Pets get the royal treatment
at the doggie daycare and spa
The popular phrase “man’s best friend” is taking on new meaning for many dog owners, who believe the bonds formed between them and their dogs go far beyond friendship. Their four legged companions are often considered more like members of the family.
It is with this philosophy in mind that Carlos Garcia says his business was born. The Pampered Pooch, a family-run business based in Hicksville, specializes in daycare and grooming for dogs. “I have always had a passion for working with dogs,” explains Garcia. That passion led Garcia to transform his first job in high school into a lifelong career.
He was just 15-years-old when he landed his first job at a pet food store in Manhattan. “I would deliver dog food to customers all across the upper east side,” says Garcia. It wasn’t long before the enterprising young Garcia was able to branch out and take on new work. “Soon customers started asking me to walk their dogs, then to wash their dogs,” eventually, Garcia explains, he and his sisters were approached by a customer who wanted to go into business with them.
That’s when they opened up their first dog daycare and spa business. It was the early 90’s in Manhattan. For year’s business continued to thrive, until about a decade later on 9/11. “Everything changed in the city after that, and less than a year later we had to close,” While business slowed, Garcia’s passion for working with animals never did. He went back to walking dogs until finding the right time and place to start another business.
The right time and place was three years ago in September 2010 in Hicksville. Together Garcia, his sisters Shirley Charles and Sally Garcia, along with their aunt, started running The Pampered Pooch 24-hour Doggie Daycare and Spa.
Explaining the 24-hour service Garcia says many of the dogs are brought in for overnight stays. “It’s like a slumber party,” he laughs. Customers often use the overnight service when they go out of town for long weekends or family vacations. Garcia is proud of the fact that none of the dogs are boarded in crates. “All of the dogs stay in an open play area,” boasts Garcia. Calling his service “Cageless-care.”
That policy holds true for dogs that come during the day also. Customers who work long hours and have active dogs bring their pets to The Pampered Pooch during that time. The facility holds two open play areas that are monitored under constant supervision. Usually the larger dogs roam free in one space, while the second space is reserved for smaller dogs. “What we figured out over the years is access to free space is really important, ” he explains, as it creates a “zen-like atmosphere.” “The dogs are so quiet you almost never hear them barking,” he said.
Garcia says all dogs that come to the facility must pass an evaluation that consists of full medical clearance from the veterinarian. He also offers one full day of free daycare so a dog can be monitored to see how it interacts with the other dogs. The Pampered Pooch also offers dog training with a professional trainer that uses the facility.
Currently most of the clientele are utilizing the Pampered Pooch spa service. Spa treatments range from bath and blow-out, to haircuts, ear cleaning and the very popular “PAWdicures”.
Whether it’s spa-treamtents, day or night care Garcia says he holds true to one strict policy, “To ensure a fun, safe and healthy environment for the dogs,” because like many of pet owners, Garcia says he views the dogs as his customers children.
The Pampered Pooch is located at 79 Broadway. To find out more visit www.thepamperedpoochli.com or call 516-822-6600.
