Why It's Best To Stay With "Best Friends"

Pet Owners Want More Pampering for their Pets


Max is lounging in his spacious Luxury Suite, watching a movie and enjoying an ice cream treat. He's a little tired after spending several hours in play group with some friends. Later, after dinner, he'll be treated to a bedtime story and tuck-in service for a good night's sleep, snuggled in premium bedding.  No, this is not the scene at a luxury summer camp for children; it's the latest in services offered by Best Friends Pet Care.

Pampering our pets.

Pet owners say they have a special bond with their pets and consider them a member of their family who deserves to be treated as such. In fact, it's the pet owners themselves who have suggested many of the special services now offered for their pets - from playtime with canine friends during the day to a story and snuggle before bedtime.  “Our clients really get a kick out of the activities we offer," says Kelly Kurash, manager of Best Friends in White Plains , NY . "They like knowing that their pets can really enjoy themselves and be pampered and fussed over when they're away from home."

Time for play

Dogs who participate in playgroup or daycamp during their boarding stay expend lots of energy, and usually and sleep better. Supervised play with other pets offers a healthy outlet for a dog's natural energies, instincts and behavior.  Not every dog, however, does well in a group setting. For pets who prefer one-on-one attention, owners can choose an individual playtime or a walk. "Some of our guests are happiest when attention is focused exclusively on them and the setting is more private," says Kurash. "A hug, cuddle, belly rub or nature walk really makes their day … and we enjoy it too!"  'Goodnight Moon'  After a day of play, pooped pooches can settle down for the night with a snack and a reading of Goodnight Moon . "Some clients thought we were pulling their leg about offering bedtime stories," Kurash says. "Then they saw the pictures of dogs cuddled in our laps or sitting next to us looking at the book."  In fact, the value of story time is really in the calming effect that the snuggling and the quiet voice have. And, for many, it's a familiar ritual from home: snuggling in with the family while Mom or Dad reads to the children.

Peeking in

With increasing frequency over the past few years, pet parents have asked for a way to look in on their pet remotely from their computer whether at work or on the road. Webcams have been installed at a number of Best Friends centers, allowing pet parents and prospective customers to take a peek at what's going on.  "The webcams are a big hit with our camper parents," says Kurash. "We've even had pet parents joke that they're on the verge of being fired because of all the time they spend checking on their dog in camp and showing their coworkers."

Walt Disney World

Did you know this fun fact about Best Friends?



Facility to Bring New Level of Service and Amenities to Disney World Pet Guests


LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Best Friends Pet Care Inc. has signed an agreement to build and operate a full-service, luxury pet "resort" at Walt Disney World Resort. The one-of-a-kind facility will cater to park and resort guests as well as Walt Disney World employees, providing a full range of pet hospitality services including dog and cat boarding, day care and grooming services, and doggy day camp.
Pet guests will enjoy such amenities as luxury suites with television and raised bedding, activities such as nature walks and playgroups, and pampering services ranging from ice cream treats to bedtime stories. The state-of-the-art facility will be located on Bonnett Creek Parkway in Walt Disney World Resort and is expected to open in 2010.
In anticipation of opening the new facility, Best Friends has assumed operating responsibility for the five existing pet boarding facilities in Walt Disney World Resort. Kennels on the Walt Disney World property are located at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and provide both daytime and overnight boarding.
"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to come to Walt Disney World Resort to create the premier vacation destination for pets," said Dennis Dolan, president and CEO of Best Friends Pet Care. "This project is still in the design phase, but our goal is to create a true resort destination for pets. This facility will be designed to fit into the Walt Disney World vacation experience and will be unlike anything else in the industry. "We are also fortunate to be operating the existing boarding kennels," he added. "It allows us to get to know the pets and pet parents who already use the Walt Disney World kennels, so we can be sure our new facility will meet their needs."  "We are very pleased to have Best Friends working with us on this project," said Kenneth Janik, regional manager, Walt Disney World Operating Participants. "Best Friends is well-respected both for the quality of care they provide, and for their innovative pet amenities and hospitality services. We know they will deliver a unique experience for the family pets of our guests and employees that is both fun and consistent with the Disney approach."  Best Friends is a leading provider of pet hospitality in the United States, with 43 locations in 18 states. The company introduced the concept of a "pet resort" to the industry in 1996 and has been responsible for popularizing such services and care options as luxury suites and doggy day camp programs. For more about Best Friends Pet Care, visit www.bestfriendspetcare.com.