Second Home Pet Resort

My dogs love going here! I love that the staff knows both my dogs by name and seem to truly care about them. The groomer does a great job with their long hair! Great place.

You can’t improve on Superior services, meaning you provide loving care for our dog while we are away… it really is Gracies ‘Second Home’!

What an amazing place to board my dogs! My guys were very comfortable in their elite patio suite. I didn’t even have to bring their beds or blankets, as Second Home has plenty of these items. I opted to view the webcam and I saw my babies get their treats, medication, and meals on time, and they got lots of love. I even saw one staff member reading them a bedtime story one night. I was able to call for updates on my fur babies, and even had the nice surprise of some pictures texted to me during their playtime. The staff clearly enjoys caring for the dogs and cats, and I rest easy knowing that my kids are getting the best care possible while I am away. I wouldn’t even consider boarding my babies anywhere else. You won’t be sorry when you choose Second Home Pet Resort. They love what they do and it shows.

We’ve boarded our 3 dogs here on 3 different occasions.
I do like that the kennels have an outdoor area for the pets so they get some fresh air, and outside noise.
This is one of the most expensive boarding facilities in the city. Because of that, I have high expectations. My expectations are proportionate with the cost. 2 of the 3 times I boarded my pets I made observations about the business practices that make me feel Second Home should do better.
1. The website boasts in all caps «canine guests are taken outside FOUR times a day» as opposed to their competitors 2x a day. Now what I discovered is that this is only true if your dog arrives by a certain time of day, early AM. I understand dogs are taken out in shifts, but if the FOUR TIMES a day rule isn’t FACTUAL then REMOVE IT from the website.
2. My dogs come home very thirsty. Now I did see them knock their water over once when I went to check out the kennel, so I’m not sure what’s going on, but it was definitely noted that each time they come home they drink a ton of water.
3. The first time we boarded the dogs, we were allowed to go into the kennel «set up their toys and blankie» the way we liked. Our toys and bags were also photographed so we could verify that all our belongings came back. I guess this was all for show because the next 2x this wasn’t an option we were given.
On this last visit the dogs boarded for 72 hours. Before we left for 2^nd Home one of the dogs knocked her thick rope toy into our pool. I put the toy into a ziplock baggie wet and put it with 6 or so other toys in a canvas bag. Now when I received the dog toys back 72 hours later, the rope toy was still wet and the bag and other cloth toys smelled like mildew. All I can assume is that none of the toys came out of that bag during the dogs stay. I’m willing to accept that this assumption could be wrong, but I have no way to prove this.
4. I asked for text updates and also mentioned to the staff that this should be an option in the checklist of services for guests. I was told it’s not currently on the list, but certainly they could text photos. They took my cell number and on the last day of the dog’s stay I received a video and photos. While these were very welcome, it was as though someone remembered to do their homework at the last minute.
Are these things oversights? I understand mistakes can be made, but what portion of my money can be prorated and returned to me if 100% of the services promised are not performed?
The last issue I had was with customer service of the front desk staff. My mistake, I was not aware that the facility closes at 2PM on the weekends. Of course weekends are the only days I return from my trips to pick up the dogs.
On both occasions when I called to let the staff know we would possibly not make pickup before closing the staff in their robotic state was only focused on my method of payment.
Both times the phone conversations went like this:
Staff: «Hello Second Home.»
Me: «Our dogs are there, I don’t think we’re going to make it on time before you close, what do we do?»
Staff: «Last name? Okay I see your credit card on file ends in xxxx, okay to charge _​_​_​_​amount to the card?»
Me: «I was going to pay with another method.»
Staff: «Okay well our office does close at 6 so we need to close out before then.»
Me: «Okay there’s a chance we’ll get there before close.»
Staff: «Well do we have your permission to charge the card on file?»
Me: «I don’t seem to have a choice, but HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU TO GET MY DOGS if I’m late?»
Both times the staff finally focused on my question, forcibly, Yes I was frustrated. When I pay for premium service and get Dollar Store courtesy sure I’m going to be frustrated. When I came to pick up the dogs on the last stay both the front desk employees greeted me like mean girls entering the high school cafeteria. No greeting, dirty looks and certainly no thank you after I paid. I was also schooled by one of the staff members after I paid. His dialogue started with «You may not be aware, but we have a drawerer to close out which is why…» bla bla bla. Rude.
I have a clothing business. Allow me to offer some suggestions of how to answer the telephone or customer inquiries.
I receive many emails that read like this:
I ordered the shirt in Small, I need to exchange for medium.
My response to my customer is this:
Thank you for your purchase! So sorry for the trouble. Yes there are 2 ways to exchange… etc, etc, etc.
Versus this response to customer:
Okay will we charge the Paypal on file for the return freight?
I spoke with a manager who first informed me that my file noted that I’d hung up on staff on multiple occasions. She felt it necessary to note this before even a false courtesy «Sorry for the trouble…»
If you’re going to keep notes on the dog owners, you better perform the services at 100% with that same energy used to write your little notes about your clients.

Still love this place! In March, our special needs dog’s quality of life declined, and it was the day every pet owner dreads. On Ginger’s last day, one of our stops was her favorite resort. The entire staff came out when we told them why we were here, and they all laughed and cried with us. They loved on Ginger and shared some of their memories of her with us. It was a sweet but sad day, and I know the staff are true dog lovers because they cried just as hard as we did. A few days later, we got a sympathy card in the mail signed by everyone. This place is a gem for all pet parents who need a trustworthy and friendly boarding place. If I were a dog, this is totally where I would want to go!

Wow after reading a lot of these reviews I definitely will not be returning with my 2 fur babies. I find it very disrespectful and unprofessional the way staff replied and downplayed Stephen’s review below. seriously? If that had been my dog I would have been furious. There are no excuses for that. Not only that but there are many other incidents that have happened here that are far from ok.
I took my 2 kids here last year while out of town on vacation. when I dropped them off a staff member was yanking on the rope they put around my dogs neck to take them back. I did not like that one bit. It made me feel uneasy leaving them there as staff didn’t show too much compassion or patients. I had left instruction on feeding them and I had also left a bag of nubs dental chews with exactly enough for both dogs to have one in the am and one in the pm for everyday during their stay. When I picked my 2 dogs up a week later they handed me back the bag of nubs chew bones with about 3 less than I had given them. Clearly they didn’t follow my instructions that I had wrote on the bag AND verbally told them. That wasn’t a big deal but just made me think if they cant follow instructions on something that simple then they don’t need to be taking care of my 2 fur kids. My dogs are my children and I expect the utmost exceptional care and that clearly is not at Second Home Pet Resort. I will be telling my co workers and friends to stay way from here!!!

I started coming to this pet resort when they first opened and would not go anywhere else. They are very attentive to my dogs. When we go on vacation, I call a couple of times a day for updates and they never make me feel like a bother. They are truthful and honest. I highly recommend them for daycare and/​or boarding!

I just took my 4-​cats to Second Home Pet Resort for a one-​day boarding and I couldn’t be happier with the service and care that my cats received. In light of what happened with dogs dying last year at a so-​called «pet boarding facility» in Gilbert, AZ, I am even MORE careful and picky about where my pets are boarded. I would recommend Second Home Pet Resort to anyone looking for a high quality, excellent service, reasonably priced facility to board their pets. Whether it’s for a day-​boarding or long-​term vacation, this is the ONLY pet boarding facility in Phoenix that I trust. They have web-​cam options, feeding options, grooming options, you name it, they have it. I feel so comfortable knowing my pets are in the hands of caring people that I trust. Don’t put your pets comfort, safety and well being at risk by staying somewhere else… look no further than this place for your pet’s care.

Not even Second CLASS. They have a hard time with the truth.
I was dropping my boxer off for the weekend and it was attacked by a mastiff which Second Home was fostering. I had to catch a plane to fly to see my son on his birthday and we agreed my dog would be taken to a local emergency vet which I had used before. Second Home took my dog to that vet, then to another vet and got into a car accident in which my dog was in the front and unrestrained. Airbags deployed. Finally, Second Home to my dog to my own vet. Fortunately, I had some extended family and a dear friend who pet sits to follow this closely while I was out of town. When I returned, Second Home’s owner told me that the emergency vet wouldn’t see my dog «because she wasn’t injured badly enough.» I told Roger that would never happen. I went to the emergency vet and saw the actual record. It said «refused care due to cost.» I would not believe ANYTHING they say.

so after I visited another Pet Resort and did NOT like it. I found Second Home. I am virtually certain that Unilocal will delete both my reviews, because that is what they do. I am reviewing anyway. Completely different experience from the other facility. Friendly competent phone call and great tour. Clean once again, VERY friendly staff and great tour where my dog was invited along. The environment was calm and supportive. The play yards were natural turf and pools and very well kept. The pricing structure was similar and definitely more expensive. But, my dog is as important to me as my own child and husband or any other family member. I have never boarded him before and I am deeply concerned about his well being. They have webcam so I can see him at all times when he is in the kennel. So… we haven’t stayed there yet, but I am Much more comfortable than I was at the other «resort». I let you know what happens after My baby stays for 5 nights. This is really hard but I think I have made a great choice.

Our dogs have been boarding at Second Home Pet Resorts for the past several years whenever we travel. I have been boarding dogs for years in Phoenix and I can truly say Second Home is far above the rest.
The big positives for us is that they have large suites that they dogs stay in. This is not cages separated by chain link. These have walls and doors. We have two small dogs and get a suite that is large enough that we can put their existing dog crate (which is large dog size) with them. This gives them comfort because they consider it their house.
I also like that there is someone there 24 hours a day and that they will let you arrange for late pick ups. This makes much more convenient to pick up your pet as soon as you get home even if it’s a late flight.
My dogs love the cuddle time. The staff is very friendly and understanding. They really seem to get that you are dropping off your family not a family pet.

After losing my last pet in a pet-​sitting accident while out of the country, I was extremely nervous about boarding my 5 month old kitten for two weeks, but an unexpected international trip left me with no other options. I frantically researched cat boarding facilities and landed on Second Home Pet Resort. After practically having an anxiety attack in the lobby while dropping her off, the cat specialists and manager walked me through a tour of where she would stay and let me hang out for a while to get familiar with the facilities. They were so compassionate and even sent me picture messages later that same night after I left.
When I picked her up after my trip, the cat girls got teary-​eyed saying goodbye to my sweet kitty. They let me know that, since they weren’t completely booked while I was away, they upgraded her to a kitty penthouse for the entire two weeks for free! Uma, my kitten, was happy, sweet, healthy, and playful as ever after I brought her home. I could tell she got great attention from the staff. What an incredible, compassionate experience at Second Home Pet Resort. This paranoid, protective cat mother highly, highly recommends them for cat boarding services.

All I can say is Bentley loves the groomers at Second Home Pet Resort. They do a great job and add to the handsome dog we know he is. He always comes out wagging his tail.

Our German Shepherd, Arie, loves Second Home Pet Resort! We have been taking our dogs for daycare since it opened! She enjoys being there and can’t wait to see her doggy friends! We have tried other places and she has actually put the leash in her mouth and pulled us toward the door to leave! They have a wonderful, professional and friendly staff! We highly recommend Second Home Pet Resort!

I am glad I found Second Home Pet Resort, My dogs love coming here for daycare and boarding. The staff is extremely professional and ready to help you! I researched many places before deciding to bring my dogs here. After using their boarding and daycare service over the last 3 months they have earned my trust and respect. It’s professionally run as you can tell the owners understand the importance of delivering quality service. They also want your feed-​back on any customer service concerns with your dogs. How refreshing to know a business values your input and want to make sure you are happy. See for yourself what great professional service they provide!!! Thank you all for outstanding pet care!

I needed to board my furbabies while I traveled out the country. My husband and I boarded our 2 kiddos Hershey (German Sheppard mix) and Riley (American Staffordshire terrier). I dropped them off on a Friday on dropped off they put the little rope around their necks like they do at the pound to escort them. I explained to the guy that Hershey gets nervous about it due to her previous placement, they did it anyways.
They are a little pricey but honestly it us well worth it. They have 24hr staffing, A/​C and heater units. They have a beautiful pool area an cuddle time. They offer various of services. When my kiddo Riley came home I noticed that he had scars on his paws and Hershey had major hair loss. The woman told me thay she was going to communicate with me throughout the time of the kiddos visit. I didn’t hear from them until I emailed asking her until the last few days.
They moved my kiddos to another sweet which defiantly did not approve of and did not understand why they moved them without my approval. They said Riley was aggressive and protective towards his sister and didn’t want anyone near her which he had never been aggressive towards anyone unless he feels or seen then hurt her.
The place is beautiful and the staff is awesome. Just don’t get robbed because they don’t have too much sympathy. I’m not sure if we would bring them back.

I have boarded my 2 small dogs here several times. They don’t do well at Vet/​Boarding places, so I appreciate the non hospital setting.
They are a bit pricey but worth it. My top priority is safety and protection. The facility is staffed well enough that I trust mt dogs are safe and would be evacuated in case of power outage or other emergency.
The groomers do a great job trimming nails and all other services.
Go have a look they will give you a tour.

LOVED IT
We boarded our Pitbull mix and Chihuahua here. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We even called and asked if they could send us some pictures of our dogs and they texted it to us! We boarded our dogs here for almost a week, quite a scary experience since it was our first time being away from them, but we had piece of mind after touring the facilities and meeting some of their staff. The kennels and outside were very clean and well taken care of. The prices are really reasonable for what you get, but ultimately you really cannot put a price on piece of mind that your ‘furry members of the family’ are being well taken care of, while you’re away. I will defiantly go here next time we need to board our dogs.
PITBULLS
We had to call 4 different boarding places before we finally found one that would take pitbulls. Even PetSmart wouldn’t allow us to keep our Pitbull and Chihuahua in the same cage. Here they allowed them to stay together at all times, play outside together and when I walked in I didn’t sense the «dangerous Pitbull stay away» stigma I feel at most other places. They were warm and inviting.

Needed to board my two-​year-​old cat for 4 nights/​5 days. She was current on her vaccines except for a rabies shot. The first pet hotel I tried required that she have a rabies shot 48 hours prior to her stay and we didn’t have enough time to do that. I was thrilled that Second Home didn’t require a rabies shot for cats.
This was the first time I had taken her to be boarded as she was a new cat that I had only had for a few weeks. I reserved the four-​tier cat condo $ 34/​night. It includes food (dry and/​or wet) and access to a play area twice a day for one cat at a time. For an additional $ 8 a day I paid for the optional 30-​minutes play and petting time with an attendant.
Note: There is also a less expensive option of a two-​level condo for $ 20 a night that also includes access twice a day to the play area.
Our cat was exploring the four level enclosed condo right away. We brought her bed and a scratching post but there was no need to bring anything additional as the condo has beds. They have toys so we didn’t bring ours so that we wouldn’t lose our toys. They stored our cat carrier right above her condo.
Our cat seemed to do very well and her personality is right back to normal the next day after picking her up. One extra touch we would’ve really enjoyed was for the attendant to text us a picture of her playing with them each day during the $ 8 session. Also a webcam would be great so we could see what she was doing at any time.
We had to pick her up by 6 pm or pay a late pick-​up fee. That made for a rushed drive trip back from Vegas, but we made it in the nick of time. Overall it was a great experience and our cat is happy.

I have a Rottweiler mix that is a rescue, she was abused and as a result is terrified of new people. Second Home didn’t let that scare them away, they took the time to get to know and love Libby. They care for her like she’s one of their own, I know that if I leave Libby in their hands she will receive the same level of love and care as she does from me at home.
The owners, Roger and Cheryl, are truly wonderful people whose love and compassion for ALL animals is apparent; they personally took time with Libby to get her acclimated to the new environment. The resort manager, Jordan, was incredibly kind and accommodating, she made me so comfortable leaving Libby. She even personally gave me updates throughout Libby’s stay because she knew how nervous I was leaving my little girl, she truly went above and beyond. Even though I was calling daily for updates the entire staff was helpful and understanding.
As for the facility, it is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen and it is meticulously cared for! The water park is awesome and the fact that they have an option for an indoor/​outdoor suite is wonderful because my dog can’t get enough of the patio!
This is the only place I would leave my baby; I would recommend it to anyone looking for someone to take care of their 4 legged family members.