If your travel plans include a visit to Southern California, then The Privileged Pooch: Luxury Travel With Your Pet In Southern California by Maggie Espinosa is a must-read.

As the title suggests, this is a guide to the finest hotels – four and five star – as well as top restaurants and a wide assortment of activities and attractions. Included are addresses, phone numbers, websites and price guide, according to dollar signs ($ - $$$$).

Each destination is reviewed and rated by the author according to their pet policies and how pet friendly they truly are (some hotels literally roll out the red carpet, while others provide pet beds, bowls and even homemade food).

For example, in her review of the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Ms. Espinosa highlights the hotel’s “Su‘ruff Camp” which, as she points out, exemplifies their VIP (Very Important Pet) attitude. The package includes dog surfing lessons, board shorts or a bandana for your dog, a copy of “The Dog’s Guide To Surfing” and a surf ‘n’ turf canine supper.

Hotel reviews also include any pet fees or deposits; if there are enforced weight or breed limitations; availability of pet sitters and dog walkers; enthusiastic staff offering to walk dogs; pet spa treatments and more!

The book is divided by region – San Diego, Palm Springs, Orange County (two distinct areas), Los Angeles (five distinct areas) and Santa Barbara/Ojai.

Each chapter features very cleverly named sections – Stay (hotels), Kibble (restaurants), Play (tours, activities and attractions), Fetch (shopping) and even a list of area Veterinarians – just in case.

There are plenty of surprises in the area of luxury travel. One of my favorite reviews in the book showed up in the Play section of the Long Beach – Palos Verdes – Marina Del Ray chapter for The Gondola Getaway. As Ms. Espinosa writes:

Oh solo mio isn’t an issue at this pet friendly gondola company. No need to ride alone when you can bring along a canine chum for free. Authentic Venetian boats glide through the peaceful canals of Naples Island, powered by the arms of young bucks dressed as Italian gondoliers.

How awesome is that?

Another great find – Healthy Spot in Santa Monica, in the L.A. – Santa Monica chapter. This is a spa for dogs. Services include blueberry and plum facials, milk and honey baths and moisturizing paw rubs. There is even a Reiki therapist.

The Privileged Pooch is as entertaining as it is informative. Ms. Espinosa’s descriptions and attention to detail made me feel like I was right there with her and Marcel, her faithful, lucky and obviously spoiled Bichon Frise.

For those looking to travel with cats or other non-human family members, it is best to contact hotels and other establishments directly to discuss their pet policies.

Even if you do not plan on traveling with your pet, this well written, thoroughly researched book makes an excellent guide for luxury travel throughout Southern California.

I give this book a very enthusiastic four paws up!

The Privileged Pooch: Luxury Travel With Your Pet In Southern California is available at BarnesandNoble.com and Amazon.com.

If you would like to learn more about the author, please visit http://travelwithmaggie.com/

Jodi Ziskin, our Traveling with Pets Editor, is a Holistic Wellness Consultant for Animal Companions, specializing in nutrition and proactive health. She is a Certified Pet Nutrition Consultant who also holds a Master of Science degree in Holistic Nutrition. Through her company Holistic Jodi, LLC, Jodi makes house calls throughout South Florida, helping cats, dogs, birds and rabbits be as healthy and happy as possible.

She and her husband Zach live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with their two cats, Obi  and Emma.

Please feel free to contact Jodi at holisticjodi[at]gmail.com or visit http://www.healthypetcoach.com/