by Art Young

Created on: December 20, 2011   Last Updated: December 21, 2011

Society has dramatically changed the way it treats its pets. As a result of this, the relationship between pets and their owners has become more complicated and expensive. For example, there are hundreds of summer and winter vacation packages to exotic destinations for owners and their pets. Dogs and cats can now get their pictures taken with Santa. There are canine flu shots, personal trainers for dogs, New Year’s resolutions that include pets, psychological counseling and anxiety drugs for pets and even canine and feline ophthalmologists. Can tinted contacts for cats and dogs be far behind?

Pets are even important considerations when humans choose a mate. It’s no coincidence that many online “personals” ads end with the phrase: “Must love dogs (or cats).” It’s no wonder that facilities – pet spas – where dogs and cats are pampered, entertained and made healthier are the fastest growing segment of the multi-billion dollar pet care industry.

There are several reasons for the explosion in pampered pet care. It starts with the sheer numbers of pets. The Humane Society of the U.S. notes that there are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs and 86.4 million owned cats in the United States. The organization notes that 39 percent of the U.S. households own at least one dog and 33 percent own at least one cat, 28 percent have two dogs and 52 percent own more than one cat.

With these numbers, it is no surprise that money spent on pet care is skyrocketing. There are however, several unique factors that account for the rapid growth of pet spas.

Pet Spas – The Lap of Luxury

Pet spas run the gamut of service, from simple grooming and exercise facilities to extravagant retreats. Here are some examples of pet spas around the U.S.

The Spa Paws Hotel, in Fort Worth, Texas bills itself as the “Lap of Luxury. The spa’s very chic website notes that it is “North Texas’ only 5-star hotel for four-legged guests" and that” it is not your average doggie daycare.” For a price, cats and dogs can experience aroma therapy at the Enchantment spa, dress in the latest of dog and cat couture from the Paws Boutique, get the latest cut at the Paws Glamour shop, visit the Paws Wellness center to get rid of that spare tire and or drop by the Paws Studio for a professionally posed portrait.

Stressed out dogs that live in Atlanta can get a much-deserved pampering at the Atlanta Dog Spa.

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