ot many family-owned-and-operated pet resorts can say that they have cared for over one million pets—but Purr’n Pooch Pet Resorts can! With two locations, the New Jersey-based business has been in operation since 1970.

“My Dad, Dick Palazzo, has a background in veterinary and animal science, along with training, grooming, and behavior, which spurred him to turn his dream into reality, and to make Purr’n Pooch Resorts what they are today,” says a beaming Koren Palazzo-Spadavecchia. “And, after more than 50 years, he still has the same passion, drive, foresight, and love for the industry that he’s had since day one. He truly is a working owner that is there every day and can do everything.”

ot many family-owned-and-operated pet resorts can say that they have cared for over one million pets—but Purr’n Pooch Pet Resorts can! With two locations, the New Jersey-based business has been in operation since 1970.

“My Dad, Dick Palazzo, has a background in veterinary and animal science, along with training, grooming, and behavior, which spurred him to turn his dream into reality, and to make Purr’n Pooch Resorts what they are today,” says a beaming Koren Palazzo-Spadavecchia. “And, after more than 50 years, he still has the same passion, drive, foresight, and love for the industry that he’s had since day one. He truly is a working owner that is there every day and can do everything.”

“The safety, security, and comfort of the pets was of the utmost importance when we designed our facilities,” says Dick. “It was also crucial to me that our guests would be housed in a homelike atmosphere.”

The Tinton Falls and Wall Township, New Jersey locations were both built from the ground up and designed specifically for comfort and safety of the pets. During renovations, construction consisted of the installment of double and triple security fencing and doors throughout the facilities. Also, they have always provided 24-hour staffing and utilize veterinarians that are on call at all times.

Back in the 1970s and 80s, boarding, grooming and training were the only services offered by most facilities, and each dog was kept in a separate run without the opportunity to play with others. That’s when Dick’s vision for social play came into focus, and Purr’n Pooch became one of the first facilities to introduce group play. Dick formulated programs that put groups of dogs together in an enriching environment where they were engaged and had fun, not just isolated. Now, daycare programs are a staple in most pet care facilities.

“Through the years, we have constantly reinvented ourselves by continually improving Purr’n Pooch and adding new services,” shares Dick. “What was once real grass and gravel in our play yards is now antimicrobial K9 grass. We have whole-building backup generators, hospital-grade air ventilation systems, 24-hour surveillance cameras, and monitored fire alarm systems. We have never crate boarded. All of our guests reside in luxurious, climate-controlled suites furnished with elevated beds, cozy bedding, and TVs.”

As the business has grown, each member of the Palazzo family has found their niche and added their special touch to everything they do. Dick’s wife, Mary, has a great flair for design work which is very apparent as soon as you step into the resort’s beautiful, spacious lobbies. Daughters, Koren and Betsy, grew up in the business and are both involved in the day-to-day operations.

“Koren and I loved dad’s vision for the cattery. He always taught us to look from the pets’ point of view,” shares Betsy Palazzo-Dudick. “Everything in the two 1,000-sq.-ft. feline utopias has been custom made. The cats have private accommodations that include alcoves, climbing perches, and windows. They can relax and lounge in the sun, or climb and play all around our indoor waterfall.”

“I built and maintain our website, purrnpooch.com,” says Koren. “It gives visitors an in-depth look at our facilities, the services we offer, and they can see all the fun the pets are having. It answers a lot of their questions and also allows them to make online reservations.”

“I love having my daughters work alongside me,” Dick adds. “They have really given a boost to what we’ve created. Their passion has added fuel to the fire by instituting new programs and services. For instance, Betsy brought her holistic expertise to our business.”

“In addition to grooming, our salon offers spa services as well as massage therapy and Reiki,” shares Betsy enthusiastically. “And, it’s not unusual to enter a room and see a class of Doga (yoga with dogs) in session. We have also added lots of fun activities at the resorts like swimming lessons, birthday parties, and even wedding packages.”

Training has been an important and sought-after service since the resorts first opened. At the Purr’n Pooch Training Academy, their certified trainers have group and private training classes, and also offer boarding school training.

“A well-trained pet is a joy to be around and a real asset to a happy family,” says Koren. “We actually have multiple generations of families that have had their dogs trained by us.”

“Dogs that are in social, off-leash play need to be controlled in a soft-mannered way,” says Dick. “I designed the Pet Shield as a PSD device; to protect, separate, and direct the pets. It’s a simple but crucial device that helps eliminate injury to dogs and employees. I am proud to say that it is now used all over the world.”

As you might guess, it takes a well-trained and dedicated staff to efficiently run these busy facilities.

“We have a staff of over 100, and they are an integral part of our continued success,” Dick shares. “And, we are especially proud of our management team, whom have dedicated over 40 years of commitment to Purr’n Pooch.”

Even with the help of their phenomenal staff, running two facilities keeps the family incredibly busy. Nonetheless, their great love for helping animals has manifested itself in yet another direction when they took on a new project, the Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals.

“The Foundation is a 501c3 organization and is 100% volunteer run,” says Koren. “Through fundraisers like beach parties, summer galas, black tie balls, and many others, we raise money. Then, we provide financial support and educational resources to other non-profit animal rescue groups and other organizations.

“My sister, Betsy, and I established the Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Purr’n Pooch Pet Resorts,” continues Koren. “Creating this foundation is really a tribute to our Mom and Dad for everything they have done for, and in, this industry.”

It’s pretty obvious that the entire Palazzo family has been using their time and talents in countless ways to improve the pet care industry. And, caring for more than one million pets is just one reason the Palazzo family and Purr’n Pooch Pet Resorts have been “leading the pack” for more than 50 years.