Dec 20, 2012

Review: PetsHotel by PetSmart

PetsHotel is available in select PetSmart.  Teddy loves going to PetsHotel, because he gets the Doggie Day Camp with his overnight stay.  This service means he plays with other dogs of  similar size and manner as him all day (8AM-6PM).  The facility is open from 7AM to 9PM.
This review is only for my experience.  Cost compared to other facilities in the area with same service is cheaper.
So the positives:
- Clean lobby & facilities from what I could see in the lobby
- Strict rules to maintain dog safety (for example: they will not give Teddy his Dentastix or his raw hide because of the small chance of accidents)
- Wide range of add-on services (priced individually)
- Consistent paperwork & detailed report cards (pawgress report)
- Plenty of other dogs (otherwise known as playmates)
- 24 hour staff presence, but not always a manager so you can call in at any time
Amenities:
- Free food (usually provided by boarding facility but I have come across some who do not)
- Disposable collar with dog & owner name that is easily removable
- Atrium comes with fleece bed & suite with a raised bed
- PetSmart with PetsHotel usually also have the Banfield Hospital too

Now the negatives:
- Unable to fully review the facility so I cannot see (except on camera) the playroom that Teddy is generally in
- Uncertain the cleaner used in day camp if a dog has accident on the cement
Amenities:
- Doggie day camp is indoor on cement (versus astroturf at one of the facilities I've used)
- Doggie relief room is located inside, which raises my concern about Teddy having an accident indoor.  So far it has not happened.  {Relief room is filled with scents to encourage potty}
- No webcam, even in the suite