New Pet Boarding in Detroit Area Proves Bark Worthy

by Jessica Howell

Dogs are barking, playing fetch and generally having a slobbery, good time as I peer through the glass window into the recreation facility at the Play and Stay Pet Care Center in Troy, Michigan. Among 2,000 feet of clean and supervised indoor play area, canines contentedly socialize with one another, occassionally lapping from a water bowl or standing up on hind legs to bark hello.

Large outside play area at Play & Stay

A boarding and day care facility for pets, Play and Stay is a stand-out among competitors thanks to its clever set-up, caring staff and wide range of offered services. It’s a haven for pets whose owners are frequent jet-setters, or just as often, travelers that don’t want to leave Fido alone in a pet-friendly hotel room while gone—or sometimes, pay the costly fees associated with pet-friendly lodging.

With the current ability to board near 60 dogs, Play and Stay boasts spacious, pets-only accommodations and offers 12,000 additional square feet of outdoor play space to boot. (Dogs are separated by size and play style to ensure safety.)

As I tour the premises with co-owner Jodie Ellison, she points out convenient features that are available only because she and co-owner Dan Limer designed Stay and Play entirely on their own and in a facility that allowed them to complete creative control.

"Here," she says, "We make our own rules, set our own standards." It's obvious that she is passionate not only about the business of boarding, but the well-being of each pet that enters Stay and Play. Having been raised on a family farm, Ellison chats about a life lived around animals as she divulges the details of opening and running a new pet boarding establishment.

One of the most convenient features here, says Ellison, are the hours available to pet owners for pick up and drop off. Open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, the facility offers 24-hour care for pets, including dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, hedgehogs and other exotics.

In addition to the brightly colored play areas protectively shielded with thick rubber matting, Stay and Play features custom suites for sleeping and eating (bedding, treats and fresh water provided), agility equipment and training opportunities, indoor play groups, veterinary care, grooming services, and a wireless “Bark Lounge” for pet owners that want to stay nearby and surf the web or unwind while their pet plays.

In the kitchen, Stay and Play employees have a refrigerator and microwave on hand for pet’s special dietary needs and requests. Also stored here are individually labeled containers, containing frequently visiting pet’s comfort toys and personal food stash.

Overall, this red-, blue-, and yellow-flagged mecca for pets is one that your four-legged friend will likely be pleased to arrive at. Can’t make the drop off yourself? Give Stay and Play a ring… a company minivan is occasionally used for at-home or at-hotel transportation in the metro Detroit area.

For rates and details, visit www.playandstaypetcare.com or call (248) 528-3844.