It's not exactly a news flash that Carmel is one of the dog-friendliest towns on the planet. You can bunk down with your pet at no less than 25 lodgings; every outdoor restaurant and many indoor places welcome dogs. Leash-free Carmel Beach becomes an exclusive canine country club at sunrise and sunset.

If Carmel didn't invent pet-friendly travel, it has certainly refined pooch pampering to a high art. These days, you can find some pet-friendly lodgings and restaurants nearly everywhere you care to travel. But in Carmel, your pet can join you in just about anything you'd want to do on vacation.

Many Carmel restaurants, not content to offer water bowls and dog treats, up the ante with custom doggie menus of kibble, biscuits, grilled chicken and steak. Try Edgar's at Quail Lodge, Bahama Billy's in the Barnyard, Forge in the Forest, Plaza Cafe and Grill, and Buon Giorno Bakery and Cafe. Cypress Inn - co-owned by famous animal lover Doris Day - even has a room-service menu for dogs.

Water dishes and biscuits are de rigueur at shops all over town. The Carmel Plaza mall even has a drinking fountain just for dogs, called the Fountain of Woof.

After a day at the beach, the first thing you want to do is shower off the sand and salt spray. At the Lamplighter Inn, your loyal companion has his own outdoor shower, complete with warm water - no more pitiful, shivering dog to push your guilt buttons.

Muscles feeling a little tight? Check into the Signature Day Spa, but first check your dog (or cat or horse) into the Signature Paw Spa across the street. A massage, incorporating color therapy, not only will relax him but also will stimulate muscles, improve flexibility and even relieve pain from hip dysplasia and spinal problems. You can also book a bath and grooming, or have his nails done and teeth cleaned.

If Fido has been obstreperous lately, the spa also offers classes to work on his life skills and manners. If necessary, you can drop him off for day care, and he can shed all he likes on the couch while watching "Hotel for Dogs" and other canine-oriented movies on a flat-panel TV. The boutique carries designer hoodies, jumpsuits and dresses, as well as toiletries and every toy and accessory you could dream up.

Come cocktail time, the Cypress Inn is the place to be. Dogs are not only welcome but also expected during Yappy Hour. Your libations are 15 percent off; dog treats are free. If afternoon tea is your pleasure, four-legged sippers - who traditionally dress up for the occasion - are also welcome during high tea by the fireplace.

If you're the artsy type, check out Lord Wellington's gallery, also known as the Steven Whyte Sculpture Studio. The door's special cutout allows the lord, an English bulldog, to poke his head through to greet visitors, both four-legged and two.

Special events you might want to plan a trip around include Monterey Parks and Recreation's classes on trail manners, taught as you hike the dog heaven known as Garland Park in Carmel Valley; the Poodle Day costume parade on Carmel Beach in October; and the annual Howl-O-Ween Dog Pawty at Quail Lodge.

And if your trip marks a special occasion, Carmel Dog Parties ( www.carmeldogparties.com) will send invitations and procure the decorations, dog gifts and toys, gourmet baked treats and favors to mount a celebration anywhere on the Monterey Peninsula. {sbox}

Pet-friendly hotels and restaurants: www.carmel.com/pet-friendly-carmel.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Chamber of Commerce: (800) 550-4333, www.carmelcalifornia.org.

Monterey Convention and Visitors Bureau: (877) 666-8373, www.seemonterey.com.

Freelance writer Christine Delsol is a former Chronicle Travel editor. E-mail her at pinkletters@sfchronicle.com.

This article appeared on page Q - 49 of the San Francisco Chronicle