Dogs Go to the Spa Too: Massage, Sleepovers and Nail Polish Add to Fido's Glamorous Life

Dog owners want the best for their pets, and "the best" can mean everything from canine slumber parties to poodle nail polish to gourmet Scooby snacks.

Observe, for instance, how doggie day care has grown beyond mere boarding into what are now termed "pet spas."

One of these, A Dog's Life in Palo Alto, Calif., offers deluxe services that include training, grooming, overnight stays and behavioral counseling, depending on owners' needs and wants. And by the way, check out the dog art gallery and treat tasting bar while you're there.

Senior manager Tracey Lee Davis said it's all part of the company's philosophy of keeping dogs and owners happy.

Right now there's a waiting list to get into A Dog's Life's day care program, since there's room for only 60 to 70 dogs: "We want to make sure the dogs get enough attention and interaction, and if there's too many, we can't make that happen."

Downtown Dogs in San Jose, Calif., recently moved to a larger building so they can accommodate more pets. Like most canine day care establishments, Downtown Dogs keeps large and small dogs in separate areas, and doesn't allow those that are aggressive or haven't had their shots.

Toys and play structures are available for the dogs' free time, and the 15 staff members also play with the dogs during the day and practice command reinforcement, according to co-owner Kelly Helsing.

And if owners wish, they can see what their pups are up to by watching them on Web cam, something that's easy to do from work. Extended hours also make it easy for Silicon Valley employees to bring their dogs there and know their pets will be cared for.

Two other luxurious locations are the Pet Spa in Los Gatos, Calif., and Planet Pooch in Redwood City, Calif.

At the Pet Spa, dogs can avail themselves of massage, as well as grooming, day care and training. Planet Pooch's day care services are enhanced by sleepovers, and there's no kennel here - dogs can sleep next to staff members if they so desire.

A Dog's Life, 885 Commercial Way, Palo Alto, 650-494-3647; www.dogslife.biz

Downtown Dogs, 564 W. San Carlos, San Jose, 408-287-2267; www.downtowndogs.com