Going away for New Years?

I recently got a tour of my local PetSmart PetsHotel and Doggie Day Camp. What a cool place to house your pup when you need to travel or spend extended amounts of time away from home!

The facility was extremely clean and attractive. And it seemed very homey, too. You can get a dog atrium room (complete with lambskin blanket and a poochy cot) or a dog suite (add a TV with pet themed shows!). I like that there are always caregivers there, 24 hours a day. They are each safety-certified and vets are always on call (and some in the store!) There is a 24-hour monitoring system as well.

Some of the other great features include:
- extended pick up and drop off hours (including Sundays)
- Doggie Day Camp -- all-day play in their play room, is available for extra exercise and socialization
- There are separate cat and dog ventilation areas which minimize stress, and the air is circulated 3 times and hour. (And the entire hotel is air conditioned)
- Pet drinking water is filtered
- Best of all -- there is an area for pet parents to call and speak with their pets!

Additionally, you can have your dog groomed or trained while they stay at the pet hotel.

Rates are $25/night and up. (You can add things like extra play time and extra treats!) Take a video tour and see how neat this concept really is. If you need a place for your pet to stay, I would definitely consider your local PetSmart PetsHotel! (And if you stop by to check it out, pick up a copy of their free 2008 calendar -- it has a ton of coupons in it for grooming, training, and hotel stays)

A great gift idea!

I have been doing a lot of holiday shopping lately in my local area malls, and everywhere I go I see the most adorable pets. But these are not real pets (though they look it) -- they are called Perfect Petzzz, the "authentic breathing" pet.

This is a great holiday gift for a friend or family member who wants real pet ownership experience without the hassles and expense. Or for a child who wants a pet but isn't ready to handle the responsibilities of a real pet yet. It would also be a great gift for someone who loves pets but has terrible allergies. Honestly, even people who have "real" pets (like me!) would love one of these adorable creatures sitting around the house. I know in my house my Perfect Petzzzz would be the best behaved child/pet around!

These adorable pets come in a ton of choices for both cat and dog. Almost every breed is represented for dogs, and lots of variations of colors for kitties.

The pets actually truly look real. From their 100% synthetic fur to their features to their little bodies that breath like a real pet when sleeping. Each pet comes with a:

• Collar with Pet Tag
• Pet bed
• Brush
• Adoption Certificate
• Pet carrier
• 1 'D' Alkaline battery

Check out this adorable idea and adopt one for a friend or yourself. Currently on Amazon, some adorable petzzz are on sale for 20% off, including a Perfect Petzzz Orange Tabby, Perfect Petzzz Pug, Calavier King Charles, and a Perfect Petzzz Golden Retriever.

Luxurious digs for your dog

Do you feel bad keeping your dog crated while you are not home? Now you don't have to, with luxurious doggy condos from SuiteDigs. These amazing habitat modules have everything your small dog needs to be comfortable, including a place to lounge, a bathroom and an eating and drinking area. Best of all, the webcam feature allows you to see what your pup is up to while out are at work... and with the treat dispenser you can even send a treat his way and watch him enjoy it!

Each module measures 55 inches wide by 25 high and 25 deep and can be stacked and linked together with stairs to give your dog extra space or make room for multiple dogs. They can also be customized to your liking and you can choose the color that best matches your décor. You will never have to feel guilty leaving your dog home alone again with this is truly an innovative and unique alternative to crating your dog. Check out this video to see exactly how SuiteDigs works.

Be sure to take advantage of their holiday sale by December 15th and get 20% off your entire SuiteDigs order. Also, Swanky Pup readers use the code sq25 at checkout for $25 off.