Wags and Whiskers Pet Resort has been at this location since 1998. We were customers at the facility and had boarded our pets a few times and witnessed the stress our pets experienced while boarding. This is the story of how the Wags and Whiskers Pet Resort you see today began.
In the summer of 2012, wanting to escape the Phoenix heat, we sold our restoration business and purchased the boarding facility. We wanted to create a boarding facility that would be less stressful, safer, more fun and inviting for the pets as well as more appealing for the owners. The facility needed a lot of TLC. Many of the upgrades were designed with the thought of our own pets in mind. Almost immediately, we remodeled the lobby, the play yards, the suites, and the dens (kennels) and restructured the cat room. We created a kitchen and laundry area for the staff to prepare meals for the pets and keep the beds and blankets clean, sanitized and organized. We also added a break room for the staff to have their meals and breaks. Other upgrades included adding TV’s and DVR players to play soft music and comforting videos throughout the boarding facility. This helps to ease any anxiety or stress the pets may have. The most challenging upgrade was the computers, phones, credit card service and our customer management program.
The facility prior to us was not only cash only, but paper and pencil recorded. No record keeping of vaccines or client information. Searching for reliable affordable software was a challenge, after a few trials and errors, we found software that allows us to keep great records, information and one that allows us to communicate with our clients, vets and staff. Next, we upgraded the den, suites, cat room and indoor play yards, and added AC and heating, allowing us to keep a temperature-controlled environment. Probably the biggest change we made was to the Doggie Day Camp yards. We created 3 full sized yards to accommodate different sizes and play styles of the dogs attending our camp.
All 3 yards have an indoor and outdoor play area with artificial grass and nice playground equipment, for running, jumping, and exercising. In addition, each inside camp now includes heat for the winter months and cooling for the summer months. Over the years we have attended many seminars and classes to expand our knowledge of pet care. Steve and I, as well as our managers are CPR certified, medication and vaccine certified, and we have received a 100% satisfaction from Coconino County on our safety and cleanliness inspections every year since acquiring Wags and Whiskers Pet Resort.
We have continually expanded and upgraded our facility over the years. In 2021, we added a beautiful grooming salon with state-of-the-art equipment and a very talented groomer. This upgrade was part of the new expansion to include our lobby with a waiting area, offices, and a larger area for little dogs. Wags and Whiskers Pet Resort has gone from 4000 square feet to a total of 7500 square foot of indoor space for all the pets, staff, and customers to enjoy.
We love what we do and would love for you to share your pets with us. Thank you for considering Wags and Whiskers Pet Resort for your boarding, doggie day camp and grooming needs.
Steve & Karen
Tullip, Calliope, Dolly, Lizzie and Sasha
Owners
Meet Our Pet Techs and Day Camp Counselors
Our Director for Operations – Our Musher
Richelle is our anchor. She has brought a wide range of pet care knowledge with her over the last 10+ years. She is CPR certified, FEMA certified and Medication certified. Richelle is a grand piece of the Wags and Whiskers Puzzle, she keeps our team and operation running in TIP TOP Shape. Richelle is great helping dogs with trust issues. Her experience allows her that compassion and kindness those pets need. Recently we were granted our 13th 100% satisfaction from the County, and this is large part of Richelle. In her spare time she loves being a Grammy and playing with her 2 adorable grandchildren.
Meet our Lead Dogs
Lindsay and Joe have been with Wags and Whiskers for a little over 3 years. Lindsay has a vast knowledge of pet care, websites and HR. Lindsay does a lot of the back house training and organizing. Lindsay is a wonderful Mom to a 3 yr old boy. In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing and chasing her kiddo around. Joe is a former Manager of a local grocer for 25 yrs. He has lots of knowledge for training, HR and he keeps equipment and place running smoothly. If it’s broke we call Joe. He loves being in camp and taking dogs for walks. In his spare time he loves to fly his plane.
Meet our Point Dogs
Shelby, Kathleen and Raelynn are the first people you meet at Wags and Whiskers. If you need info or assistance they will be happy to help. Kathleen is our Social Coordinator and takes many of the photos and videos of the pets during their time with Wags and Whiskers.
Wheel Dogs Day Camp Counselors
This group of staff has the funnest and most challenging position. They manage our doggie day camp yards. Greyson and Jake have been with us for 4 yrs and they work in the larger group yards, Woofs and Wags. Ashley has the wiggle camp and she has been with us 3 yrs. Ryan is our newer Wheel Dog and really enjoys working with the bigger group. All of them keep our camps safe and fun.
Meet our PUPS – Night Crew
Leah and Samantha are fairly new with Wags and Whiskers. They work mostly the PM shift, cleaning up from the day, settling pets in for the night, getting those end of day kisses.
Our PUPS
Meet our newest staff members: Sydney, Myles, Daniel, Koylah and of course Aspen. They are learning everyday. All of them have been working in camp, cleaning the back areas and assisting with walks and feeding.