Give Your Dog A Spa Day At New Berlin's Spa Paw & Tail

NEW BERLIN, WI—Even animals need a day at the spa. Spa Paw & Tail, the family-owned pet care facility at 5055 S Emmer Dr., was nominated by New Berlin Patch readers as a "Business of the Year."

The facility cares for felines and canines and offers boarding, daycare, salon/spa, and a store to buy products.

The facility also offers a "glorified petting session" or massage therapy for pups. A certified massage therapist fills out a professional form that indicates if she found any growths or areas of concern and pain.

Owner Nina Race said the facility has lounge rooms with television screens. Race said some dogs will sit by the fire or watch a movie featuring animals.

Race says her clients are excited about the hot lunches animals are served.

During the holidays they do special events such as trick-or-treating, egg hunts for Easter, themed photo booths, and other dog appropriate games.

"We are always doing something festive," Race told Patch.

Love of animals

Race told Patch it was her love of animals that led her to own a pet-related business.

She visited other pet boarding and dog hotels that fueled her passion. Race worked at kennels and veterinarian hospitals to build up the experience. In 2009, she realized her dream of opening the pet spa.

"It sparked my interest and I never let that vision go," Race said.

She wanted to add the luxury aspect of pet care.

"More and more people want to humanize their pets. They realize they don't just own pets but they are members of the family," Race told Patch.

She said many people think of pets as similar to children. Race said pet parents often fret to leave their fur babies at a kennel with cold concrete floors and chain link fences.

"You want to leave them in a place where you would like to stay," she said.

While families are on vacation or at work it is important for the pet to have fun as well.

"When you pick up your dog, you know they are well cared for and exercised and socialized," Race said.

Race told Patch the pets also make friends as people do. Even senior dogs just sitting and watching the action like to feel included. The facility has a senior room and also has cots for seniors in other areas.

Race used the example of seniors individuals sitting at a park and watching kids. She said it is still socializing. The animals are given interaction and stimulation to keep their minds busy.

"They won't have much time to fret on their family not being there," she said.

Calming Nervous pet parents

It is not just the dogs feeling anxious but parents have similar feelings. The goal at Spa Paw & Tail is to provide a special place that nurtures both the emotional and physical needs of guests.

"Our intention is to make the separation between family and pet as stress free as possible," the facility's website said.

Race said pet parents can be nervous about leaving "their babies" because of a bad experience at a previous boarding place.

The facility has a VIP room hooked up with a camera for pet parents to check up on their pups.

"We have a great touring facility where parents can walk through it and see it," Race said.

The facility has a 1600 square foot indoor K9 turf play yard, and individual-spacious suites, comfortable and supportive cot-style bedding, soothing music, interactive toys and games, and 55 professional staff members.

The employees have a fun but stressful job. Race said dogs can get hurt in the way they play or a dog may become sick during their stay, she said.

Race said that just like humans, dogs have their seasons for certain illnesses. She said the staff is open and honest with clients when they learn of anything passing through.

"We do whatever we can so they can make an educated decision to bring their pets here or keep them home," Race said.

Pets and the Pandemic

The pandemic has caused businesses, including Race's, to take a hit. Race said people are not traveling as much. During Thanksgiving, some reservations were canceled.

"You never know week to week," she said.

The daycare was also impacted as many people are working remotely and don't need pet sitting.

One of her best clients recently came to purchase a jacket at the facility's store. The couple has been working from home.

"I haven't seen their dog since February," Race said.