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Posh Pet Resorts:
A New Breed of Pet Care
by Julie Dunlap

Once upon a time, any self-respecting pup would hide under the bed rather than head for a boarding kennel. But these days, overnight pet care often means state-of-the art facilities with luxury accommodations and perks such as acupuncture and hydro-massage. "Dogs drag their owners in and don't want to leave," says Elizabeth Chaney, owner of Perfect Pet Resort in Lothian.

Chaney traveled the country as part of her research to develop the ideal cat and dog hotel. The result is a sunlit, modern building set on 14 acres of walking trails and exercise fields. Easy listening music, rather than irate barks, greets Chaney's guests and their two-legged companions. Perfect Pet is a resort, not a kennel, Chaney explains. "It's like giving your pet a vacation while you're on one."

Opened in May, 2003, Perfect Pet Resort is just one of several local pet care facilities for owners who spare no expense to keep Fido or Fluffy happy. The success of these businesses reflects a growing trend among affluent baby boomers, who may have paid the children's last tuition bill and can now indulge their furry family members. Chaney maintains that the costs of upscale pet resorts, often higher than traditional boarding, are well worthwhile. "After somebody comes here once, they won't take a dog anywhere else."

From a dog's eye view, it's easy to see why. Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat in Davidsonville, for example, offers each canine client an indoor dog run with heated floor and skylight, plus a shady outdoor play yard. For a little more, the luckiest pups can relax in home-like suites, complete with plush dog beds, a generous toy selection, and cable TV tuned to "Animal Planet." All dog guests enjoy active play in indoor or outdoor playgrounds at least twice a day, says Dogwood owner, Audrey Reichardt. Dogs that get along with others are welcome to play together in supervised fun-for-alls. "Dogs are social animals," says Reichardt. "They benefit from their time here. It's a chance to be a dog."

Cats can also find plush digs at local resorts. At Perfect Pet, cats lounge and play in either two-room condo cages or four-room penthouses, with daily access to a sunny indoor cat gym. Dogwood also features deluxe kitty suites, complete with TV, toys, climbing gym, and a window ledge overlooking a busy birdfeeder. But Reichardt reminds owners that cats need different care from dogs. "Cats take awhile to adjust to their space," she says. To reduce stress, cats need separate space, away from the noise and smells of the dog kennel. And most dislike socializing with other cats, though many crave petting and human attention. "We let the cat tell us how he wants to be treated. "

Many of the resorts offer doggie day care as well as overnight lodgings. Some owners drop off dogs every day, others for one day a week, and others only when extra-long work hours might leave a dog alone too long. Trained staff check new arrivals for sociability, often using their own friendly pets as test cases. Especially for young dogs, the extra exercise and attention benefit the animals in many ways. When dogs get to play with their friends, says Chaney, they eat better, sleep better, obey better. "The dog goes home happy, better behaved, and the owner feels less guilt."

Both daytime and overnight guests can partake in the spa-like features of many pet resorts. Some, including Dogwood, will even send a limousine to pick up your pet for grooming, hydro-massage, or acupuncture. Resort owners emphasize that reducing stress through these special services can improve your animal's health. Pets suffer from arthritis, back problems, and emotional problems, says Reichardt, just like their owners. "More and more vets recognize massage and acupuncture as good options for dogs with chronic pain."

The value of therapeutic exercise is paramount at another posh pet care facility, the Canine Fitness Center in Crownsville. Here, dogs of all breeds and ages come to swim in the two pools or run on the treadmills. Like their owners, they benefit from weight control, strength training, and just burning energy, depending on individual needs.

Client Barbara Roberts began bringing her arthritic Golden Retriever as soon as the Center opened its doors in 2002. Swimming improved Ripken's agility, says Roberts, and, she believes, lengthened his life. Roberts' new Golden, Chase, is "going through the terrible twos," but with a ten-session pass, he gets to swim regularly at the Center. "You can't say the word 'swimming' without him getting excited," says Roberts. "He makes a beeline for the pool," where he paddles after frisbees and squeaky toys during his thirty-minute workout. Sometimes, it takes five people to get the slippery pup on dry land again. "He probably would go every day if we let him."

Most local pet resorts welcome visitors for tours, usually by appointment. If you're planning a summer vacation and looking for a comfy, caring place to pamper your pet, you might find that they're just what you're after. The premium services are worth the expense, insists Barbara Roberts. "I see how much joy it brings my dogs."

Resorts for Your Pet
These Anne Arundel County facilities offer upscale boarding facilities:

Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat
439 West Central Avenue
Davidsonville, MD 21037
410-798-4776
www.dogwoodacres.com

The Perfect Pet Resort
840 West Bay Front Road, Rte 258
Lothain, MD 20711
410-741-0000
www.perfectpetresort.com
On May 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Perfect Pet will present a Pet Expo. Families and their leashed pets can watch agility training demonstrations, meet the search and rescues dogs of Maryland, enjoy a puppy parade and more.

Countryside Kennels
P.O. Box 36
Boyds Turn Road
Crownsville, MD 20736
410-741-5011
www.countrysidekennels.com

Noah's Ark Boarding Resort
8074 Veterans Highway
Millersville, MD 21108M
410-969-0100
www.noahsarkboardingresort.com

Cozy Canine Camp
1267 Generals Hwy.
Crownsville, MD 21032
410-923-2010