We did ‘due diligance’ in scoping out the pet hotel, then visiting and finally making a reservation a few weeks ahead of time in order to be assured of getting the ‘prime spot’ where the kitty condo would face out to the lobby. We left detailed information regarding their eating schedule; likes and dislikes; as per their ‘intake form’. We brought their own food, food bowls, along with a single sheet of paper with easy to read instructions (Large type). Which one ate dry and which one ate canned food; as they both got contaminated food a number of years ago (melamine); and PLEASE DON’T PLAY WITH THEM. They were traumatized when some friends brought their daughter over and SHE chased them all over the house no matter how many times we asked her to stop.

Not only did they NOT get the reserved kitty condo with a view; but the facility did not have the video connection so we could see how our cats were doing. We left phone numbers and email address’s so if anything were to go wrong we could be reached.

When we got back the cats were so distressed that they didn’t recognise us and hissed and scratched both of us. We left instructions that they were not to be played with; just feed them ~ THAT’S IT!

One of the staff said that we could use the LEATHER ORANGE GLOVE to get them into the cat carriers. She said she had to use it when she tried to play with them. This made sense as the cats were so upset; but when they saw her they really were afraid. She apparently used the glove to try to play with them. ????

I asked if they read the instructions we left and we got a blank look and she said ‘what instructions?’ They apologized, probably due to the blood dripping from my hand from the deep scratch I sustained getting the cats into their carriers. The corporate office NEVER responded to email or phone messages.

Just 3 days at Petsmart Pet Hotel took several weeks for them to get over. The previously loving pets now hissed at EACH OTHER and us.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND ANY PETSMART PET HOTEL!

We travel a lot, so we’ve boarded our dogs with them quite a bit. We have also taken advantage of the day camp on numerous occasions.

Lately, the Tampa PetsHotel seems to have really gone down hill. Their turnover is high and the staffers are more inexperienced than ever. Recently, they abruptly decided not to take our larger dog in day camp anymore because he exhibits dominant (NOT mean or aggressive) behavior and is protective of our smaller dog. Thus, I guess, they suddenly can’t handle him. This, even though four days prior to this decision, we got a glowing report about how happy our dogs were in playtime, etc. (Oh, and by the way, we got this news through a middle-of-the-daycamp-day telephone call from a person who apparently had only a first name and no title and who offered me no other details.)

In any event, I would be curious whether “Associate” is still employed by the Tampa PetsHotel, and what his or her take is on the situation there.

Thanks

Robert in Arlington

Thank you for your posting, as a resident of Alexandria, Va this posting is of great help in my search for a boarding facility. Although, I am not fond of the corporate run chain stores for the care of pets, I would love to hear from others who have used the facilities at the Alexandria/Potomac Yards location. As well as other local boarders/groomers, such as Dogtopia (seems like a great place) - Off of Duke street, and the other daycare center right down the road, on Richmond Highway (Rt. 1)towards Old Town, from Petsmart/Pethotel Potomac yards.

When posting remarks it is most helpful when the location in question is identified. General sweeping remarks from Employees/Managers/Patrons like the one above from petshotel employee/ hotel manager is of no use, since this person can not possibly know the day-to-day activities of all locations.
Thank you.