In recent years, the way Americans care for their pets has undergone a significant transformation. No longer seen as just animals or companions, pets—especially dogs—have become beloved family members. This shift in perception has fueled a rising demand for premium pet services, particularly in urban areas where lifestyles are fast-paced and space is limited. Alexandria, Virginia, is now poised to embrace this trend with the proposed opening of a high-end dog boarding and daycare facility along Duke Street.
The company behind the project is Luxury Pet Hotel Investments, LLC, operating under the nationally recognized brand K9 Resorts. They have submitted an application for a Special Use Permit (SUP2025-00040) to the City of Alexandria, seeking approval to operate a full-service canine care facility that offers both daycare and overnight boarding. If granted, this would add one of the very few licensed luxury dog boarding options in the city, meeting a growing need among local pet owners.
The chosen site, 2836 Duke Street, previously housed Burke & Herbert Bank. Its location along a bustling commercial corridor that bridges residential neighborhoods and retail hubs offers convenient access for pet owners. The building’s existing structure, combined with ample parking, makes it an ideal spot to transform into a modern pet care center that emphasizes comfort, safety, and enrichment.
Unlike traditional kennels that often focus on the basics—providing food, shelter, and confinement—K9 Resorts aims to set a new standard by offering luxurious, cage-free accommodations and a wide range of personalized services. Their facilities across the country are known for spacious suites with climate control, private play areas, and even entertainment options like televisions tuned to dog-friendly programming. Staff members are professionally trained in dog behavior and safety, ensuring every dog’s well-being is closely monitored throughout their stay.
This concept reflects a nationwide shift. For example, in Morristown, New Jersey, K9 Resorts has established a flagship location praised as one of the best luxury dog hotels in the region. There, dogs enjoy group playtimes sorted by size and temperament, private sleeping quarters with plush bedding, and grooming services that rival upscale human salons. These offerings attract a clientele that values high-quality care and peace of mind, often willing to invest substantially in their pets’ comfort.
Across the country, this type of premium pet care facility is becoming increasingly common. In Austin, Texas, a similar K9 Resorts location not only provides exceptional pet services but also boosts local commerce. Pet owners visiting the daycare often patronize nearby restaurants and shops, creating a positive ripple effect in the neighborhood economy. This phenomenon underscores how pet care centers can integrate into and stimulate urban business districts.
Naturally, facilities offering overnight pet care must address community concerns such as noise, traffic, and neighborhood compatibility. Cities including Alexandria require special permits to ensure these impacts are carefully assessed and managed. In many locations, K9 Resorts has successfully implemented noise-reduction features like double-insulated walls and advanced ventilation systems to minimize disturbances. Additionally, they typically manage visitor flow through appointment scheduling, preventing overcrowding during peak hours.
The demand for luxury pet boarding and daycare is fueled in part by the realities of urban living. Many pet owners reside in apartments or townhomes without private yards, making it challenging to provide adequate exercise and social interaction for their dogs during long workdays. Premium facilities step in to fill this gap, offering safe, engaging environments where dogs can play, relax, and receive expert care.
According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent over $136 billion on their pets in 2024, with a significant portion dedicated to boarding, grooming, and specialty services. This growing market reflects a cultural shift where pet owners view their animals as integral to family life, willing to pay a premium for exceptional care. Alexandria, with its mix of professionals, families, and urban dwellers, fits squarely into this trend.
The introduction of a K9 Resorts facility on Duke Street would also have positive economic implications for the city. Such establishments generate local jobs ranging from animal care professionals to administrative staff. They also tend to attract foot traffic that benefits nearby businesses. Furthermore, communities with diverse, high-quality amenities—both for people and pets—often see an increase in real estate desirability and overall neighborhood appeal.
As the City of Alexandria reviews the application, public hearings and consultations will allow residents to express their views. The approval process will involve evaluating the facility’s potential effects on traffic, noise levels, and parking, ensuring that the new operation harmonizes with the community’s character. Should the permit be granted, renovations will begin to transform the former bank into a state-of-the-art pet care center, combining functionality with the luxurious touches that define the K9 Resorts brand.
The trend toward luxury pet hospitality is not unique to Alexandria. Cities nationwide are witnessing a surge in upscale dog boarding and daycare services, reflecting changing expectations among pet owners. These facilities provide much more than just a safe place to stay; they offer enrichment activities, socialization opportunities, and wellness care that contribute to pets’ overall happiness and health.
In places like Naples, Florida, for instance, pet hotels include amenities such as swimming pools and spa treatments, catering to a clientele that treats pet care as part of a holistic lifestyle. While these services command premium prices, their popularity demonstrates how the pet care industry is evolving from necessity-driven to experience-driven markets.
This shift also highlights the growing segmentation within the pet services market. While affordable, basic boarding remains available, a new tier of luxury care options appeals to consumers who seek and can afford enhanced service levels. This is akin to the hospitality industry, where economy hotels coexist alongside boutique and five-star establishments, each meeting different customer needs.
For Alexandria, the proposed K9 Resorts facility represents a significant step forward in the city’s pet care offerings. It signals maturation in the local market, acknowledging that pet owners want choices that reflect their lifestyle and values. More importantly, it embodies the changing role pets play in American households—not just as companions but as family members deserving of comfort and individualized attention.
As urban populations grow and lifestyles become busier, facilities like K9 Resorts provide a vital service, alleviating owners’ concerns and enriching pets’ lives. Whether this project moves forward or not, the momentum behind luxury pet boarding and daycare is undeniable. Alexandria’s Duke Street may soon become part of a larger story—one where pet care meets hospitality in a new, sophisticated form.