CENTURY CITY, Calif. — The new Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel is officially open and welcoming all guests, including their furry friends. Laurel, the director of pet relations, oversees the amenities for the cats and dogs staying at the hotel.

She is a dog. Her dog dad, Juan Leonis, said her primary mission is to make people happy. 

"That's her No. 1 joy in life," Leonis said.

Leonis is also the director of rooms for the hotel and has bounced around the country working at different Fairmont properties, which made it hard to have a dog of his own. It's why he jumped at the opportunity to volunteer to be Laurel's guardian.

She goes home and comes to work with Leonis every day. They are now best friends. Laurel trained for years with The Guide Dog Foundation in hopes of being a full-time service animal, but it wasn't the perfect fit.

"She decided for a career change and decided to get into hospitality," Leonis said.

But, this means Laurel is qualified for this director position. The job requirements are following commands, being well behaved, interacting with anyone of all ages, boosting employee morale, welcoming guests and having fun.

Other Fairmont hotels in the country have their own director of pet relations. The company hopes to show they are forward-thinking with pets. Not only can your furry friends stay in your hotel room, but you can also take them on walks along routes the hotel provides and even have Laurel tag along.

"We look at pets as an extension of family and not as a pet," Leonis said.

Los Angeles is a city for dog lovers. There are more than 2.6 million privately owned cats and dogs in LA County, with the U.S. Department of Transportation saying more than 2 million pets are transported by air every year in the U.S. An increase Leonis has noticed.

"We have seen a lot of uptick whether it's pets, cats. People don't like to leave home without their pets. They want them to be there to experience the vacation with them," Leonis said.

It is why Laurel's first official "dog-cree" made cats and dogs free at the hotel, even though Leonis has seen some other interesting guests. 

"In San Francisco there was a mini-horse," he said.

Maybe don't bring a mini-horse, but your furry family members are always welcome at the Fairmont Century Plaza. It is now open in Century City.

There are rooms where no dogs or cats stay for your comfort for those who may have allergies.