Paradise 4 Paws is a great option for pet owners looking for a luxurious boarding experience with spacious suites and convenient airport services. VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Boarding is a better choice for pet owners who prioritize on-site veterinary care and a wider range of services, especially for pets with medical needs.
| Attribute | Paradise 4 Paws | VCA Animal Hospitals Pet Boarding |
|---|---|---|
| Types of pets boarded | Dogs and cats | Dogs, cats, birds, avian and pocket pets at some locations, exotic pets |
| Boarding environment | Dogs: All-suite boarding with various room sizes. Suites overlook indoor play areas. Some suites have flat-screen TVs and webcams. Spacious suites (no cages) with comfy bedding. Some upgraded suites offer more space, TVs, in-suite webcam access, and human-sized beds. Indoor runs are heated and air-conditioned, with a large bed and throw rug, measuring 5.5'x30'. Outdoor pens are 30'x45' with sunshades, a shower system, and a dog house. Small dog breeds (under 25 pounds) have their own separate wing. Cats: Gated community of bungalows with a cat adventure jungle that includes climbing trees and a large aquarium. Bungalows include a litter box and water fountain. They have personal 4'x4' pens that are 6' high, including a litter box, food and water, and a cat condo. Some pens have window views. | Dogs: Variety of cottage sizes, suites with raised floors and elevated beds, deluxe suites for multiple dogs, spacious rooms and indoor runs, climate-controlled runs, large breed runs at some locations. Cats: Individual accommodations with soft bedding and litter box, kitty condos, separate cat boarding areas, window or classic accommodations. Climate-controlled facilities. |
| Supervision and staffing levels | Staffed 24/7/365. DogSafe First Aid trained pet care professionals. Staff is within 20 feet of the dogs at all times. | Caring boarding assistants on-site daily, constant supervision, enrichment, playtime, and affection. Kennel staff is fully trained and compassionate. Veterinary technicians and veterinarians are available on-site during business hours. Some locations have kennel staff trained in canine and feline behavior and Pet CPR/First Aid. 24-hour security and emergency monitoring at some facilities. |
| Veterinary care availability | On-site veterinary assistants. Veterinarian on call 24/7. Vet partner on site. Relationships with local emergency clinics. | Veterinary technicians and veterinarians are available on-site during business hours. Veterinarian on call. Some locations offer medical boarding for pets needing medication administration, post-surgical monitoring, or specialized care. 24/7 veterinary team for medical boarding. |
| Exercise and play options | Indoor play areas with canine grass and bone-shaped splashing pools. Separate play area for small dogs with a miniature bone-shaped splashing pool. Playgroups sorted by size and temperament. Outdoor pens with sunshades and water. | Individual playtime offered three times per day. Option to have pets share playtimes. Wading pools and sprinklers during the summer for canine guests. Designated room for cats to climb, explore, and play with toys. Off-leash gated areas for play. Minimum of three walks a day. Optional group playtime. 20,000 square-foot securely fenced exercise area at some locations. |
| Feeding and medication administration | They administer medications, but are unable to handle injectable medications. Dogs are brought into their suites 30 minutes before eating and required to rest for at least 60 minutes after feeding. Special feeding and medications can be administered for an additional fee. Medication administration is $3 per dose. They administer topical and oral medications at no additional charge. Injections are $5.00 per administration. Special food is $3 per feeding. | Premium food served twice daily unless otherwise requested. Welcome to bring pet's regular food. Medications administered by trained staff. Medications must be brought in their original container with prescription information. Additional fee for medication administration. |
| Grooming services offered | Full suite of spa and grooming services for dogs and cats. Services include nail trims, hot oil treatments, and fur trims. | Bathing, cat and dog grooming, nail trimming, spa packages, hydro-surge therapeutic bathing. |
| Training services offered | Dog obedience training. In-resort trainers can help with habits like jumping and barking. | Obedience training, behavior counseling. |
| Transportation services (pickup and drop-off) | Airport parking with complimentary shuttle service to/from the terminal. Open 24/7 for convenient drop-off and pick-up. | Not explicitly mentioned, contact the specific location to inquire. |
| Vaccination requirements | Dogs need to be up to date on rabies, distemper, and bordetella. They also require flea and tick prevention year-round. | Current vaccinations required for all boarders. Dogs: Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella, and Canine Influenza vaccines. Cats: Rabies and Distemper. Some locations may require or recommend additional vaccines. Vaccinations must be done at least 48-72 hours prior to check-in. |
| Emergency protocols | Veterinarian on call 24/7. In case of emergency, pets are taken to the closest available emergency clinic. The facility is equipped with sprinkler systems and temperature alarms. | Veterinary staff on-site for medical concerns. 24-hour security and emergency monitoring at some facilities. Emergency contact number required. Medical attention readily available, and pet will be treated as deemed necessary if owner cannot be reached. Emergency care available. |
| Price | Dog boarding rates vary by weight: 1-10 lbs: $50/night, 11-30 lbs: $52/night, 31-50 lbs: $54/night, 51-70 lbs: $56/night, 71-90 lbs: $58/night, 91+ lbs: $60/night. Cats: $35/night. Single Pen boarding: additional $5 per night | Cat Boarding: around $33/night, Dog Boarding: around $65/night, Dog Boarding for 2 (Double Run): around $136/night. Pricing varies by location, accommodation type and pet size. |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |