Several businesses in Jackson County offer services to care for the traveler’s companions.

There are 34 accommodations and nine campgrounds that welcome pets with Smoky Mountain hospitality.

Dillsboro Inn owners, T.J. and Terry Walker, are sensitive to people who travel with pets as they are pet owners themselves with two dogs, Frances and Petey, and a cat named Ranger.

“It’s nice to offer people the option to bring pets --extended family,“ T.J. said. “We pour a lot of love into this business and that is an element of kinship and hospitality we like to share.”

With three out of the seven suites made pet-friendly at the Dillsboro Inn, the lodging is fashioned for families with some members who may be sporting some fur.

The Riverscape, Riverside and Chiandine suites offer “four-star country charm” with amenities for pets, T.J. said.

The Walkers own pets play a part in the inn’s rustic elegance. While Ranger was named for his watch cat behavior, the friendly dogs pride themselves on being the inn’s official greeters.

“Frances is good with people, and she’s not a barker,” T.J. said as Frances curled up by his side. “Both dogs are wonderful with kids.”

T.J. found Frances, a Belgian Shepherd Malinois, in the Oconaluftee River. He named her after Hurricane Frances that ripped through here in 2004.

Their other dog Petey, one of Frances’s pups, is known to gently herd children. T.J. attributes Petey’s tomboy charm to her Australian Shepherd breeding.

T.J. and Terry enjoy sharing ideas with their guests on what to do while visiting the gorgeous Smoky Mountains, and while visitors are out and about the innkeepers offer pet sitting services and treats from the local Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery.

They also provide a dog bowl for water just in case that was forgot while pet packing.

For more information about the Dillsboro Inn, visit www.dillsboroinn.com or call 866.586.3898.

The Sugar Bear Lodge in Glenville offers a charming house and cottage with all the comforts of home for every member of the family including Fido and Snowball.

Sugar Bear Lodge Property Manager Harry Candullo won’t go anywhere with out his cat, Tigger, and two dogs, Maddy and Sanford.

“Part of what prompted us to be pet-friendly is our pets are part of our families,” Candullo said. “My pets would have food even if I didn’t.”

Being animal lovers the lodge welcomes your ‘well behaved’ pet, and they acknowledge that bringing them along with you is likely more affordable than boarding fees. The Sugar Bear Lodge homes offer fenced in areas and gated decks, but outside the property pet owners should use leashes.

Located in the “Land of the Waterfalls,” the vacation homes prepare to take care of the entire family.

“Most guests are repeat people because the houses have everything you’d have at your own home like scotch tape, pliers, and games for kids because we anticipate those needs,” Candullo said.

For more information call 828.743.1390 or visit www.sugarbearlodge.com.

If you feel like going out on the town Animal Magnetism will to come to your accommodation and pet sit for you.

Animal Magnetism encourages visitors to “Take your time, have fun and explore the sights! We come to your location.”

For more information call 828.293.1341 or visit www.animalmagnetism4u.com.

More pet-friendly options are available in the accommodation directory or call the Jackson County Chamber at 828.586.2155 and request the Pet-Friendly Accommodation Brochure. The brochure is also available for downloading from the Web site at www.mountainlovers.com.