in-cabin
with proper
documentation, but only
with prior approval and
only on approved
routes. They also do not
specify whether or not
they will accept animals
as checked baggage.
They do, however, have
a Live Animal transport
program that can
accommodate almost
any type of animal
travelling as manifest
cargo. For international
travel travelers must be
aware of restrictions.

JetBlue At the moment they will 20 lbs inclusive of kennel US $100

only accept small dogs and pet
and cats in the cabin of
the aircraft and will not
accept animals as cargo
freight or as checked
baggage. JetBlue
reminds anyone
 travelling with their
animal companions that
a pet in a carrier will
count as one personal
carry-on item. For
international travel
travelers must be aware
of restrictions

Delta Airlines Delta will allow dogs, Need to contact airline Fees range from US$125
cats, and some directly and up
household birds to
travel in the cabin of the
aircraft, as long as there
is room on the flight and
pets meet the
prerequisites for in-
cabin travel. They will
also accept cats, dogs,
as potential passengers
in the hold of the
aircraft*, so long as all
carrier and travel
requirements are met.
For international travel
travelers must be aware
of restrictions.
Restrictions related to
extreme weather
conditions apply to
certain flights depending
on the time of year, the
point of departure,
and/or the destination
American Airlines Currently, American Same as for carry on US$125
Airlines will accept only luggage
cats and dogs for in-
cabin travel and as
checked baggage. For
any other type of pet, it
is recommended that
you contact American
Airlines Cargo. Pets
travelling in-cabin are
accepted on a first-
come basis and a
reservation is required,
as space is limited.
Checked pets do not
require a reservation.

The maximum number

of pet carriers on any
given flight is seven (for
 those flights accepting
pets).

Pet carriers are limited

to one per ticketed
passenger and will
count as either a carry-
on bag or a personal ite.
Restrictions related to
extreme weather
conditions apply to
certain flights depending
on the time of year, the
point of destination,
and/or the point of
departure. Seasonal
holiday restrictions may
also apply.

When travelling with

pets a valid health
certificate must be
presented upon request.
For international travel
travelers must be aware
of restrictions

Air Canada Currently, they will only

allow passengers to
travel with a small cat or
dog in the cabin,
provided the animal is
small enough to fit
comfortably in an
approved carrier and
can be safely stored
under the seat in front of
you. All other animals
must travel as either
checked baggage or as
manifest cargo in the
hold of the aircraft.

Air Canada also

reminds travelers that
in-cabin pet carriers will
count toward your carry-
on baggage allowance.
While Pet friendly hotels are on the increase in UK, however due to the long travel time of at
least 9 hours and the possible trauma on the dog and pet owner is a disincentive for persons
travelling from the UK. On the other hand travelling from several major US gateways the time is
significantly less and would therefore make pet travel more feasible. Table XX outlines same.

Table XX -Flying Times from Major North American Gate way to Montego Bay

New York JFK Airport to Jamaica 3 hours and 30 minutes

New York JFK Airport to St.Lucia 4 hours and 30 minutes

New York JFK Airport to Dominican Republic 3 hour and 30 minutes
New York JFK Airport to Dominica 4 hours and 18 minutes
New York JFK Airport to Cayman Islands 3 hours and 30 minutes

Airport Transfers

Service Dogs would be allowed on the buses as well as emotional support dogs, however therapy dogs
would have to be carried as a private charter, and so transportation providers would earn income from
those person travelling with their pet dogs.

Hotels
Majority of hotels in North America which are Pet Friendly charge extra for accommodating dogs some
a per night fee some a fixed fee, most instances the fee is used to cover the costs of deep cleaning the
room after the dogs leave. Two scenarios

1. Dogs stays in room with guest

2. Dogs stay in a centralized kennel facility

By far Dogs staying in the room is the much more popular option.

General dog owners have to sign a disclaimer and indemnify the hotel of any losses resulting from their
pet staying at the property.

There is a wide difference in the level of service for properties who classify themselves as Pet Friendly,
some include a wide range of amenities which might include:

Dog handlers, Dog bed, Walking trail, Logoed collars, Bathing station/spa, Special towels, Special meal s,
Feeding pans. Typically those hotels positioning themselves as Pet friendly at a minimum have a dog bed
and feeding pans.

Legal and Technical Feasibility

Pet Passport

A Pet Passport ensures that all the documentation on the dog including treatments . Based on the
UK Government website the following would be components of a Pet Passport:.

A vet is required to fill out in the following sections in the pet passport:

 details of ownership - you must sign section I if your pet passport was issued on or after
29 December 2014
 description of animal
 marking or identification of animal
 vaccination against rabies
 rabies blood test (if needed)
 details of the vet issuing the passport (for passports issued from 29 December 2014)
 your dog’s tapeworm treatment (if needed)

For Jamaica in 2009-2010 , then Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Dr. Christopher Tufton
had established a committee to look at Pet Passports in Jamaica, we were unable to find the
results of the work of that Committee. During the period between 2002 and 2003 the Jamaica
Veterinarian Association brought an overseas expert to make presentations to the government on
removing quarantine requirements for pet dogs, they were unsuccessful .

Research Conducted with Vets Registered to Practice in Jamaica

37 vets responded out of 227 registered vets in Jamaica, that is approximately 16 % of vets

Question :Current laws that prohibit the importation of dogs from the US except service dogs should be
maintained

Response 9 % Yes 79 % No 12 % Unsure

Reasons – central theme

Overall position current technology and testing methods can support systems that can manage and
minimize the risk of dogs entering the island with rabies ,and that once these systems are in placed then
they would generally be in agreement with allowing .dogs from North America

Question: Do you think the current laws which all dogs from England with a quarantine period of 14 days
should still be maintained?

Response 42 % Yes 55 % No 3 % Unsure

Reasons – central theme

Once they are able to verify rabies vaccination issued then very little risk, (important to note that UK
now allows dog with a Pet Passport from the US, but Jamaica does not).

Question: Would you support a similar system to the St.Lucia model being implemented in Jamaica?

Response

88 % Yes , 9 % No , 3 % Unsure

Central theme

Once proper systems are put in place and enforced then can adopted, still had a few persons who
wanted to maintain quarantine
Question: How do you feel about establishing pet friendly (specifically dogs) hotels in Jamaica?

Responses

61 % Very Good Development, 30 % Good Development, 6 % Not Sure

3 % Negative Development, 0% Very negative Development

Question: What type of physical infrastructure would be needed in Jamaica to imple ment the St.
Lucia model?

-Central theme

Improved infrastructure at ports of entry which would include deployment of additional human
resources, technology and facilities

Question: What type of human resources would be needed for Jamaica to implement the St.
Lucia model?

More Government vets and increased training of vets

Question: If pet friendly (specifically dogs) hotels were established in Jamaica do you see any types of
support services that could be offered by local Veterinarians?

97 per cent Yes

3 per cent No

Question: If pet friendly (specifically dogs) hotels were established in Jamaica do you see any types of
support services that could be offered by local Veterinarians?

A range of services could be supplied by vets and suppliers of dog care services such as dog grooming

Issue of Concern is Rabies

Note that the UK now allows dogs from the US with Pet Passport , yet Jamaica still have law only
accepting from England and other rabies free countries in the UK.

It is important to note the that World Health Organization (WHO) during 2010-2014 had no suspected
cases of rabies in North America . However in the Caribbean Region WHO had reported suspected
cases in Haiti and Dominican Republic

A 2015 Gleaner article quotes Dr. Osbil Watson, Chief Veterinary Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture
as saying that amendments to the 1948 Animals (Diseases and Importation ) Law t are being worked on.
. We hope that such amendments would facilitate a model similar to St.Lucia model and we urge the
government to speed up the process of the amendments.

Amendments to the Public Health Act,

Amendments will also be necessary to allow dogs to stay at hotels and be in certain public spaces,
conditions such as that the dog must be on a leash at all times would have to be implemented.

Statement of Viability

Amendments to Laws
Without amendments to both the 1948 Animals (Disease and Importation) Law and the Public Health
act the implementation of Dog Friendly hotels will not be a reality, our government officials must be
lobbied to make these amendments

Potential Impact on Number of Tourist Vacationing In Jamaica

In 2015 1,031,462 or 76.7% of US Visitors came to Jamaica for leisure ,recreation and holiday with
Montego Bay most popular. (JTB Annual Travel Statistics 2015)

Given the experience 2 to 5 percent of North American Resort hotels guests carry pets with them in the
summer month , Jamaica offering a warm weather destination should be able to tap into the pet dog
travelling market all year round. In 5 years if Jamaica is properly promoted as a “Dog friendly “
destination we could see a have 2 per cent increase or approximately 20,000 more visitors of the
1,031,462 visitors from the US who come from the US for vacation and stay an average of 7 nights and
spend on average US $126 Per Night this would equal in US$17,640,000.
Jamaica would need to spend at least 5 per cent of the projected revenues of the projected US $
17,640,000 that would equal US$882,000 . This money should be spent over the five year period
promoting Jamaica as a dog friendly destination. This can be done where appropriate of tweaking of
planned advertisements could include aspect of persons travelling with their pet dog. In addition a ,
however special campaign at pet shows, pet web sites and , pet channels should be implemented.