A new luxury pet resort in Central Florida aims to help pups beat the heat in the dog days of summer with an indoor pool, air-conditioned play areas and more under one “woof.”
DogBeach Orlando, which opened earlier this summer in Casselberry, offers a fully indoor environment for boarding, daycare, grooming and veterinary services. The 30,000-square-foot space invites humans and visitors in with its beach-themed decor and friendly staff members.
“We try to build really inviting, whimsical, safe places where dogs can just have a blast. We want it to be summer camp,” said Michael Freedman, the pet resort’s co-owner. “When that dog comes in here, if that tail is going 90 miles per hour and they’re doing zoomies, we know we’re doing our job. That’s the affirmation we get for doing a good job.”
Stepping into the dog areas past the front desk, visitors are greeted by punny names such as the “Waldog Astoria Residence,” which features spa-like suites with relaxing music and aromatherapy for anxious dogs, and the “Bark Avenue” suites. The top-tier VIP “Rex Carlton” suites each feature a personal TV, webcams for pet parents, luxury bedding and Yeti dog bowls.
Four indoor play areas are separated for dogs of varying sizes, and one is for pups that prefer one-on-one play with the staff. Each space has puppy pads that are cleaned using a high-tech vacuum system for waste removal.
DogBeach Orlando in Casselberry invites visitors in with a whimsical atmosphere and summer camp theme. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Both boarding and daycare include off-leash play, socialization and pool time, which proves to be a favorite among many four-legged guests.
“We don’t want our guests in their rooms. We want our guests doing activities the entire time. It’s also why we’re all inclusive,” Freedman said. “The hardest part of the pool is getting them out of it.”
For first-time clients, DogBeach Orlando offers a free pet evaluation including an owner interview to make sure that each pup is a good fit for the space. The first daycare visit is also free as the staff slowly introduces the dog to other residents.
Bowie, left, and Zoey share a moment with manager Jess Brin at DogBeach Orlando in Casselberry. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A current promotion allows new clients to use the code “DOGSRULE” to get unlimited daycare visits for 30 days for $99. Pet parents interested in boarding can take advantage of a deal to book two nights and get a third night free for stays now through the end of the year.
DogBeach Orlando took over the space formerly used as a Big Lots near the intersection of State Route 436 and Howell Branch Road. DogBeach has one other location in Ponte Verda Beach, about 15 minutes south of Jacksonville Beach.
One play space is dedicated to small dogs at the fully indoor DogBeach Orlando in Casselberry. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The opening of DogBeach Orlando created approximately 40 new Central Florida jobs, with additional growth expected as the company evaluates “expansion opportunities throughout the region.”
The standard price for daycare is $40 per day, while overnight boarding stays range from $65-$135 per night with discounts available for a second dog and longer stays. For more information, visit dogbeachorlando.com.
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