"Pet Hotel Chain Offer First-Class Pampering" By: Valarie D'Elia
Travelers who are going out of town and need a place to harbor a hound or keep a cat can use a national chain of boarding facilities that truly pampers pets. NY1's Valarie D'Elia filed the following report.
Traveling for the holidays is troubling enough, without the added worry of where to put your pet.
Best Friends Pet Care, a national chain of boarding facilities with 42 locations in 19 states, has several locations in the New York metropolitan area. Its newest location in Walt Disney World is designed to help customers who take Fifi and Fido along.
"After a day at Magic Kingdom, come by, take their dog out, play in the dog park, take a walk in the woods," says Debra Bennetts of Best Friends Pet Care.
It’s no surprise that the Best Friends Orlando also has the cushiest digs for dogs.
"We have these fabulous VIP suites which are literally as large as some hotel rooms, equipped with flatscreen televisions and all sorts of special extras," says Bennetts. "In fact, each of the VIP suites has a video camera, so you can watch your dog from your computer."
Best Friends also offers cat condos, which are as high as four stories tall, and also welcome “pocket pets” like rabbits. The chain also serves treats that get pets licking their chops. "We have special ice cream treats which are very popular. For kitties, we have tuna on a Ritz [cracker] and cookies and milk," says Bennetts.
For $5 extra, a pet can have a home-cooked feast for the holidays.
"We roast a turkey in the lobby the day before Thanksgiving, and on Thanksgiving Day, if you like, your dog can have a little turkey and some trimmings," says Bennetts.
Perhaps the familiar touch can help alleviate the human guilt of leaving a pet behind.
"It's like dropping off a toddler at daycare. The minute you're out of sight, he's going to be fine," says Bennetts.
The "Stay and Play" package includes overnight boarding and four hours of socializing for an average of $45 a day.
Now here’s a D’Elia’s deal you don’t want to miss at all Best Friends locations in the United States. Your pet’s first night is free and there is no minimum stay. For more information, visit http://manhattan.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/travel/128888/pet-hotel-chain-offer-first-class-pampering
