dog at wag

Lap(dog) of luxury

When you take off for Tahoe this winter, leave your best friend at one of the Bay Area’s poshest pet hotels.

Rebekah Stone

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 The concrete and chain-link outdoor kennels of years past have been replaced by state-of-the-art facilities with everything from indoor pools to bedtime turndowns.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

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