Everyone knows that Angelenos love their dogs. They ride in purses, walk along the canals and even pop into restaurants. But, when an owner is traveling away from LA, beloved pets need a place to stay.
K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel is a boutique dog hotel that will house the city’s chicest pets for day care and overnight stays for $69 to $139 per night. Treats from the stay include optional upgrades such as in-suite television, gourmet ice cream or Evian spring water, among other amenities.
K9 Resorts is a national brand operating for over 20 years and is now expanding to 11 planned Southern California locations. It won the award for Top Pet Care Franchise in the Nation by the International Boarding & Pet Services Association, and has been recognized for its quality service. Nehme E. Abouzeid — executive head of West Coast Stores and chief marketing officer for Luxury Pet Hotel Investors LLC — said the company prides itself on its hospitality.
“We have been praised for our transparency and our commitment to dog health, happiness and comfort,” Abouzeid said. “Our facilities are known for their cage-free accommodations with features like Kuranda dog beds and Blue Buffalo food. They are cared for at a five-star level that is going to be unique and raise the quality of dog care in the LA market.”
Dogs may sleep in a luxury suite, executive room, traditional double compartment or traditional suite compartment. All dogs stay in a sound-resistant environment with non-porous surfaces, a ventilation system and strict standards of cleanliness, and they are given a bath after two nights. Owners choose whether a dog engages in group play or one-on-one personal play with staff, depending on age or needs.
“We have indoor play areas that open out into outdoor space, creating an indoor/outdoor flex environment,” he said. “Dogs can play and do what they’re used to while supervised by our staff. They’ll get the exercise and socialization they need.”
Located at 11121 Hindry Avenue near LAX, the hotel for dogs is geared toward travelers.
“Our location is strategically located just minutes from LAX, which is a huge differentiator,” Abouzeid said. “When you’re on your way to the airport, you can drop your dog off for a weekend or weeks, and leave him in our trusted hands. You can fly out of LA without worry.”
Abouzeid described a typical day for furry friends who check into the hotel. First, a dog would check into the lobby (bedecked with a chandelier) and be shown to their room.
“Then, he’d be ushered into group play, where they would be joining similar sized dogs in our small play yard or our large dog play yard, and they would frolic with pals and make new friends,” he said. “They’ll get delivered their meals in their room, take their potty breaks and then they will be tucked in at night, tired from a very active day at our resort.”
K9 Resorts implements a proprietary training program, entitled K9Resorts University, where staff members are instructed and certified in customer and animal service. Jason and Steven Parker, founders of K9 Resorts, developed the training program to prioritize the health and safety of the dogs.
“We pride ourselves on having some of the best trained staff in the industry,” Abouzeid said. “Staff members will be trained in these advanced methods to ensure that dogs in our care have a low stress and high enjoyment environment in which to socialize and exercise — two qualities that are so important to dog health that can be minimized by dog owners who have to leave their pet alone all day.”
K9 Resorts sees that all dogs are taken care of and services are attuned to their individual needs, whether that be medication administration, dietary restrictions or behavioral quirks.
“People can rest assured when they leave their dog in our care that they’re going to get a very happy puppy pal returned to them.”
