PetsHotel
By Julie Diamond
Jul 31, 2006, 16:59
On the rare occasion that I have boarded my dog Leslie in the past, I simply took her to my vet where they provide clean, spacious kennels, outdoor dog runs and a well-trained staff that knows her. Prior to dropping Leslie off I used to joke that I was taking her to the "Doggie Hotel." I thought I was being funny but such a thing actually does exist. Who knew?
Three years ago, PetSmart®, best known for their national chain of pet supply stores, recognized a large market segment of pet owners who travel and want only the best, most comfortable surroundings for their four-legged children when they can't take them along on trips. There are thousands of options for boarding pets but just how home-like is a kennel where dogs are lined up in cages and barking for attention?
PetSmart's answer was PetsHotel where trained staff works to ensure that your pet's stay is as comfortable as being at home. Most recently, PetSmart opened a new PetsHotel in the Washington D.C. suburb of Bethesda, MD, where guests line up in the mahogany paneled lobby to plunk down $23 a night for their pets' stay. (Not a bad deal compared to $20 a night in the kennel near my house!)
PetsHotel in Bethesda offers lactose-free ice cream treats for all guests, indoor recreation (no outdoor potty breaks for security reasons) and for an extra fee, a roomy suite, complete with television. Potty time is taken in a large indoor "relief room" that includes a plastic tree for authenticity.
PetsHotel also offers doggie day care for working pet parents with the same care that is offered to their overnight guests. Day care is available for $20 a day and has become increasingly popular all over the country. In fact, according to a recent AFP article pet owners spend an average of $40 billion a year on their pets. They spend only a little more than that ($48 billion to be exact) on toys for their children!
The Bethesda location is equipped to house 180 dogs and 26 cats at any one time. Animals receive exercise and socialization time every day as well as some good old fashioned petting time.
The PetsHotel lobby is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. They are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are PetsHotel locations in 20 states across the country and services at each location vary. For information and to locate a PetsHotel near you, visit their web site at www.petsmart.com/PETsHOTEL.
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