Pet hotels are a type of pet boarding service that provides care for animals while the animal’s owners are either out of town or temporarily unable to provide suitable care for the animal. The services and accommodations available at pet hotels can vary considerably by pet hotel, though basic care such as feeding, regular exercise runs, and administering medication is almost always included in their services. In many cases, pet owners have the option of choosing from a menu of services that may include additional playtime with a pet hotel staff member, dog walking, and grooming services.
Like hotels for humans, more expensive pet hotels typically offer a greater range of services, though there may be a range of accommodations even within a single pet hotel. Pets may be housed in traditional kennels, or they may be assigned more spacious living areas that may even be attached to outdoor runs. In some pet hotels, pets are also provided with television sets, which may make the pet feel more at home and reduce the possibility of boredom.
Some pet hotels provide group activities for social pets, such as dogs. This may include taking dogs out for runs in local parks or by local beaches or simply permitting group playtime in specially designed rooms at the pet hotel. Some pet hotels even have attached spas at which dogs and other pets can enjoy a range of grooming services, including the traditional teeth cleaning, nail clipping, and shampooing. These spas may also offer additional options, including pet massage. In addition to these grooming services, the pet hotel may also provide an indoor or outdoor swimming pool for aquatic activities.
Some pet hotels offer services other than overnight pet boarding. For example, a pet hotel may also provide doggie daycare for pets whose owners must be out of their home for long periods of time. As pet hotels are well equipped to offer comprehensive pet care services, many people choose them over hiring a pet sitter to visit a pet on a regular basis.
In addition to pet hotels, there are now some hotels for humans that cater to those who wish to take their pets with them when they travel. Typically, travelers are expected to pay an additional deposit and may be required to use specific rooms in the hotel while traveling with their pets. These hotels may offer pet-friendly amenities such as dog runs, food dishes, and information about local pet-friendly establishments.