Staypineapple, the boutique hotel brand known for its playful personality and dog-friendly ethos, is deepening its commitment to four-legged travelers with a new pet wellness program designed to reduce stress for pets and give their humans peace of mind.
The initiative introduces partnerships with Zoundz Music for Pets, a sound therapy app created to calm cats and dogs, and Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG ER for Pets), a nationwide provider of 24/7 emergency veterinary care.
For the brand, the move is less of a pivot and more of an evolution. Pets have long been part of the Staypineapple experience, from stuffed “Dash the Dog” mascots on beds to in-room amenities like beds, bowls and treats.
Michael Hirschler, chief growth officer, said the culture of the company itself reflects that mindset.
“We are just a company of pet lovers ourselves,” he explained. “Over time, we’ve built on our pet programming so that it really does feel like they are getting equal treatment, because we know how important pets are, especially if you’re bringing your pet with you on your travel.”
Travel often disrupts routines, which can make pets anxious. To help, guests booking the Pineapple Pup Package now receive a complimentary 14-day trial to Zoundz prior to arrival. The app features playlists tailored to travel moments—from packing to car rides to settling into a hotel room. Once on-site, it can be streamed to the in-room TV, continuing to play even when owners step out.
“With 76% of dogs now showing signs of separation anxiety, up from just 14% before the pandemic, this partnership helps pets feel more calm and secure during their stay, while giving their people a greater sense of ease,” said Derrick Garrett, CEO, Zoundz.
“If we are providing the opportunity for people to leave their pet family members in the room alone, then here’s an option to create a better experience for that pet,” Hirschler said.
Staypineapple President Dina Belon added that supporting pets benefits the entire guest experience: “We know that when pets feel at ease, their humans can, too. That’s why we’re excited to offer resources like Zoundz that help create a sense of calm and comfort from the moment the trip begins through the entire stay with us.”
Zoundz also reflects Staypineapple’s focus on pet welfare beyond its hotels. Through its Harmony Project, the app is provided free of charge to shelters and rescues, funded by paid subscriptions.
While calming playlists help ease everyday stress, emergencies require a different kind of preparation. To that end, the company has partnered with VEG ER for Pets, which operates more than 100 emergency and urgent care hospitals across the U.S., including locations near almost every Staypineapple hotel. The clinics’ open-concept model allows owners to remain with their pets during treatment, emphasizing transparency and comfort.
Hirschler described the decision as straightforward. “As humans, we have options for medical care within easy reach. Why wouldn’t we extend that to our pets? It was such a simple partnership that allows us to bring another layer of value to our pet programming.”
Belon said the collaboration underscores the brand’s commitment to guest well-being, adding, “It offers pet parents confidence that expert care is close by during their stay.”
The wellness program builds on the company’s existing pet-friendly policies, which already allow pets to remain in guestrooms without their owners. To support this, custom “Do Not Disturb” signage is provided for housekeeping staff.
Hirschler said the pet wellness program is the next step in expanding that foundation of care.
“Guests already pay an extra fee to bring their pets,” he explained. “We want to make sure they get more than just the ability to keep their pet with them. This is the next iteration from a service perspective.”
