Have you ever dreamed while headed away to a resort for vacation that your dog could have a luxury stay somewhere too?
Well, that opportunity is about to come closer in Connecticut, as an entrepreneur who co-founded the Bombas sock and apparel company with a brother is opening three franchises of K-9 Luxury Pet Resorts.
Two will be in New Haven County, one of them close to the Fairfield County line and one in Hartford County. There is one in Stamford owned by someone else.
Andrew Heath, who has two rescue dogs, had one in college and comes from a family of dog lovers, said he was attracted to the business opportunity because the company is “really looking at the dog as a customer.” he said.
“The attitude was, ‘We’re going to treat your dog like family, not like this thing that has to be boarded.’”
He said it feels “comfortable,” and not like a “kennel.”
“It really is a resort for dogs,” he said.
The resort has three different levels of stay, a luxury suite, executive suite and traditional compartments and double compartments.
The Luxury Suite is a 8-foot by 8-foot room with a dog bed and television. The dog can have a book read to them at a certain time of day or if that gets old, can watch a favorite TV show, he said.
The executive suite, their most popular package includes a 5-foot by 7-foot room with a dog bed.
“The smaller room is less Ritz Carlton and more Marriott,” Heath said.
The dogs have indoor and outdoor play areas, get petted and, if desired, get private play time.
They eat on the same schedule as at home and the place spotless, cleaned twice a day, Heath said, noting they use a “top of the line air purifying system.”
Heath said, “The dog isn’t thinking, ‘Why did you put me in this place?”‘
He said is instead thinking, “Am I sure I want to go home?”
He said employees keep dog parents informed while they’re away, answer questions and may even send a photo of their dog with a new furry friend.
“It’s what the customer wants,” Heath said. “I think the dog parents really appreciated the level we go to.”
They also have a doggie daycare and a dog bathing service.
Heath said they expect to open the hotels a year apart beginning next year with the one nearest Fairfield County first and Hartford County last.
Heath said he lives in Connecticut and will be a hands-on owner because he has a “desire” to work with dogs.
“It makes work not work,” he said.
There are more than 170 K9 Resorts franchises across 28 states currently operating or in various stages of development, a company spokeswoman said.
The company spokesperson said pet boarding is expected to become a $35.8 billion industry by 2031.
“My brother and I founded K9 Resorts to provide the best pet care experience to dogs, and having accomplished entrepreneurs such as the Heath family recognize the value our services provide is truly rewarding,” said Jason Parker, co-founder and CEO of K9 Resorts.
Parker said K9 Resorts is actively seeking single and multi-unit owners to bring luxury pet boarding and daycare to their community.
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