Dog boarding has improved considerably from the days of small concrete runs, a bowl of dry kibble and two potty breaks a day. All over the US, more and more doggy day care resorts are popping up. Dogs no longer have to dread the "drop off" and owners no longer have to feel guilty when they leave their dogs.
Resembling quality childcare facilities, doggy resorts attend not only to basic needs but cater to the whims of their clients. Amenities vary but can include limousine pickup and delivery, themed décor, colorful playgrounds, toys, swimming pools, hiking trails, specialized meals, bottled water, hydrosurge baths, grooming, massage, television, orthopedic beds, climate control, and piped in music. There are even personal attendants to play games or simply hang out with the dog, according to client instructions. And for owner peace of mind, most staff are certified in pet care, veterinarians are on call 24/7 and some facilities offer webcam viewing.
Prices vary and pampered treatment does not come cheap but some resorts offer packages so that you can choose specific amenities and activities to suit your dog's individuality. Clients may expect to pay anywhere from $25 or more for a single day to hundreds of dollars for a weeklong doggy vacation.
For a feel of what you can expect from an upscale doggy daycare, browse the following websites.
Cozy Inn Pet Resort and Spa in Pittsburgh pays attention to detail with gourmet meals, aromatherapy, and security and fire alarm system.
Countryside Kennels Pet Resort in Owings, Maryland offers soccer, frisbee, moonlight walks and have just installed a brand new in ground full sized swimming pool.
ABC Pet Resort and Spa in Houston, Texas says, "If your pet is with us on his or her birthday, we make the day special with our exclusive "Bow-Wow Birthday Blast."
Canyon View Ranch for Dogs in Topanga, California features a luxurious bone-shaped swimming pool and boasts the perfect vacation getaway for your special friend.
While some of these may be a bit pricey for many of us, we can all agree that our dogs give us so much and deserve the best we can afford them.
Above photo courtesy of Countryside Kennels Pet Resort, Owings, Maryland
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Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
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