Pet hotels and day cares provide cushy care for furry friends

Ever had to worry about your pet's safety or health while you slave away for their treats and trinkets? Pet hotels, day cares, and sitters could solve the avid pet fan's worry by taking care of their almost-children.

GMA News TV's "State of the Nation" on Friday featured Pooch Park, a day care for dogs.

One hour at the place will cost P50, two would go for P80, and three for P100. Every additional hour afterwards will cost an additional P25, and an overnight stay will cost P400. Food, vitamins, medicine, and exercise are included in the doggy services, while training will cost extra.



Pet hotels, on the other hand, have different room rates. A standard room costs P350-P450 a day, kennel rooms P550 a day, and suites go for  P800 a day. Cats get different prices and rooms, with prices starting at P350 a day.

Hotels also offer day care services. Six hours means shelling out P600 to P1,000, and five hours or less P450 to P750.

Though even momentarily parting with the furry kids seems painful, pets could benefit enormously from short sojourns in day cares.

Proximity to other pets means they get a bit of social exercise and socialize with other dogs, something being stuck in homes certainly won't let them do.

But if you're still just planning to get an animal companion, and you're already considering pet sitters, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) recommends that you re-evaluate your choices as taking care of a pet is a huge responsibility.

"A pet is a lifetime commitment. Kung hindi nila kaya yung ganong responsibilidad, 'wag nang mag-alaga ng aso o pusa," said PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera.

Veterinarian Dr. Nielsen Donato said, "Some dogs are very needy. If you think our lifestyle is busy, then let's not get a pet." — Rie Takumi/JDS, GMA News