A Pet Resort So Swank You'll Want to Go There
By NOI MAHONEY, Business Writer
Published May 11, 2003 The Capital, Annapolis, Md Anne Arundel Business Section
The size of the 16,000-square-foot building that houses the new Perfect Pet Resort in Lothian is the first hint this isn't your average kennel.
Inside there are more clues: soundproof walls, deluxe temperature-controlled "suites," a pet acupuncture and massage room, two large outdoor doggie play yards and a luxury wing complete with televisions.
The 14-acre resort for pets aims to pamper pooches and felines on a level not seen in this area before, said owner Elizabeth Chaney.
"There's lodging, training and grooming. But no one has put it together like this," Ms. Chaney said.
Perfect Pet Resort enters an already booming and expanding marketplace, including the Pet Salon in Millersville; Happy Tails Pet Resort in Crownsville; Noah's Ark Wildlife Center in Broadneck; and Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat in Davidsonville.
In addition, there's a horde of pet sitters, groomers and obedience trainers who make a living in the county.
John Robertson, executive director of the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, said the county has a high number of pet lovers, more than the average metropolitan area.
"Even if you compare us with more densely populated urban areas, this is a big pet town," Mr. Robertson said. "Pets are connected to the outdoors lifestyle, and this is a county that is very connected to the outdoors."
Jerry Milette, owner of Annapolis-based Milette's Pets, said his small pet-sitting firm is getting more and more competition from pet resorts as well as flash-in-the-pan pet sitters.
Milette's Pets' forte is midday dog walking and in-home pet sitting, and Mr. Milette said he takes anything from Chihuahuas to bull mastiffs.
"We got into the pet-sitting business 10 years ago by checking the yellow pages," Mr. Milette said. "There was very little pet-sitting services in the Annapolis area at that time."
Mr. Milette also said south county is underserved.
"I get a lot of calls from Lothian, Deale and Tracys Landing, but that area is a little out of my range," Mr. Milette said.
Ms. Chaney said she doesn't see other businesses as competition, but instead looks at them as partners in improving pet care.
"There are very good pet care businesses in the area," Ms. Chaney said. "But there is a demand and a need for a facility like this in the area."
Perfect Pet Resort offers services ranging from bathing and grooming, to pet massages, pet acupuncture, medication consultation and obedience training.
Pet day care will begin later this year.
Ms. Chaney declined to say how much construction cost, except to say no expense was spared.
"The premium cost of the building, combined with the personal and caring operations of the staff, ensure an optimal experience for each pet," Ms. Chaney said.
The 14-acre property on Route 258 sits back on the Lothian highlands a mile from the busy Route 4 corridor.
The huge atrium-style reception area with skylights has large windows allowing views of the various specialty rooms, such as the multilevel "Feline Condo" room and the "Garden View Canine" Suites.
To add an air of luxuriousness, each of the three pet wings at the resort are named for famous local residential estates, including Tulip Hill, Holly Hill and Cedar Park.
"We provide a fun and relaxing vacation for pets when their owners are enjoying their vacation," Ms. Chaney said.
In the suites, pampered pooches and felines are accommodated with soft bedding, extra playtime, group socials, nature walks and soothing music.
Depending on size, canine suites run from $25 to $35 per day, including lots of play and exercise. Multiple feline condo suites run from $20 to $40 per day.
Perfect Pet Resort General Manager John Keenan, a 10-year veteran in the industry, said the resort has prices comparable to other area pet resorts.
"They are extremely reasonable for the services and care each pet receives," Mr. Keenan said.
Since opening in March, customers have been drawn to the resort from as far away as Maine, Ms. Chaney said.
She plans to expand the amenities at the resort in the future, including a fitness pool and a pet wellness center.
The Perfect Pet Resort will have its grand opening May 18. It will feature 30 vendors, exhibitors and pet retailers, a spring fashion show, pet grooming tips and demonstrations of canine agility.
Ms. Chaney was born and raised in south county. She attended the University of Delaware, where she majored in biology.
She came up with the idea for the resort after starting a small animal training business four years ago, The Perfect Canine.
Two years ago, Ms. Chaney's business began to evolve when clients asked her to care for their dogs while they were on vacation.
Ms. Chaney then developed the concept and design of the Perfect Pet Resort with architect Thomas Reinecker.
"I love training and taking care of animals," Ms. Chaney said. "When you find what you love, you never work another day in your life." Reprinted with permission. Copyright © 2003 The Capital, Annapolis, Md.