First-Class Flights and Other Perks for Pampered Pets

Far from the golden age of air travel, we’re currently living in a time of steerage-like coach-class airplane cabins, where knees jut into seat backs and cheap champagne comes in plastic cups for an additional $8. How uncivilized! Well, if you wouldn’t dream of flying coach under those conditions, why should your A-list pets have to suffer such indignities?

Fortunately, they no longer have to: Now jet-setting dogs and cats have a chance to fly first class too, thanks to American Airlines First-Class Pet Cabin service.

Each first-class pet seat includes roomy accommodations — near their humans — for a $125 carryon fee. The offering serves select flights between LAX and SFO to JFK, and the human companion is also required to purchase a first-class ticket. American quietly launched the offering quietly last spring and is drumming up publicity for it now.

Of course, American’s offering is just the latest perk for people who pamper their pooches as much as they do themselves. The Posh Puppy Boutique online offers an array of no-expense-spared accouterments for spoiled pets. How about a $2,520 Susan Lanci ultra-suede fringed carrier… or one for $3,600 with a bit of Swarovski sparkle?

Naturally, a pooch that pampered might like to sleep in a high-end tweed dog bed from the likes of Harry Barker — or even wear a flashy dog bikini inspired by the glamorous beaches of Rio de Janeiro from Bitch New York!

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Lisa Vanderpump has a whole line of luxe pet products — ahem, “luxury pieces of pet jewelry” — under the name Vanderpump Pets. All inspired by her famous Pomeranian, Giggy, products include the likes of a black and white crystal bowtie collar (a black-tie accoutrement just right for the upcoming Emmys red carpet!), or a leather collar with gold crystals and gold metal hardware (inspired by The Hollywood Reporter’s crowning of Giggy as the most famous reality TV pup). A portion of the proceeds from sales go to pets in need, so indulgence feels a little more like philanthropy. Vanderpump and Giggy (clad in a custom tux, bien sur) hosted their own charity event earlier this month to benefit the Hero Dog Awards.

Giggy is also frequently spotted in the hands of A-listers. Check out his best celebrity encounters, below. 

Speaking of charitable Beverly Hills pooches, apparel brand n: Philanthropy is gearing up to host a pet pampering and adoption day at Pussy & Pooch — a pet boutique, wellness center, and social club. (Yes, you read that right.) The August 29 event in Beverly Hills will include pampering and portraits by pet photographer Kim Rodgers, and the pet glam squad will be on hand to get furry friends camera ready. A portion of the proceeds go to spcaLA.

While lavish services and products for dogs may get the most attention, cat people have plenty of options for pampering their furry friends too. The industry of luxury boarding for cats is on the rise, with Morris Animal Inn in Morristown, New Jersey once offering basic digs but now extending to three cat boarding options. At the highest level, cats stay in luxury suites, with each roomy enough to accommodate as many as five felines from the same family. This suite includes multiple levels for playing, climbing, and sleeping, and a glass front provides unobstructed sight lines for curious kitties to investigate the world. Tres chic!

Pointing to the rise of the trend, the cheekily named Best Little Cat House has three locations in L.A. specializing in luxury boarding and grooming. The staff of so-called “cat concierges” looks after loved ones, and controllable web cameras allow pet parents to check up on them from wherever they are in the world. Complimentary manis and pedis are offered with any spa service. (Yes, we’re still talking about cats.) Paging A-list cat mom Taylor Swift!

See what happens when Giggy Vanderpump gets too comfortable.

Trouble is Giggy's Middle Name