In a city where it feels like dogs have replaced kids, it’s no wonder that everything pet-related has gone upscale—and boarding that precious purebred is no exception. The concrete and chain-link outdoor kennels of years past have been replaced by state-of-the-art facilities with everything from indoor pools to bedtime turndowns. And since this is the tech-savvy Bay Area, most have webcams, so you can log in and check on your dog in real time. Expect to shell out anywhere from $25 to $85 per night just for a room (plus plenty of costly extras), but at least you’ll know Tinkerbell is being well cared for. As a bonus, she’ll probably come home relaxed from her morning massages, with a pedicure that rivals yours.
1 THE SPLURGE Hands-down the Ritz of doggie homes-away-from-home, Wag Hotels opened its $4 million facility in SoMa last May and plans to add a Sunnyvale branch this month. Each luxury suite comes with a plush bed and a plasma TV that plays dog films (Homeward Bound, Lady and the Tramp, or your own home movies). If Spot ever looks lonely on his in-room webcam, just order up a biscuit—Wag offers 24-hour room service. But it might be better to let the sleeping dog lie, since his day will be packed: swimming in the indoor pool, frolicking on the AstroTurf-covered roof, and visiting the spa. The hotel even has cat condos with aquarium views. $40–85, 25 14TH ST., S.F., 415-876-0700, waghotels.com
2 THE LODGE Popular Marina doggy daycare Fog City Dogs offers overnights at its three-year-old Bernal Heights lodge, with everything an urban dog needs, from playrooms to private suites. While staying at the hotel, Ginger will get worn out on outdoor walks on Bernal Hill and all-day frolics in supervised playgroups. But not to worry—she’ll also get daily naps. The staff will pick her up and deliver her to your door after her stay. $40, 1488 LOMBARD ST., S.F., 415-409-3647; 2280 SHAFTER AVE., S.F., 415-642-3647, fogcitydogs.com
3 THE SPA You’re not the only one who packs on pounds over the holidays. Luckily, Downtown Dogs offers personal training sessions tailored to a Silicon Valley pup’s individual needs. Fido will get lots of exercise and even learn new tricks to keep him mentally stimulated while you’re out of town. But it won’t be all work—snuggle time, with gentle brushing and spa services with luxury BioGroom products, will help him wind down after a long day of playing and learning. By evening, a peek on the hotel webcam should reveal him snoozing on the toddler bed in his deluxe suite full of toys and chews. $45–55, 734 SOUTH 1ST ST., SAN JOSE, 408-287-2267, downtowndogs.com
4 THE B&B More like a visit to a fun aunt or uncle than a formal hotel stay, Doggy Lama offers care for your dog in the home of one of four staffers. All are licensed, insured, and bonded, and never have more than four dogs at a time in their Berkeley, Oakland, and Hayward homes. Adventures are planned for every day of the stay, with trips to play Frisbee on the beach or hike the trails of the Redwood Regional Park (aka Doggie Heaven) on the regular rotation. After a day of outdoor play, it’s time to head in, have dinner, and hang out. Cross your fingers that Rover won’t turn up his nose at your downtown studio after his naturecentric adventures. $45–55, 510-434-1974, doggylamapetcare.com
5 THE SUMMER CAMP All year long, that’s the atmosphere at Pet Smart’s hotel in Fremont, which could just as easily be called Camp Wannacatchakitty. With special treats that Mom would never have at home—like dog-safe soft-serve ice cream served with a dog biscuit—pets feel like they’re really living it up. But all-day play sessions will keep them fit. Should you miss Lady while she’s away, just call the Bone Booth, and the staff will put her on the phone so you can at least hear the sounds of your canine’s contentment. $25–35, 39410 ARGONAUT WAY, FREMONT, 510-790-1286, petshotel.petsmart.com
Links:
[1] http://www.sanfranmag.com/content/dog-wag
[2] http://www.waghotels.com
[3] http://www.fogcitydogs.com
[4] http://www.downtowndogs.com
[5] http://www.doggylamapetcare.com
[6] http://www.petshotel.petsmart.com