From dog spas to co-working lounges: The rise of new-gen pet hospitality clubs

Pet hospitality has entered its golden (retriever) age. Luxury hotel brands like Fairmont Hotels and Resorts have long rolled out the red carpet for furry guests, offering dog beds, bowls, treats and even canine ambassadors—like Labradors Ella and Elly at the Hotel Vancouver or Winston at the Empress Hotel. When the Rex Dog Hotel and Spa opened in Vancouver in 2006, it was a pioneer. Today, the phrase “SoHo House for dogs” gets tossed around like a ball at the park—but this new generation of pet member clubs is just as focused on meeting the networking needs of their busy human companions.

Nico’s Animal Care, Mexico City

Along with its sister business, Nico’s Cat Hotel—this started as a pet rehab centre that brought vets, trainers and animal-care professionals together under one soaring, architecturally modern roof. In addition to camera-equipped dog hotel rooms that let you watch your pooch 24/7, it offers play areas, animal-training “workouts” and international transport for your furry companion.

DOG PPL, Santa Monica

With a new Brooklyn location this year, this is a private membership-based dog park offering concierge services, co-working spaces and lounges for pet owners. “Rufferees” oversee dog-children while their owners sip cocktails, enjoy DJ sets or take meetings. As all dogs must undergo an assessment and approval process, drop-in visits are not permitted.

Hound House, Toronto

Hound House blends concierge services, a café and co-working areas with a self-serve dog spa, off-leash indoor park and daycare for pups. Buy a daily drop-in pass, book a room for your pet’s birthday party or join events ranging from a yoga class to a trivia night with fellow dog parents.

PetParker, British Columbia

You’ve likely spotted PetParker’s clean and ventilated doghouse-shaped kennels outside shops, cafés and grocery stores across B.C. Founded in Brazil, the pet-tech startup was brought to Canada in 2023 by Adi Kabazo, an on-the-go dog parent. “Our dog Sophie usually comes with us on regional travels. She isn’t a huge fan of car rides… We always pack water, plenty of treats and her essentials, like a familiar blanket and toys to help her feel more at ease,” Kabazo shares.

Since then, he’s witnessed pet hospitality surge globally, including in South Korea—which he’s eager to revisit. “From pet cafés to high-end pet fashion and wellness services, it’s inspiring to see how much things have shifted there.”

Kabazo sees benefit in the sometimes-controversial presence of pets in the workplace (allergies and badly behaved critters notwithstanding!). “Pets can ease tension, spark conversations and help create a welcoming, community-minded atmosphere,” he says. He cites the ambassador dog program at Vancouver International Airport—where trained therapy dogs provide emotional support and comfort to travellers—as one example of innovation.

Business travellers might take tips from Kabazo’s own Sophie when it comes to finding comfort in new spaces. The human equivalent of a dog’s blanket or toy might be “a playlist we love, a cozy hoodie or a candle with a scent that reminds us of home,” says Kabazo. “These small sensory anchors can help us feel grounded and focused, especially when we’re away from our usual routine.”