International pet 'spaws' for travel with fur friends

The pandemic dramatically boosted pet ownership, and travellers may be on the lookout for opportunities to pamper their pets

Natalya Anderson  •  Financial Post
Published Feb 25, 2022  •  Last updated Mar 04, 2022  •  2 minute read
A cat sleeping on a massage table while taking spa treatments.
Pet spas abroad offer pampering for travellers’ animal companions. GETTY IMAGES

Canadian pet ownership exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic, with lockdowns and work-from-home requirements boosting households with pets to more than 50 per cent in this country.

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Overall consumer spending in the pets category increased by 117 per cent in Canada during the pandemic, according to a July report by consumer data platform Sensibill. This included not only grooming supplies and toys, but also special nutrition.

While pet grooming and boarding services took a hit during the pandemic, pre-COVID, the market size of the industry in Canada is expected to increase 13.1 per cent in 2022, according to market research firm Ibisworld.

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As the world opens up and more Canadians turn to travel, many will bring their pet companions on their journeys, and will be in search of pampering opportunities for their furry escorts.
If you and your pets have international spas in mind as restrictions ease for travel, perhaps these spaws will tickle your whiskers:

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Dubai

Howl & Growl

Boasting themselves as the UAE’s first luxury boutique for pets, Howl & Growl offer an array of luxe accessories, bedding, carriers, bedding, and more for the more sophisticated cat or dog. They describe themselves as “unashamed” of wanting their pets to look a cut above.

My Second Home

This luxury dog resort and spa sprawls over 30,000 sq ft, and includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools as well as luxe grooming and pick up/drop off services.

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Japan

Aeonpet Co.

This was launched as a place for dogs to age in style with the world’s first ever dog retirement home. If your elderly dog needs more luxury during his or her twilight years, swimming, 24/7 vet care, and extra grooming are available here.

London

Urban Mutts

This luxury pet hotel is for members only. Launched by celebrity dog walker Barry Karacostas (Guy Ritchie and Elle Macpherson are among his clients), Urban Mutts offers a wellness and fitness system for dogs, which Karacostas attributes to a canine’s need for R&R (“rough and roaming”). His system is available to both English and international dogs.

Los Angeles

Topanga Pet Resort

This luxury retreat is a celebrity favourite, located in the Santa Monica Mountains. The dog “condos” have miniature furniture, and organic cleaning products are used to maintain a fresh scent throughout. Special diets are observed for all pets, and nail and bath times are specific to pets’ schedules.