Airports are bustling hubs of activity, filled with travelers rushing to catch flights and embark on adventures. But amidst the chaos, there’s a serene sanctuary tucked away for our furry companions: airport pet hotels. These specialized facilities offer a comfortable and secure environment for pets to relax, unwind, and even enjoy a little pampering while their pet parents jet off to their destinations. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about airport pet hotels and why they’re becoming a popular choice for pet owners.
For the ultimate in convenience and luxury for air travelers, check out one of the growing number of airport pet hotels. Catering to the pampered pet whose owner wants only the highest quality, yet affordable, pet accommodations, airport pet hotels are an innovative concept that has grown in popularity.
Imagine parking your car and dropping off your pet at a single convenient location near an airport, after which you are immediately shuttled directly to the terminal. When you return from your trip, you can catch a shuttle back to the pet hotel facility at any hour of the day or night. No more waiting until the next day to pick up your pet!
What are Airport Pet Hotels?
Airport pet hotels, also known as pet resorts or pet boarding facilities, are dedicated spaces located within or near airports that cater specifically to traveling pets as well as their owners. These facilities offer a range of services, including overnight accommodations, daycare, grooming, and even veterinary care, ensuring that pets receive the highest level of care while their owners are away.
What Services do Airport Pet Hotels Provide?
- Overnight boarding with cozy beds in climate-controlled environments. Since our feline friends prefer quieter environments, airport pet hotels usually house cats in kitty condos that are separated from their canine counterparts.
- 24/7 Pickup and drop off.
- Shuttles to and from the airport.
- Webcams in play areas and rooms so owners can visually check on their pet.
- Calming music and videos that will capture your pet’s attention.
- Private suites equipped with flat-screen TVs.
- Special menu items.
- Daycare and play areas where pets can exercise and socialize with other pets. Of course, all activities are supervised by trained staff. Many pet hotels have doggie swimming pools, a real favorite pastime with the larger breeds.
- Dog training with experienced trainers who will work with your pooch on behavioral issues.
- Grooming and spa treatments are offered at many pet hotels so that your best friend can enjoy pampering spa-style. Of course, they want to look their best when their pet parent picks them up.
- Some airport pet hotels have onsite veterinary clinics or partnerships with nearby veterinary practices to provide medical care and wellness services for pets. Licensed veterinarians can administer medications, monitor your pet’s health, and attend to any medical needs your pet may have.
Traveling pets
What if your pet is traveling without you and needs a layover for a day or two before their next flight? Then be sure to check out airport pet hotels. Some facilities such as Pet Paradise Resorts facilities in Houston (both Hobby and Bush International), Atlanta, New Orleans and Charlotte, can accommodate pets traveling without their owners. If arrangements are made in advance, the staff at these facilities will pick up your pet after the first leg of their trip, board them for as long as necessary, and deliver them safely to the terminal for their next flight.
US cities with airport pet hotels include Jacksonville, FL, Houston, TX, Charlotte, NC, New Orleans, LA, Chicago, IL, Minneapolis-St. Paul, MO, Atlanta, GA, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR. Although airports in Dallas, Denver, Louisville, and Miami have all considered on-site pet boarding facilities, Southwest Florida International Airport near Fort Myers, Florida is the only domestic airport that is currently moving ahead with plans for a new facility.
How to choose a pet hotel?
Research the facililty
Before booking a stay at an airport pet hotel, research different facilities to find one that meets your pet’s needs and preferences. Read reviews, visit the facility if possible, and inquire about services, amenities, and staff qualifications. Check the website and any social media the facility has posted online.
Understand facility policies and procedures
Familiarize yourself with the pet hotel’s policies, including vaccination requirements, check-in/check-out procedures, and any additional fees or restrictions. Make sure your pet meets all necessary criteria for boarding.
Tour the facility
We recommend that potential airport pet hotel customers tour the facility before making a reservation. Observe how the staff handles their furry clients and take note of the quality of the services offered. Is the facility clean and maintained? Is the staff outgoing, kind and patent with the pets? Ask all the questions you need to get a level of satisfaction that you need before entrusting your best friend to the facility.
If you have time, bring your pet in for a tour as well. They will remember the experience and the fact that you brought them home after visiting the facility and didn’t just leave them there.
Don’t forget your pet’s needs
Pack your pet’s medications, proof of vaccinations, a used t-shirt with your scent on it, favorite toys and anything else you feel your pet would benefit having.
Stay connected
Check in with pet hotel staff often to see how your pet is doing. Likely, they are having a blast, but it will make you feel better to know that.
Some Pet Hotels to Consider
Pet Paradise Resort
Locations near airports in Jacksonville and Palm Beach, FL, Charlotte, NC, New Orleans LA, Atlanta, GA, Houston (Houston-Bush Intercontinental Airport (North and South), and Houston Hobby Airports), Phoenix, AZ as well as many other locations throughout Florida, and the Southern United States.
All dogs are housed in spacious, climate-controlled indoor-outdoor suites with automatically filled water bowls. Plush bedding and toys are provided. Web cams are available to check on your pets. Your dog will enjoy five playtimes a day, including a dip in the bone-shaped pool for dogs aquatically inclined. Play areas are equipped with synthetic grass to eliminate the need for pesticides. Luxury upgrades include the Presidential Suite where your pet can view DVDs on a flat screen TV; ice cream treats; extra playtime; and one-on-one play with a staff member. Doggie daycare and grooming services are available.
Cats are housed in a separate area of the facility. Peaceful and private 6-level cat condos have calming music piped in to create a soothing, spa-like environment. Large condos are available to accommodate cat families or individual cats that enjoy their space. Plush bedding and toys are provided.
Parking and shuttle service varies by location. All facilities have 24/7 drop-off and pick-up and on-call veterinarian. All Pet Paradise facilities are Category 3 Hurricane Safety rated.
Paradise 4 Paws – Chicago, Dallas, and Denver
https://www.paradise4pawsdenver.com/ (Wag Hotels)
https://www.paradise4pawsdfw.com/
https://www.paradise4pawschicago.com/
Paradise 4 Paws is located at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
This facility is staffed by American Boarding Kennel Association certified professionals. Private state-of-the-art, climate-controlled accommodations are large, clean, quiet, and well-appointed with comfortable bedding, soothing music, and soft lighting. Real-time web cam access allows pet owners to monitor their dog or cat.
Dogs can enjoy a private suite that overlooks the play yard or pool, or they can sleep in a slumber party lounge. Large indoor grass areas for playtime, fully equipped with water hydrants. A bone-shaped pool will keep your dog active and fit. A la carte menu is available designed to please the most discriminating pet.
Cats have bungalows in a private gated community that are equipped with window perches. There are personal aquariums in select suites to satisfy feline curiosity. Cats also have access to the Adventure Jungle, where they can explore and frolic. All cat bungalows overlook the Adventure Jungle.
Parking and shuttle service is available. Pet pick-up and drop-off is available from the terminal. Service is provided 24/7. Daycare, spa services, dog training, massage therapy, pet portraits, and vet visits are available at additional cost. Boarding rates range from $50-$80 per day for dogs and $30-$40 per day for cats.
Wag Atlanta
https://www.wagatlanta.com/
Wag Atlanta is located a couple of miles from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and 2 blocks from airport parking.
This is a full-service pet resort offering dog boarding (first day is free), luxury suites, 24/7 hours, late check out, doggy daycare, splash pools and lots of playtime.
Now Boarding
https://www.nowboardingpets.com/
Located at the Minneapolis/St Paul Airport, this boarding facility boasts an indoor pool, training areas and outdoor play areas. It also offers free parking and free shuttle services to the airport.
This facility is an affiliate of the Animal Humane Society. Net proceeds support AHS core programs.
Climate-controlled dog suites with individual indoor and outdoor runs. Every dog has 20-30 minutes of personal attention every day. Amenities include pet bedding, relaxing music, glass windows, comfy beds, and automatic water dishes. Doggy daycare, additional playtime, pool playtime, spa services, dog training, grooming, ice cream treats, and treat-filled Kongs available at extra charge.
Cats are housed in spacious condos. All cats are offered daily playtime in the cat atrium where they can climb and explore.
Now Boarding can accommodate a limited number of small animals, including rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and birds.
Parking and shuttle service is available. Twenty-four-hour drop-off and pick-up is provided.
PJ’s Pet Ranch
PJ’s Ranch is located north of the SeaTac Airport at the south end of North SeaTac Park. All types of pets are welcomed including cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, birds and exotic pets.
Dogs are boarded in individual, heated kennels, each with their own private run. All dogs are cleaned and fed once, twice or three times daily depending on their needs. Bedding is washed often.
Cats are housed in individual or multiple heated pens which are very roomy.
Pet drop-off and pick-up service is available. Leashed walks or playtime are also available at extra cost.
THE PAWINGTON
Conveniently located near San Francisco International Airport, The Pawington is a state-of-the-art facility for boarding dogs and cats. Trained staff is available 24/7/365. Amenities include maid room service, 3 delivered meals per day, suite-style accommodations, free first day of daycare and a natural (man-made) lake.
The Pawington also offers dog and cat grooming services and webcam access for owners.
Pets needing special care are also accommodated.
Conclusion
Other airports are realizing the revenue potential, and the convenience airport pet hotels offer their travelers.
If you need to kennel your pets while you fly, airport pet hotels are an alternative if you have an abnormal flight schedule do not have a pet sitter or a local boarding facility available. The convenience is wonderful.
Have a comment about an experience with an airport pet hotel? Post it below and be published! You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, Forum, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.
Leave a Reply