A place for furry, winged or scaly princes and princesses

By C. J. Sosna

When your lovebug needs some pampering or has to be left behind while you take an all-important trip, you now have a solution in one nearby “palace.” Charlene Martel has been in the pet industry for eight years and has a deep passion for animals big and small. Her Pooch Palace Resort opened at 332 Norfolk Rd., East Canaan on May 30 and is full of state-of-the-art technology, quality staff, and clean environments.

The resort offers boarding, grooming and daycare. Boarding ranges from basic to deluxe, which daily includes an additional allotment of playtime in any one of the resort’s play yards. On either side of the building are three yards, one designed for large dogs, one for medium and one for small dogs. There is also a yard designated for the more sensitive dogs, who may act out around others. There are half-day and full-day daycare opportunities, with modern spaces for play, rest, meals and refreshments. Martel’s grooming services pamper creatures that many other establishments won’t, from tropical birds, to lively kittens, to hedgehogs.

Owner Charlene Martel will board tropical birds, cats and hedgehogs, as well as dogs.

The interior is painted in colors inspired by tropical Caribbean resorts, with walls of mango, sea blue doors, and floors influenced by the colors of refreshing margaritas. There is a yellow-naped Amazon parrot on guard in the reception area, providing playful vocalizations and a cage sporting cautionary signs. Reggae music plays comfortably throughout the resort, a choice well researched by Martel through several scientific studies and chosen for its uniquely calming effect on animals. For the exterior, Martel has commissioned artist Corey Pane, who will extend the vibrant color scheme from the inside to the outdoor areas during the first week of July.

Martel chose this location she says, “because it is quiet and easily accessible from Route 44.” It is also ideal for the high-tech facility she envisioned. Pooch Palace Resort houses 23 kennels and corresponding food bins. Each kennel is equipped with automatic water dispensing hardware, remotely controlled electronic doors that give animals immediate access to an outside area and fresh air, 24-hour camera monitoring, web-cam access for the owners, and heat and air-conditioning. Separate from the kennel area is a room equipped with deluxe cat suites. As more exotic pets arrive, space will be tailored to their needs.

For food bins and feeding utensils Martel utilizes a strict three-bay wash system. This includes a sink for washing, one for sanitizing, and one for rinsing. This is the same system used in restaurants.

Located in the grooming area is an infrared dryer that kills fleas without recourse to harmful chemicals and can be used on animals with delicate skin conditions. Martel also notes, “The infrared dryer is preferred by animals over forced-air dryers.” On its way is a specially designed grooming tub, which is only manufactured in Las Vegas, and will be transported across the country by Martel’s husband, Dean.

Greg Hovanac is the onsite manager, available seven days a week, and providing a final point of security. Hovanac and his wife, Letty, occupy a living space that is connected to the resort.

Pooch Palace Resort is very true to its name. It suits furry kings of the castle, little princesses, and all those creatures whose presence demands luxe treatment. But, here you will find prices that are far less than the crown jewels. Boarding runs under $40 a day, even for the resort’s deluxe option, and daycare is priced at $20 for a full day and $15 for a half. So, don’t worry if you’re not an A-lister, even though your animal companion is, because as Martel affirms, “I’m here for the animals, not to break anyone’s bank.”

Photos by Elias Olsen.