Because fireworks are not allowed to be lit due to air traffic around the airport, Schiphol was a refuge for many pet owners last night. They sought peace and quiet to protect their animals from the loud bangs elsewhere in the province.
“It was wonderful, a nice and quiet night,” says dog owner Marlies de Koning. “We wanted to give the dogs some rest, because all those fireworks are really not for them.”
Ediz also recognizes that problem. He lives in Amsterdam and went to a hotel near Schiphol with his dog this New Year. “They get really stressed and want to run away when they hear fireworks,” he says. “It already starts the days before New Year’s Eve. They are shaking and can no longer walk.”
Charlie and his partner made the same decision and took their dog and cat with them. “We live in Hilversum and there are a lot of fireworks there, even in nature. That means we can’t walk the dog in the evening. This also applies to the cat, so that’s why we decided to come here.”
Hundreds of euros
However, that peace and quiet comes at a price. “About four hundred euros,” says Charlie. “To be honest, I think that’s quite expensive. The hotel is clearly making a profit.” According to the hotel, prices vary from one hundred and ninety to six hundred euros per night, depending on when you book.
Still, dog owners think it’s worth it. “Otherwise they are very scared, so I am certainly willing to do it,” said Ediz, who was at Schiphol with his dogs for the fourth year in a row.