While almost 78 percent of all pet owners travel with their pets, there is a developing niche for those who do not. Luxury pet boarding hotels, doggie day cares, pet resorts, and 5-star cat facilities are on the rise in the United States. Some of these hot spots are amazing enough to make their pet parents jealous.
Elaine’s Pet Resorts. With locations in Fresno and Madera, Calif., Elaine’s Pet Resorts transforms boarding dogs and cats into a true vacation from their parents. Dogs will be given their own private, climate-controlled suite, ranging from 32 to 64 square feet with an elevated resting bed, comfy bedding, and soothing music. When weather permits, the resort also has sliding walls to allow for more fresh air.
When they aren’t relaxing in their suites, pets can enjoy action-packed play, water park fun, and spa treatments with honey and oat skin soothers and hydrating coconut conditioners. Special packages also allow pet parents to receive report cards or order gourmet treats and tuck-in service with cuddles. The resort also features a dog-free section specially designed for cats!
Olde Towne Pet Resort in Washington D.C is well-known in the area for its blueberry facials and mud bath treatments. Most packages include 20-minute play times or afternoon walks while they are there. For more active pets, choose a 4- to 6-hour day camp to keep them active while they play in a large outdoor yard.
When not playing or being pampered, their 5-star pet accommodations include spacious suites, some with windows and television sets. One of the more unique features to complete this lavish pet lifestyle are webcams for pet parents. Parents are welcome to check in at any time and watch the suite feed or any number of the public feeds located throughout the resort.
The Happy Cat Hotel & Spa is a fast-growing franchise with locations popping up across the United States — Albuquerque, New Mexico; Alexandria, Virginia; Austin, Texas; East Cranberry, Connecticut; Johns Creek, Georgia; Westchester, New York; and Windsor, Connecticut; included. While each location may be slightly different, the amenities all measure up. Many of them have special layouts and themes that can be requested by pet owners.
To give you an idea of how lavish these rooms might be, one location includes a beautiful beach-side bungalow with hammocks, chairs, and views that resemble private island grounds; a Celtic cat room with plenty of shelves, padded dresser, and cozy cat boxes; and bonsai kitty comfort room appointed with Japanese art and the option to add a sushi bar. Most locations also have pet-pampering options, including a complete cat spa.
Best Friends Petcare in Orlando is part of the country’s first and longest-running Play & Stay pet destination, with more than 40 locations nationwide, including Walt Disney World Resort. While there are more locations, the one in Orlando caught our eye because the facility is located right on the theme park’s property, allowing guests to enjoy the park and the area while their pets have just as much fun.
Luxury suites here come complete with flat panel television programming for your dog, a private play yard, a raised platform bed, and their own personal pet concierge. If this isn’t luxurious enough, dogs also receive a bedtime story before they drift off to sleep after their busy day. The facility also provides doggy day camps, grooming options, training sessions, and webcams. Some locations also offer pet transfers and accommodations for cats and birds.
The Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa is another exciting pet destination in California. Before the pet checks in, pet parents can pick out gift baskets with specialty collars, leashes, charms, and toys to make them feel like royalty. After that, they can choose from one of the themed suite sections modeled after places like Rodeo Drive, Hollywoof Boulevard, and Barkley Park suites.
The suite can include glass door privacy or wrought-iron room gates, depending on pet preferences. Inside, each is equipped with elevated wrought-iron beds and flat-screen programming that broadcasts shows tailored to pet tenants. As a guest, every stay can include a number of pet parent-selected options like doggie day camps, salon and spa visits, specialized play packages, tummy rubs and ice cream socials. In addition to dogs, the Barkley also offers custom care for cats, birds, and exotic animals.
Here are a few closing tips for choosing pet resorts that are right for you.
All of these pet resorts and hotels offer meet and greets or tours to provide pet parents with a better idea of what their pets can expect. In general, All About Spot recommends that pet parents ask questions, meet employees, see where meals are prepared, and check out dog runs and play areas. All pet hotels (even those not as luxurious) should be open enough to show off their entire facility and provide details about their immunization requirements.
Ideally, no matter where your pets stay while you’re away, they should feel a little tired after a full day of activity, want to linger a little to say goodbye to handlers, and are as fresh and clean for pick up as they were at drop off. They should be happy to see you, not simply relieved. And All About Spot is happy to play a role in their well-being by providing any hotel access to your online pet records on request!
