Again, when using the term “pet hotel,” many might imagine the recent movie Hotel for Dogs. In reality, pet hotels really are a luxurious place for your dog to board while you have to be away from home. Pet parents spent upwards of %6 billion (yes, billion with a “B”) on their pampered pets in just grooming and boarding alone. Pet hotels are a great alternative to boarding your pet at a veterinarian’s office, and your pup will get personalized care at a pet hotel (often including spa-like perks).
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Many pet hotels have both overnight accommodations and dog daycare facilities. Dog daycare, which includes a few hours of play for a nominal price, allows for your pup to not only get some much needed exercise but also to socialize with other dogs. (Some pet hotels do accommodate cats as well, but workers are reluctant to put cats and dogs together for socialization.) The hotel accommodations are the utmost of luxury, however.
Many pet hotels feature the same amenities as a “human” hotel. This includes an area for activity and play as well as food especially prepared by a chef. In addition, many pet hotels may offer transportation to and from the facility as part of the pet hotel experience.
Pet hotels also spare no expense when it comes to create luxurious homes and suites for their canine clientele. Most pet hotels feature raised pet beds that are made of the finest materials. Hotel guests are also privy to television programming that is, well, dog-friendly. However, the question remains – is it safe to leave your beloved furbaby in a pet hotel?
Yes, leaving your dog in a pet hotel is safe, and it is often much safer than traveling with your pet and risking leaving Fido unattended in a hotel room. It is also safer than simply boarding your dog at the veterinarian’s office. Here are a few reasons why.
First, most pet hotels offer round-the-clock care for your dog. When leaving the dog at your vet’s office, care ends shortly after the staff leaves for the evening. Yes, many vets that offer boarding services will come back overnight to check on their charges, but this is no substitute for having staff on the premises at all times. Furthermore, a pet hotel offers more personalized service. At many vet-based boarding facilities, your dog will be left in a kennel for the majority of the time he or she is being boarded.
Being left in a kennel does guarantee safety for your pet as far as interactions with strange dogs, but it can also lead to homesickness and separation anxiety. At a pet hotel, your dog will not only sleep in luxury, but Fido will be given ample opportunities to exercise. This includes potty breaks as well as general activity. At the vet’s office, one cannot be certain a pup will be given exercise other than going out to the bathroom. Finally, many pet hotels screen their guests for illnesses. Of course, the vet will not take a dog that is known to have contagious diseases, but, some illnesses do not present symptoms.