The newest staff employed at two Melbourne hotels have four legs

The pandemic puppy was a welcome addition to many homes during COVID-19 lockdowns and now almost 70 per cent Australian families have a pet, most of which are dogs, according to the RSPCA.

Russell, the golden labrador retriever. On staff and ready to serve at QT Melbourne.

So it’s no wonder the pet-friendly hotel market size has grown rapidly. One statistics company put the global market at $6.5 billion in 2024, with a projection of it to grow to $7.3 billion in 2025.

With that kind of interest, what better way to telegraph your pet-friendly status than having one yourself. The QT Melbourne has just welcomed a labrador retriever to its permanent staff.

Yoga with Russell.

Russell, named after the hotel’s Russell Street address, is a two-year-old. He received extensive training with Guide Dogs Victoria, but was a bit too social for the job of service pooch. Now, he’s found a home at QT Melbourne, where his playfulness and penchant for spreading love will be deployed to greet guests, lead morning walks, and other specialised tasks.

Part guard/part concierge… Charlie at work.

Hotel general manager Kristen Foat says Russell is also an ambassador for QT Melbourne’s partnership with Guide Dogs Victoria. “His presence represents not just a commitment to our guests’ wellbeing, but also a deep appreciation for the important work Guide Dogs Victoria does in the community,” she says. ″⁣Through this partnership, we’re able to give back in a meaningful way while creating an environment of joy, connection, and compassion.”

Russell’s arrival also heralds a suite of new dog-friendly options at the hotel such as “Pups & Poses” on the rooftop at QT, yoga sessions with Guide Dogs Victoria puppies-in-training; puppacinos in the lobby cafe and “PupYeah! Staycations”, a package of pet-friendly accommodation and a specialty in-room dining menu for dogs.

And Russell is not alone in Melbourne as a doggie hotel ambassador. A short walkies up Collins Street and down St Andrews Place, another golden lab, Charlie started work at the Park Hyatt Melbourne around the same time as Russell.

Fetching dog staff Ellie and Ella at Fairmont Vancouver, Canada.

He’s also a former guide dog trainee, and replaces the legendary Mr Walker, who retired recently after nine years, and is currently enjoying life by the sea on the Mornington Peninsula.

There are canine ambassadors at other hotels around the world, with one of the biggest proponents of puppies under the portico being Fairmont hotels in Canada.

The first in the group to employ a resident furry friend was the Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver in 2002. Since then, more than a dozen Fairmonts across Canada, as well as some in the US and elsewhere have done the same, including the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, where Ella and Elly do double duties in doggie delighting.

See qthotels.com ; hyatt.com ; fairmont.com