Best Friends Forever

Your pets take good care of you. When you go away, take good care of them at a kennel with a little something special. Plus, There's new leadership at A.I., and how to prevent diabetes.

by Pam George Published February 16, 2011 at 11:17 AM

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Happy Tails Pet Retreat
Deluxe 4-by-5-foot rooms at this Georgetown facility (856-7900, happytailspetretreat.com) boast windows and gated doors, while the 6-by-6 rooms feature all that—and a flat-screen TV. All accommodations have access to covered patios. Cats spend nights in 3-by-4 “cottages” with wall shelves for climbing and leaping. The larger “villas” have a window for bird-watching. Happy Tails also offers spa services, such as the Life’s An Itch bath with passion fruit, skin-soothing shampoo.

Never Never Land
Never Never Land (645-6140, lightbluedot.com/nnlk) is popular with both locals and visitors who rent beach houses that don’t allow pets. “We take anything—ferrets, fish, bunnies, snakes. You’d be surprised,” says manager Kimberly Wade. From heated and air-conditioned kennels, dogs have access to outdoor runs. Cats are boarded inside in cubbies with shelves for climbing. Homesick dogs who won’t eat are treated to owner Allen Quillen’s egg-and-cheese concoction. “That usually gets the most stubborn to eat,” Wade says. A few of the staff, including Wade, live on the property. “If someone is barking, I know it,” she says. “I can come and check on them.” Never Never Land also offers grooming and obedience classes.

Playtime Doggie Daycare
With 2,400 square feet for large dogs and 1,500 square feet for small dogs, Playtime in Newark (368-3100, playtimedoggiedaycare.com) encourages mingling. Padded flooring protects paws, and dogs are walked outside every other hour. Daycare guests are never crated. “We’ve had a lot of shelter dogs come through here who’ve been abused in cages, and it has a negative impact,” says owner Elissia Jones. If they want to take a nap, they simply flop on the floor. Boarders get a kennel for nighttime rest. Playtime also features grooming.

Know This:

Before you book daycare or overnight time for your pet, ask the facility the following questions to determine which site is a good fit.

Is there an age requirement for the pet?

Must the animal be spayed or neutered? What vaccinations are required?

Are toys provided? Can you bring your own?

Are there employees in each playroom at all times?

Is the dog crated at any point during the day?

Is the dog walked outside, or is it strictly an indoor facility?

Does the facility give the animals a temperament test and what is involved?

Are there extra fees for playtime, giving medication or feeding?

What is the check-in and checkout policy?

If the facility is a daycare, are boarded dogs still permitted to play together on weekends, when daycare services are closed?