Fetch Club Dog Hotel Opens in Manhattan, NY

The Fetch Club is to dog hotels what Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay is to humans: the lap of luxury. What goes on at a dog hotel or spa that has dog lovers check in their companion canines even in tough economic times?

Fetch Club: From Blueprint to Reality

The Downtown Express was not impressed in February, 2010 over the prospect of having a dog hotel move to the South Street Seaport area. Initially described as s doggy day-care, the notion of having canines fill up some 13,000 square feet did not sit well with residents.

In spite of neighborhood concerns, the Fetch Club dog hotel continued on with its plans. Today it features a mix of spa, daycare and boutique. Healthy treats, purified as well as mineral-enhanced water and an imported infrared sauna (from Japan) are just some of the amenities that companion dogs enjoy. It is interesting to note that this is also an overnight dog hotel; it features a day club, night club, spa, hotel and boutique. And yes, there is a movie theater on the premises (for dogs).

Of course, the Fetch Club dog hotel is not cheap. An annual membership costs $300. Services are charged a la carte; a doggy meal costs $4, a private suite runs $75 and a personal trainer charges $60 for one hour. A monthly package is available at rates starting as low as $400 and going as high as $650.

Luxury Services for Dogs Sweep the Nation

The Fetch Club dog hotel might be the pick of the litter, but it is hardly the exception. Although (by comparison) the Pet Spa of West Hollywood is rather tame, it is the address for the pampered L.A. pooch to get a breed-specific grooming.

Don't try to show up without an appointment (unless it is for the use of the self-service facility); indeed, the first visit is likely going to be an orientation for pooch and companion human. The spa does not post its prices but concedes that its services are well worth the added expense; if you have to ask, you probably cannot afford it.

Chicago is another hotbed of dog-spoiling. The Pooch Hotel is a mix of daycare and boarding kennel for the discerning dog and its owner. This particular dog hotel has the distinction of being a green facility. It is noteworthy that the company has been up and running since 2004 and expanding.

Its West Loop facility operates in 20,000 square feet and features a 27-foot doggie lap pool. Owners who miss their mutts can check in on the dog via its online puppy web cam. Daycare rates start at $35 a day, while swimming ($30), treadmill ($20) and individual one on one with staff ($15 for 20 minutes) are extra.

Who knew dog hotels and spas were this grand?

Sources

Downtown Express: "Seaport Dogfight"

Fetch Club

Pet Spa

Pooch Hotel