Dogs lap at luxury in pet hotel

From Bettina Luescher
CNN

BERLIN, Germany (CNN) -- What to do with a puppy when you go on vacation and don't want the pooch to hit the beach with you?

If you're in Germany, you might drop it off at the Pfoetchen Hotel.

"I have visited a lot of kennels, and I thought we would have to structure this place more like a hotel," says the proud owner of the establishment, whose name means "little paw."

"The animals must be entertained," he says, "and that's what we are doing here."

Forget structure. Think Club Med with fur. There are even trainers to run the dogs through an obstacle course.

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It's so much fun, dogs might even forgive their owners for dropping them off at the Little Paw. If in doubt about how their furry pal is faring, guilt-ridden humans can check up on the family pet via Webcam and the Internet.

"Our clients are people from all social levels," says the hotel owner. "It's not just VIPs who bring their pets here. Those who love their animal are not afraid of the costs."

Which begs the question: How much does it cost to park your pet in this posh place? Between $20 and $44 a day, depending on whether Fido can stand the smell of a roommate or requires a room of his own.

And rooms they are. Cages are for... well, other animals -- cats, perhaps. And, dog heaven forbid, there is nothing as horrible as being put behind bars.

No, this is pet paradise. And for their owners, a guilt-free holiday of a lifetime.