Email
PrintThe Ritz for Retrievers
Where high-living hounds spend the holidays
Many of us consider our dogs to be members of our families. The problem is, our furry companion isn’t always invited to holiday gatherings. That’s why pet-boarding services are at their busiest during the holidays.
It can be difficult for pet owners to fully enjoy the festivities when they imagine their dog confined in a cold, metal cage. But a few local pet-boarding options are more four-star hotel than lonely, sterile kennel.
San Jose Mercury News readers have voted San Jose’s Downtown Dogs “best dog daycare” for the past two years in a row. The overnight care facilities include 35 individual rooms, with two room sizes to choose from.
A 25-square-foot “standard room” at $49 per night includes a comfy raised bed, supervised playtime during the day, meals, treats, and soothing bedtime music. A 50-square-foot “deluxe suite” at $59 per night includes an in-room TV, toys, a larger-sized toddler bed, and a private web camera that allows you to peek at your pup while you’re gone. Optional spa treatments and training exercises are available. A $25 holiday surcharge applies on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Downtown Dogs, 734 South 1st St., San Jose, 408.287.2267, downtowndogs.com
Imagine aromatherapy massages, swimming, and limousine service—for your dog. The newly opened Pooch Hotel in Sunnyvale offers luxurious accommodations that will make your doggie diva think she’s the one on vacation. Expansive grounds, 24-hour pickup, webcams, and a strong commitment to green living make the hotel a feel-good and convenient option. All-day play is included in each overnight suite’s rate. Fifty dollars buys your pup a 7-by-7-foot private junior suite or a bigger shared suite. A 9-by-9-foot presidential suite or even larger “palace suite” are also available ($100). Pooch Hotel, 180 North Wolfe Rd., Sunnyvale, 800.364.8199, poochhotel.com
The Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV) in Milpitas is more than just a good place to adopt a new pet—it’s a great place to board your pet, too. The newly constructed facility, including a spacious dog park with artificial turf to reduce water consumption, is just one of the amenities the HSSV offers. The standard or deluxe room rate, $50-$55, includes closely supervised group playtime during the day and private sleeping quarters at night. A $25 holiday surcharge applies. You must provide your own food for each of your dog’s meals. Webcams are set up in three play areas for your spying pleasure, which can be easily accessed on the HSSV’s website. Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas, 408.262.2133, hssv.org
Stocking Stuffers
Naughty or nice, there’s no doubt Max and Sox would love a little something in their stockings this year. Here are a few ideas for environmentally friendly, healthy treats and toys for your dog or cat.
Dogswell offers cage-free chicken and duck jerky treats, and naturally raised beef jerky treats, made with no added hormones, antibiotics, fillers, or byproducts. Catswell offers easily digested, natural, and protein-rich treats for cats. Available at Target and Whole Foods ($8).
West Paw Design’s eco-friendly Hurley dog toy, made with “Zogoflex”, a tough, durable material, is a floatable chew toy that will last through many happy hours of gnawing. Find it at Gussied Up Dog Boutique in Willow Glen, 408.279.2229 ($10).
Worldwise is dedicated to making sustainable, recycled, and natural cat toys that cats really love. Find their catnip-stuffed, electronically chirping bird at Target, Petsmart, and Petco ($4).
