Pet hotels fill as lovers depart for Valentine’s

Hotel reservation, check. Perfect outfit, check. Spa appointment, check.

But wait, it’s not a Valentine’s Day gift for you or your significant other ¬— it’s for your dog.

“We are completely booked the weekend of Valentine’s Day,” said Jimmy Adams, owner of the Ark Pet Spa & Hotel, which boards no more than 100 dogs and had to start a waiting list for slots.

With Valentine’s Day falling this weekend, some area pet hotels are reporting an increase in business as couples look to spend quality time together and board their dogs for a night or two. Dogs often require more supervision than cats, which accounts for the high number of dogs being boarded, local hotels said.

Offering boarding for Valentine’s Day for the first time, The BarkMore Pet Hotel & Daycare had suites booked almost to capacity, including both VIP suites, manager Heather Greer said.

At $42 a day, the VIP suites are equipped with a television, bed and window in addition to daily housekeeping and other features.

Be Hudson, director of first impressions at Play Dog Excellent, said she is surprised by business despite the slow recovery of the economy.

“We are fuller than we were at this time last year — it’s better than we expected,” she said, adding that boarding will probably increase as couples make last-minute reservations.

Rena Buckels, manager at the Ark, said that in addition to boarding, owners are also pampering their dogs with spa services.

“There have been an increase in pedicures and massages for Valentine’s Day, with some people buying gift certificates for their dogs,” she said.

To celebrate the holiday, some of the hotels will have Valentine’s Day-themed treats in addition to selling items such as collars and chew toys. At the Ark, the “Valentine’s Scrunchie,” made of red and pink sheer ribbon for a dog’s neck, sold quickly at $6 each.

“We only have one left,” said a staff member late Thursday.

Research indicates that Americans are increasingly spending more money on grooming and boarding for their furry friends.

According to the American Pet Products Association, people spent $3.36 billion on grooming and boarding in 2009 and estimates that $3.45 billion will be spent this year.

Bev Eitner, one of the partners at Play Dog Excellent, said it all boils down to value.

“Dogs have been integrated more into the life of the family, and that’s why people want to spend money on them. I have clients who come in and simply say: ‘These are my kids.’”

Added Ms. Greer at The BarkMore: “People do nice things for their children, their loved ones for Valentine’s Day. It’s the same thing.”