Need a place for your dog to stay while you go on vacation? Why not scope out a boarding facility where your dog will feel like she is on vacation too. These facilities go above and beyond the traditional “kennels and runs” so that your dog will be a pampered pup while you’re away.
5. Auntie Barbara’s Bed, Bath & Biscuit – Lowell, Indiana
Located on a 10 acre farm, this dog hotel is perfect for the city dog looking for some time in the country.
Dogs do not stay in kennels, but furnished, temperature-controlled rooms complete with beds and pillows (as long as your canine does not chew these items).
- Amenities include:
- Pool
- Minimum of 8 outside
- Off-leash playtimes a day (with or without a companion)
- Grooming
- a vet who comes every second Friday of the month. Dr. Daniel King, DVM, CVA, OVCH Specializing & Board Certified in Animal Chiropractic, Veterinary Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, Traditional Veterinary Medicine and a Chinese Herbalist.
4. Pooch Hotel – California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Texas
A nationwide chain, the Pooch Hotel strives to feel more like a five-star human hotel, than a dog boarding facility.
Amenities include:
- Pool with lifeguard on duty
- Doggy Spa complete with aromatherapy bathing and massage, paw-dicures, Poochberry facials, tooth brushing and more.
- The Club @ Pooch Hotel Fitness Center including at treadmill and nutrition management.
- Indoor play areas with real grass
- 24-hour webcam access is offered to parents of guests staying in Presidential and Palace Suites, as well as all play areas for both overnight and daycare guests.
- Pet parents can drop off and pick up pets 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Custom-made hotel suites with glass doors to allow staff to easily monitor guests.
All guests are provided with scheduled feedings, around-the-clock monitoring, attention to any special needs including administering medications, and on-call veterinary care. (www.poochhotel.com)
3. K-9 RESORTS DAYCARE & LUXURY HOTEL – Fanwood, New Jersey
Ranked number 1 in its category by the Courier Times and by New Jersey Monthly, The k-9 Resorts know how to treat your pup right.
Aside from all day daycare and grooming, some of their special amenities include:
- Sound resistant rooms
- In-suite plasma TVs
- Outdoor-view windows
- Luxury dog bedding
- Evian Spring Water
- Doggie Ice Cream
- Gucci Dog Bed Upgrade
- Gourmet Dinners
Paradise Ranch Doggy Waterpark is just pawsome!
2. Paradise Ranch Resort – Sun Valley, California
Does your dog dream of learning to boogie board on his next vacation? Or maybe she craves a massage to work out all the agility trial stress. If so, this hotel is for you!
Cage-free, dogs live instead in bedrooms with other pooch playmates and 24-7 staff.
Amenities include:
- Training
- Grooming
- Webcams
- Roommates so dogs are not alone
- Doggy waterpark
- Grassy areas for romping
- Pool
1. The Barkley Pet Hotel – Ohio and California
This one just might be my favorite – they will actually take your dog for a ride in a car, with a stop at McDonald’s drive-thru for a treat!
Aside from the “usual” play area, walks, dog training, spa and grooming that everyone offers, The Barkley’s unique amenities include:
- Bedtime bone
- Chew bone toy rental
- New “Stuffed” toy
- Ice Cream
- “Tucking in” service where your dog is tucked in to bed, giving a belly rub and even read a bedtime story!
- Phone call where you can talk to your dog
- Vacation Photos
- Pool time supervised with a human in-pool
- Car ride (with or without the trip to McDonald’s)
- Room Service featuring Filet Mignon and a linen napkin
- Massage
- Transportation to and from in a chauffeured Town Car
About the Author
Based in Tustin, Calif., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She also owns her own custom pet products company, A Fairytail House, where she makes personalized collars, leashes, beds, keepsake pillows and blankets, and anything else your imagine can think up. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs. She smartly married a Veterinary Technician, who helps keep the fur kids happy and healthy, and provides a quick resource for articles.
