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The Morris Animal Inn, a luxury pet resort and spa in Morristown, N.J., held a grand reopening celebration in November to mark the completion of a multi-million-dollar expansion and renovation project more than two years in the making. The ambitious project doubled the size of the facility from 12,000 square feet to 24,000 square feet and added a number of new amenities.
“I think we finally met the goal of creating a state-of-the art facility—a five-star pet resort and spa, as we call it now,” said Walter Morris Jr., who co-owns the Inn with his wife, Marianne.
Situated on 12 acres in northern New Jersey, the Morris Animal Inn is a full-service country inn for cats and dogs, offering lodging, grooming, spa services, day care and number of specialty packages.
The renovation and expansion project, which began in 2005, included the construction of additional upscale suite accommodations for cats, a heated indoor pool and custom whirlpool, a play room for cats, a boarding and play room for small dogs called the “Royal Court,” several individual play suites for dogs, a grooming salon, and an outdoor play area with artificial grass designed specifically for dogs. The project also included mechanical and technological upgrades, like installing an air purification and dehumidification system and a rain water recycling system. The project was completed in phases so the Inn could remain open during the construction.
Joseph Lyman, CEO of the Pet Care Services Association, said the Morris Animal Inn, with its array of services and upscale touches, represents the future of the industry.
“I think this is a great example of where the industry is really moving towards,” said Lyman. He cited seniors and women 30 to 45 years old as the two demographics pushing that shift in the industry from traditional boarding facilities to full-service pet resorts.
During the grand reopening celebration, clients, friends and family toasted to the completion of the project with champagne and dined on hors d’oeuvres.
“It’s like a family here,” said Diane Dilzell, who has been bringing her 11-month-old Boston terrier, Toby, to the Morris Animal Inn since the spring. “Everybody knows everybody, they care about your animal and they take care of it like it was their own.”
Posted January 29, 2009 |
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