If you’re a dog parent, then you know all of the extra steps you have to take to get your dog cared for while you are gone. But what if you could skip most of those steps and board your dog at the airport?
These boarding facilities have the same hours as the airports, which is a big help to dog owners flying early in the morning, or late at night.
Pet Paradise
One of the first facilities was founded in 2002 by Fred Goldsmith. His network of Pet Paradise board facilities are located at or very close to Houston’s Hobby and Bush International airports, all the airports in New Orleans, and at the Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta.
“We’re running a hotel, but instead of people, we check in dogs, cats, the occasional pot-bellied pig and, once, some llamas,” Goldsmith told NBC News. “And we use the same kind of occupancy and revenue algorithms you use in the hotel business. We track everything the same way.”
The amenities include the standard grooming and training services, but what sets them apart is climate-controlled accommodations and indoor-outdoor play areas. As an added fun bonus, some of the facilities even have swimming pools and a discounted rate on airport parking.
Prices depending on the location. Each pet gets their own suite with access to an indoor and outdoor area, and complimentary playtime with their boarding fee. You can expect to pay the same as you would for a higher-end facility, which can run anywhere from $40 to $110 per day, says Costhelper Pets & Pet Care.
Paradise4Paws
Paradise4Paws has boarding facilities at Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports, as well as Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas.
DFW spokesman David Magaña said in a statement to NBC News, “We think it’s a great amenity to provide to our passengers, especially business travelers. In addition to being there 24/7, they have some of the ‘best in class’ services that we like our concessionaires to offer.”
Paradise4Paws takes convenience a step further by providing pick-up and drop-off services to their busy customers. You can board your pet(s) from $40 to $80 per night, which is great for budget-conscious travelers. There are discounts available for multiple pets.
Now Boarding
Located minutes from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Now Boarding has been caring for dogs and cats while their parents are away since 2008. They’re open 24/7 and have a variety of options for pet parents, including discounts and offers to help pet parents save money.
Now Boarding charges in half-day increments and bills on a 24-hour cycle that begins when you and your pet check in, which means you only pay for the time that your pet was physically present.
PHOTO: MoniqueRodriguez