Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/40669
Pets Deserve a Vacation, Too! When you finally decide to use up that vacation time, book your pets a luxe stay of their own For canine care: At Ruffin' It Resort luxury is the name of the game. Beyond daycare and grooming, the resort offers premium amenities, including private rooms, "tuck-in" service, all-inclusive slumber parties and more! 635 Struck St., Madison; (608) 310-4299 or ruffinitresort.com. SpaWoof promises to pamper your pup during their stay, offering add-ons like Michael's K-9 Custard and Bowser Beer, as well as a ride to the airport for pet owners heading out of town! 2250 Penn- sylvania Ave., Madison; (608) 663-WOOF; spawoof.net. For felines and canines: Aunt B's Pet Resort and Spa offers dogs a high-end, high-energy stay complete with cuddling and pool time while cats live in the lap of luxury, enjoying play time and treats. 6990 Hickory Ln., DeForest; (608) 846-4115 or auntbspetresort.com. Camp K9 Pet Care Center is like summer camp for your pets, with better accommodations. After set- tling into a K9 suite or kitty condo, your pet can enjoy a craft project, "yappy hour" or other activities. 4934 Felland Rd., Madison; (608) 249-3939. For the whole menagerie: Waggin' Tails Doggie Dude Ranch and Pet Lodge offers fun for every- one. Dogs get both standard and stately accommodations, cats will enjoy a penthouse with a view, while everyone else (from birds and fish to rodents and rabbits) are cared for, with love. 6249 Nes- bitt Rd., Madison; (608) 271-4212 or waggintailspetcare.com. Check in. Call or e-mail as often as you want. They should welcome your contact! Ask to speak directly to a caretaker in regular contact with your beloved pet. Overnight Out of Town & Any pet parent knows that planning for time away can be just as stressful for your pet. Renee Brantner, owner of Ruffin' It Resort, offers a few tips for getting prepped for a long stay away If you are planning to have your pet stay with a local boarding facility: Take a tour. Choose the best environment for your pet by dropping in unannounced to see how the facility is run. Note the cleanliness, ventilation system, safety, comfort and overall ambiance and friendliness of the caretakers and staff. Ask the ratio of caretakers to pets, see where the animals stay, and request references and memberships in professional organizations. Schedule a pre-stay visit. Bring your pet a few times before the long stay (many places offer daycare, playgroups or one-day trial stays) to get used to the environment. Get up-to-date. Check in advance with your veterinarian to ensure your pet's vaccinations will be up-to- date. Don't wait until the last minute! Relax. When checking your pet in, it's important to be calm so your pet will relax, too. Talk calmly and happily so your furry friend feels reassured that this is a happy place. Tell them everything. Alert your pet's caretakers to any questions or concerns, and don't leave anything out, especially phobias or special needs your pet has. The more information you give, the better! Bring comfort from home. Pack something familiar for your pet, such as a bed, blanket or toy, to help them feel at home. Guilty by Association Find quality caretakers When Home is Where the Heart Is If your pet prefers to stay closer to home, find options for pampering and care that travel to you Abbey's Clips 'n-Snips Mobile Pet Spa Offering treatments ranging from deep condition- ing and nail-painting to haircuts and more, you can give your four-legged friends a spa experience right at home. (608) 241-CLIP or abbeysclipsn- snips.com. Go Dog Go! From dog walking and dog sitting to cat and critter visits while you're at work or away, the friendly staff comes to you offering company and care aplenty. (608) 772-WOOF or godoggomadison.com. 60 BRAVA Magazine August 2011 Paws and Claws Mobile Vet Service Complete veterinary services brought to you! Especially great for pet owners with transportation challenges, or older or skittish animals. (608) 442-4293 or pawsnclawsvet.com. The Dog Haus @ Your Haus Doggie daycare and boarding provider The Dog Haus comes to you for dog walking, dog park out- ings and dog (and cat) sitting. They'll even water your plants and pick up your mail. How sweet! (608) 241-DOGS or thedoghaus.biz. by asking for references, membership in professional organizations and/or affiliation with reputable groups like a humane society.