SOCIAL IMPRESSIONS

My boyfriend, his family and I went to Chicago this past weekend to attend the Giants vs. Bears game. Since our trusted dog sitters were on the trip with us, our only option was to put Amira and Dakota up at a kennel. We felt guilty leaving them behind, so we decided to reserve them a space in the finest dog lodging in St. Louis.

Why am I blogging about my dogs’ experience at a kennel? One major reason – the niche Kennelwood Village (KV) has established for itself in the St. Louis market. Its brand is definitely luxury pet lodging. With the saturation of kennels in the St. Louis market, KV’s unique selling proposition has pushed them ahead. KV does not refer to its accommodations as a kennel, but a “pet resort.” We even had the option of putting our pets in a Suite, Lodge, Grand Lodge, Cabana, Manor or Estate. High-class accommodations like these put attached pet owners at ease. They feel assured that their pets will receive top treatment, similar to or even better than what they get at home.

In keeping with its first-class offerings, KV provides the animals with constant entertainment. Your furry friends can watch “Animal Planet” via satellite television and enjoy play time with other dogs. And the grooming services are referred to as a spa day. The difference in terminology definitely has an impact on the way customers perceive the service they are receiving.

When we picked up our pets from the “resort,” the front desk provided us with a report card for each dog letting us know how well they did during their stay. They both got A’s and received glowing remarks. Just like any mother would be, I was so proud and immediately put their report cards up on my fridge. Also, it prompted me to Twitter and update my Facebook status informing all my friends that my dogs got A’s. Not only is this service top of mind now since it is on my fridge, all my dog-owner friends who live in St. Louis now know about it through social media.

Obviously, this report card initiative is KV’s way of proving that their staff understands that our dogs are our babies. They identified that their core customers want to stay informed about their progress, behavior and experience. There is obviously a major difference between those who baby their dogs and those who don’t have the same level of attachment. The prior would be more inclined put them up in this five star resort, while the latter might opt for a more practical option.

As with any luxury treatment, this came with a hefty price tag. $328.78 to be exact. Was it worth it? I absolutely feel that it was because I knew my dogs would receive the attention they need. After all, staying at the Drake Hotel is going to cost so much more than Holiday Inn… The same can be said for kennels as well.