Responding to suggestions from customers and other pet lovers, Best Friends has begun a test of a new kind of lodging for boarding dogs at its Sudbury, MA Pet Resort.
The special "Vacation Villas" for canine guests have been outfitted with a variety of special amenities including a raised bed, a rug and a television.
"Our customers think of their pets as members of the family," explains Dan Charleton, Vice President of New Business Development and Chief Marketing Officer of Best Friends Pet Care, Inc. "So it's not surprising that they want them to have a boarding experience that could mirror their own vacation, while offering all of the comforts of home.
 "Our recently-compiled Kennel of the Future survey (see Survey story) demonstrates just how important these special extras are to many pet owners. More than a third of the dog owners responding to the survey asked for these amenities for their pet."
The company has designed and constructed 11 villas at the Sudbury Resort with names like "Island Paradise", "The Nantucket" and "High Country." Each is slightly different, but all are entered through French doors and have tiled floors. The villas are decorated in tones of burgundy, evergreen and royal blue. A working television in each villa plays programs featuring canines. Colorful bedding, rugs and artwork add luxury resort touches to each room.
Customer response has been strongly positive. The new area was full for the Memorial Day weekend after opening within the last month.
 One of the first clients to use the villas was Maria Eisel, who has boarded her dogs at the Sudbury Resort since it opened in October 1999. Eisel booked Island Paradise for her 4-year-old Lhasa Apsos for a recent three-night stay: "At home, Coco and Louie sleep on the bed with us. As wonderful as Best Friends is, I always felt guilty about leaving them."
"These new suites are fabulous. They have their own area and their own bed. It's quiet and calm and makes me feel very comfortable. I have no qualms about going away, because I feel like I'm sending my 'kids' to the Ritz!"
Prices for the Vacation Villas range from $49 to $54, which includes two playtimes and a treat each day as well as the special amenities. This compares with $23 to $31 for a regular suite in Doggy Village. Vacation Villa clients say that they don't mind paying the higher price for the added comforts. "If it makes our dog happier when we travel, it is worth it!"
 As an additional luxury feature to be added soon, each Villa guest will be offered an express check-in option at a special reception area just for them. "We'll offer check-in by appointment and provide the option of having a standing contract with their preferences on file to save time at check-in," explains Sudbury Manager Sue Sullivan. "We hope to make this a pleasant experience for our pet parents and the ultimate vacation get-away for our pet guests!"
For more information on our Vacation Villas or to contact our Sudbury location go to their location page.
What do you think of the vacation villas? Would you use them for your pet? Please take the following short survey (just 6 questions) to tell us what you think.
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