Pet Style: Townhouses for Pets

Looking to get away but can't bear the thought of fencing your furry friend in another dreary kennel? Pet Estates, Inc. provides all the comforts of home and 24-hour supervision by a "Pet Pal." Named best pet resort in the Capital District by the Albany, NY Times Union, Pet Estates is made up of suites, condo units, bunkhouses and townhouses-all fully furnished and some equipped with refrigerators, microwaves, and television sets. Your precious boy or girl will never know they left home.

The resort prides itself on its limited space-they allow only 25 pets at a time. Mary Lyn Gagnon, who owns Pet Estates along with her husband Don, believes the big problem with traditional kennels lies the animal to employee ratio. "Kennels shouldn't be based on volume, they should be based on quality and care," she says.

Recently, the Gagnons have been offering a unique service to pet-lovers across the country: the custom design of a pre-existing space (such as a woodshed, for example) that is to be transformed into a sanctuary for your best friend. It's perfect for those of you who want an animal but have allergies.

Pet Estates also offers a doggy or kitty daycare program-30 bucks a day will get your pampered pet transportation to and from your house, breakfast in a private suite, playtime, the chance to socialize with other pets, and finally, the highly anticipated naptime. Extras include swim sessions, reiki therapy, and obedience training. While you're on vacation, they also offer daily e-mails with pictures or video clips for $10-15 per day.

"You want to be sure your pets are content and well-cared for," says Gagnon. "Your pets are like your children."

Pet Estates, Inc. is located in Melrose, NY. For more information, call 518-663-5732 or go to www.petestates.com