Latest news with #K9Resorts
New York Post
3 days ago
- New York Post
Dog owners start missing their pets less than an hour into a trip, survey shows
Forget sightseeing and exploring new places: Two in five dog owners said the best part of a trip is coming home — to see their pup. That's according to a new survey of 2,000 dog owners, which revealed 42% said coming home to their dog can be the part of their trip they enjoy the most. Forty percent of respondents 'constantly' worry whether their dog is okay when they're traveling — and a fifth (22%) miss their dog so much while traveling that it can impact their enjoyment of the trip. Conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by K9 Resorts, the results highlighted Americans' love for their furry companions and the immense worry that comes from being away from their pets. 5 Two in five dog owners said the best part of a trip is coming home — to see their pup. silverkblack – It only takes 53 minutes for the average respondent to start missing their pup when they have to leave their dog. But for some, this kicks in even sooner, with 24% of respondents admitting they start thinking about their dog as soon as they walk out the door. When traveling, the average respondent estimated their vacation distracts them for just an hour and a half at a time before 'pet parent guilt' strikes hardest. From there, pet owners miss their pups an average of 13 distinct times per day when away. This highlights the importance of owners ensuring their dogs are well cared for when they're away, to help make this worry more manageable. 5 According to a new survey of 2,000 dog owners, 42% of respondents said coming home to their dog can be the part of their trip they enjoy the most. Viktoriya – In fact, three-quarters of dog owners surveyed (76%) said their summer travel plans primarily depend on finding proper care for their dog. Finding the right care is crucial for pet parents, as 32% worry no one else will fully understand what their dog needs — and the same percentage was concerned their dog won't get enough walks, stimulation or playtime in their absence. A similar percentage also expressed worry that their dog won't get the love they deserve if they aren't around (34%). This worry has led to a fifth (19%) asking their pet sitter to put their dog on the phone so they can speak to their pup — while 17% have done the same with a video call. 'Dogs are true family members, and we understand the anxiety pet owners feel when they are traveling and can't bring their pups with them,' said Steven Parker, co-CEO and co-founder of K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel and Daycare. 'Our expert staff of dog lovers goes above and beyond to make sure your best friend is treated like family. Our clients know they can rest assured their dogs are enjoying a fabulous staycation while they're away.' More than half of those surveyed wish they could explain to their dog why they can't come and reassure them that they'll be back (52%). The survey looked at just how pet parents build this level of understanding and communicate with their furry friends, finding that 84% claim they can read their pet's expressions, and a similar percentage can differentiate their needs by the slightest change in whines or barks (86%). Pet parents have such a good read on their pet that one in five claim they 'always' know what their dog is going to do before they do it. Despite knowing their pet's personality, the average respondent worries about whether they're meeting their dog's needs three times a week. Twice the number of dog owners surveyed worry about their dog's needs more than their own (40% vs. 19%). 5 It only takes 53 minutes for the average respondent to start missing their pup when they have to leave their dog, according to the survey. í¢í°íâíÅíí½í° íâí¾í»í°í¾í²í° – Respondents are particularly keen on making sure their dog gets enough exercise (44%), that their overall health is good (43%), and ensuring they get enough affection (37%). However, fewer pet parents recognize the importance of ensuring that their dog has enough socialization (29%) and mental stimulation (28%). 'Pet parents naturally think of nutritious meals and exercise as essential components of their dog's well-being, but being properly socialized and receiving mental stimulation is just as important,' said Parker. 'If they aren't already, I recommend to dog parents that they identify ways to incorporate these elements into their dogs' daily routines — whether that's through boarding and daycare, trips to the dog park, or play dates.' 5 'Dogs are true family members, and we understand the anxiety pet owners feel when they are traveling and can't bring their pups with them,' said Steven Parker, co-CEO and co-founder of K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel and Daycare. Javier brosch – WHAT WOULD MAKE RESPONDENTS' DOGS THE HAPPIEST IN THE WORLD? 'More carrots as treats.' 'Having a huge backyard to run around in.' 'A long walk every single day.' 'A pool.' 'Never-ending ball throwing.' 'A bone as big as him.' 'Home-cooked food every day.' 'As many treats as he could possibly eat.' 'His own rope swing.' 'Endless belly rubs.' 'Having filet mignon mixed in with his usual dry dog food.' 'Tons of attention.' 'A lifetime supply of squirrels to chase (but never catch)!' 'Lots of balls to chase.' 'Endless bacon.' 5 More than half of those surveyed wish they could explain to their dog why they can't come and reassure them that they'll be back (52%). Shiv Mer – 'NEW' THINGS PET OWNERS HAVE LEARNED ABOUT THEIR DOG 'When she is happy she rolls on her back.' 'She can detect when my other dog is going to have a seizure before she has it.' 'She paws me when she wants to be petted.' 'When he's nervous he will bite at my leg.' 'He is afraid of the dark.' 'Afraid of storms as she gets older.' 'I recently learned my dog understands over 20 words, including toy names, showing surprising intelligence and emotional awareness during play and daily routines.' 'My dog loves playing with puzzle toys to stay mentally active.' 'She puts shoes in my lap when she wants to play frisbee outside.' 'She gets cold about 3 or 4 in the morning and wants to cuddle under the blankets.' Survey methodology: Talker Research conducted two surveys, each with 2,000 dog owners; both were commissioned by K9 Resorts and administered and conducted online by Talker Research. The first was filled between April 28 and May 5, 2025, and the second was filled between June 11 and June 16, 2025.
Chicago Tribune
21-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Pet hotel dubbed Ritz-Carlton for dogs to open in Deerfield
A luxury hotel is coming to Deerfield and its guests may be among the most exclusive on the North Shore. To start with, they'll need four paws and a tail, and perhaps a well-heeled owner. K9 Resorts, a national pet hotel chain which bills itself as the Ritz-Carlton for dogs, is opening its first Illinois location Monday in Deerfield. The facility features individual suites with high-definition TVs tuned 24/7 to DogTV and Animal Planet, premium shampoos in its bathing salons, antimicrobial play areas, an air purification system and of course, room service. 'We believe in elevating pet care to almost human-grade hospitality, hotel quality,' said Nehme Abouzeid, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Luxury Pet Hotel Investments, a K9 Resorts investor and franchisee launching the Deerfield location. 'We like to say that we're a hotel, and our guests just happen to be dogs.' Located in a former Mexican restaurant on a Home Depot outlot by the Metra station along Lake Cook Road, the Deerfield K9 Resorts underwent a four-month, multimillion dollar buildout to transform into a luxury pet hotel. Out went the kitchens and in went high-end accommodations for hounds that at first glance, might beckon their human companions to check in as well. It has a glitzy lobby adorned with chandeliers, ornate columns, tasteful artwork and a regal front desk. The inviting hotel rooms are numbered, set off by wall sconces, giving the ambience of a high-end resort for people, who of course, are paying the tab for their furry family members. 'I think that the attention to detail that we put into each resort is so obvious that it makes the customer, the two-legged customer, feel good,' said Jason Parker, 38, co-founder and co-CEO of New Jersey-based K9 Resorts. 'The dogs are very happy customers, because they're in a five-star hotel.' Started as teenagers in 2005 by brothers Steven and Jason Parker, K9 Resorts has grown to 45 locations in 28 states, including the new Deerfield pet hotel. Five locations are corporate-owned with the rest franchised. The dog hotel magnates have certainly elevated the traditional boarding experience, from cage-free lodging options and air purification systems to prevent kennel cough to offering individual or group play sessions coordinated by a trained staff of dog concierges and attendants. K9 Resorts doesn't offer potentially stressful activities such as grooming, focusing on amenities that dogs enjoy during their staycations. Allowing them to wind down at the end of the day with a TV in their own rooms is part of the luxury treatment. 'When they're relaxing after a day of doggy day care, and there's nothing better to have them on a very premium dog mattress, relaxing, having their own private space and watching some television,' Parker said. While the privately held K9 Resorts doesn't disclose systemwide revenue, each location generates between $2 million to $3 million per year, Parker told the Tribune. Meanwhile, the chain is poised for significant growth through franchising, driven in large part by Luxury Pet Hotel Investments, a group with extensive human hospitality experience. Last year, Luxury Pet Hotel Investments invested $10 million in K9 Resorts and secured exclusive regional development rights in Illinois and beyond. The investment group is headed by longtime hospitality executive Alan Leibman, former CEO of Kerzner International, which developed the Atlantis resorts. LPHI has raised $53 million in equity and currently operates eight pet hotels, with plans to build 50 more, including up to 11 in Southern California, 13 in Florida and eight in the Chicago area by 2029. Most recently, LPHI opened a K9 Resort near the Los Angeles International Airport in March. Choosing Deerfield for the first Illinois location, the investment group obtained a 10-year lease on the former El Tradicional Mexican Restaurant in July 2024, converting the 6,200-square-foot building to a luxury pet hotel after getting special use approval from the village. The location has housed a succession of restaurants, starting with a Bennigan's at the dawn of the new millennium. Other buildings on the sprawling Home Depot outlot include a Curaleaf cannabis dispensary and an empty McAlister's Deli, which closed its Deerfield location in April. Accommodations at the pet hotel run from $59 a night in the compartment wing of the hotel, bilevel crates with memory foam beds. The executive rooms run $89 per night for 4-by-6-foot enclosures and the top-of-the-line luxury suites are $109 per night. The 8-by-8-foot luxury suites include a premium couch or Kuranda bed. There is no mini-fridge or Wi-Fi, but each of the six luxury suites has its own 32-inch TV for the dog's viewing pleasure. 'We do put on DogTV and Animal Planet for a calming presence,' said Zack Nisbet, executive vice president in charge of the Chicago region for the investment group. In addition to extensive work within the building, the Deerfield K9 Resorts features a walled-in, 2,300-square-foot outdoor play area with artificial antimicrobial grass where diners once sipped margaritas on the restaurant's patio as trains rumbled by on the nearby tracks. While the Home Depot outlot has not necessarily proved fertile ground for restaurants, Nisbet said the high-traffic location should help drive business to the pet hotel. The pet hotel offers both day care and overnight stays, and can accommodate up to 150 dogs, with family multidog stays. It's located just west of a competing facility, The Dog Stop, which is on the other side of the tracks from K9 Resorts. 'The Dog Stop being across the street, actually excited us,' Nisbet said. 'That's proof of demand, proof that there's a lot of dogs in the area. We knew we could provide an upgrade to the region.' Chicago is a key expansion market for K9 Resorts and the investment group, which is currently scouting out potential locations in a number of areas, including Palatine, Libertyville and the city itself, Nisbet said. Nationwide, the luxury pet hotels have opened up in everything from a former Wells Fargo bank branch to a converted CVS pharmacy. One is even housed in a former Old County Buffet, the now defunct all-you-can-eat restaurant chain which closed its last Illinois restaurant five years ago. While most dogs probably would have been very content to stay at an Old Country Buffet without the renovation, after a lengthy multimillion dollar redevelopment in Deerfield, Nisbet said turning a restaurant into a luxury pet hotel would not be his first choice for the second Chicago-area location. 'This definitely was a fixer-upper,' Nisbet said. 'We had to auction off all the old restaurant equipment. I don't know what our best former use would be, but I wouldn't say it's a restaurant.'
Travel Daily News
30-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
K9 Resorts names Scott Schubiger as Chief Growth Officer
K9 Resorts appoints Scott Schubiger as Chief Growth Officer to lead national and global expansion in the booming luxury pet care market. BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J. – Continuing to build on its momentous year of growth and brand milestones, K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel announces the appointment of Scott Schubiger as Chief Growth Officer. With more than 170 locations open or in development across 28 states, K9 Resorts is primed to continue its expansion with a franchise industry veteran, and deepening its leadership in the luxury pet care market. About Scott Schubiger: An accomplished senior executive with over 30 years of success across franchising, technology, food and beverage, real estate, and wellness sectors, Schubiger brings extensive, global knowledge of franchise sales, private equity, and business development. Throughout his executive career, Schubiger has held leadership positions for NRD Capital, ZGrowth Partners, Massage Heights, Lunchbox Wax, Snap Fitness, Rita's Italian Ice , and Realogy Corporation . , and . Most recently, he served as Chief Growth Officer of The Picklr where he played a key role in bringing more than 70 franchisees developing over 500 units into the system and launching the franchise opportunity in Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand In his new role, Schubiger will lead the strategic growth of K9 Resorts across the country and eventually, globally. His responsibilities will include identifying sophisticated, business-savvy individuals who are looking to stake their claim in the fast-growing pet care vertical. As a lifetime dog owner, Schubiger recognizes the value and need for specialized services in the pet care industry and is excited to bring K9's luxury boarding and daycare services to more dog parents across the U.S. 'I have been interested in K9 Resorts since meeting the founders, Jason and Steven Parker, at their original location a decade ago and have continued to admire the brand from afar,' saidSchubiger. 'Their passion and leadership, coupled with the brand's commitment to excellence, truly stood out. I'm excited to help expand this beloved concept, bring in new franchise partners, and fulfill the increasing demand for luxury pet care.' His appointment comes at a pivotal time, as findings in a recent industry report found that pet ownership has increased with 51% of U.S. households now owning a dog. Younger generations are a huge driver of this and hold high standards for how they care for their pets – from services to products. 'We are looking to level-up our franchise development goals over the next few years, and Scott is the right leader to help us scale with purpose,' said Jason Parker, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of K9 Resorts. 'His reputation, experience and passion for franchising make him an invaluable addition to our team. This is a full-circle moment, and we're thrilled to have him guiding our next phase of growth.'
Travel Daily News
12-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
K9 Resorts set to make Illinois debut
K9 Resorts opens first Illinois luxury pet hotel in Deerfield June 21, offering premium dog boarding, daycare, and grand opening festivities. DEERFIELD, ILL. – K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel, an internationally recognized and multi-award-winning luxury boarding and dog daycare franchise, is set to open its first Illinois location in Deerfield on June 21. Located at 649 Lake Cook Rd., this new best-in-class pet hotel will provide Deerfield pet parents with an exceptional boarding and daycare experience that goes well beyond standard pet services. To celebrate the initial opening, K9 Resorts in Deerfield will be hosting a grand opening event on June 21 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event will feature a ribbon cutting, exclusive site tours, prize giveaways, refreshments, and other festivities. K9 Resorts Deerfield is owned by Luxury Pet Hotel Investments LLC, (LPHI) the largest group of K9 Resorts franchisees. The group has announced plans to open 48 locations nationwide, including up to 11 in Southern California, 13 in Florida, and 11 across Virginia and Washington, D.C. The group plans to open up to eight locations in the greater Chicagoland area by 2029. 'We're thrilled to bring K9 Resorts to Deerfield,' said Zack Nisbet, EVP of the Chicago region for LPHI. 'Dogs are family, and we believe they deserve the same level of care and comfort we would expect for ourselves. Chicagoland dogs are going to enjoy a healthy, safe, and loving environment inside our custom-designed resort.' K9 Resorts provides five-star service at locations across the U.S. The new Deerfield resort features best-in-class facilities and services, including luxury dog boarding suites, premium Kuranda dog beds, high-definition TVs, premium shampoos in its bathing salons, and much more to make it every dog's favorite place away from home. With health and wellness being a top priority, K9 Resorts also features a state-of-the-art air purification and ventilation system, which constantly cleans the air. In addition, K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotels feature outdoor play yards equipped with antimicrobial K9Grass and indoor playrooms, providing pets with everything they need to make new friends while getting necessary exercise. Company's staff undergo extensive training and receive pet care certifications. Beyond this, every team member has a profound love for dogs and is dedicated to providing them with the best possible care. As a brand standard, the K9 Resorts team treats every dog like their own, ensuring a safe and secure environment that prioritizes pet well-being. 'Opening our first Illinois location in Deerfield is a meaningful step in our continued growth,' said Jason Parker, Co-Founder and Co-CEO. 'We're proud to bring our world-class hospitality to more families who want the very best for their dogs. From our top-tier amenities to our passionate staff, everything at K9 Resorts is designed to give pets a premium experience and give owners peace of mind.' K9 Resorts Deerfield is accepting reservations now for stay dates starting June 23. Pre-opening special offers are also available. The resort's regular operating hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Hospitality Net
09-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
K9 Resorts Set to Make Illinois Debut
K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel , an internationally recognized and multi-award-winning luxury boarding and dog daycare franchise, is set to open its first Illinois location in Deerfield on June 21. Located at 649 Lake Cook Rd., this new best-in-class pet hotel will provide Deerfield pet parents with an exceptional boarding and daycare experience that goes well beyond standard pet services. To celebrate the initial opening, K9 Resorts in Deerfield will be hosting a grand opening event on June 21 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The event will feature a ribbon cutting, exclusive site tours, prize giveaways, refreshments, and other festivities. K9 Resorts Deerfield is owned by Luxury Pet Hotel Investments LLC, (LPHI) the largest group of K9 Resorts franchisees. The group has announced plans to open 48 locations nationwide, including up to 11 in Southern California, 13 in Florida, and 11 across Virginia and Washington, D.C. The group plans to open up to eight locations in the greater Chicagoland area by 2029. K9 Resorts provides five-star service at locations across the U.S. The new Deerfield resort features best-in-class facilities and services, including luxury dog boarding suites, premium Kuranda dog beds, high-definition TVs, premium shampoos in its bathing salons, and much more to make it every dog's favorite place away from home. With health and wellness being a top priority, K9 Resorts also features a state-of-the-art air purification and ventilation system, which constantly cleans the air. In addition, K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotels feature outdoor play yards equipped with antimicrobial K9Grass® and indoor playrooms, providing pets with everything they need to make new friends while getting necessary exercise. K9 Resorts staff undergo extensive training and receive pet care certifications. Beyond this, every team member has a profound love for dogs and is dedicated to providing them with the best possible care. As a brand standard, the K9 Resorts team treats every dog like their own, ensuring a safe and secure environment that prioritizes pet well-being. K9 Resorts Deerfield is accepting reservations now for stay dates starting June 23. Pre-opening special offers are also available. The resort's regular operating hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Deerfield dog parents can connect with the new resort on Facebook and Instagram (@k9resortsdeerfield) to stay up to date on events and promotions. To contact K9 Resorts of Deerfield, please call (847) 717-8322, or visit . Hotel website
