“We enjoy the dogs and we’re here to support the community,” she said. 
Wags Pet Resort and Luxury Hotel in Prescott Valley is pampering pooches with a unique blend of top-tier boarding, energetic playtime, grooming, and tailored training. It also delivers priceless peace of mind for pet parents. From the moment clients step into the vibrant lobby, they’re greeted with a video screen showcasing pups frolicking in the doggy playrooms. A comfy chair in the lobby aptly proclaims “Dog kisses fix everything.”
“We’re catching our breath after the bustling holiday season,” said General Manager Kerry Hunt. The post-holiday calm in January and February brings a steady stream of dog owners using the resort’s popular playrooms. Hunt, now entering her third year at Wags, recalls the early days when only five dogs roamed the facility. These days, they host as many as 100 dogs daily.
“We’re continuing to grow, and we broke our record for the holidays,” she said.
Hunt’s expertise in the luxury hotel industry pairs seamlessly with owner Brandy Drey’s deep knowledge of the pet care business. Drey, who has operated a Wags facility in Iowa for a decade, joined forces with Hunt to expand into Arizona, forming what Hunt calls a “perfect partnership.”
This dynamic duo’s vision has led to a stellar reputation, with Wags now serving more than 3,000 customers annually and welcoming an average of 25 new clients each week.
The facility’s four tailored playrooms – including a designated training room – cater to dogs’ temperaments, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. “We find out which dogs can get along,” Hunt said. “We’re the only one in the area with both indoor and outdoor play areas. If it’s raining or snowing, the dogs come home clean.”
Half-day play sessions, running either from 7 a.m.-noon or 1-6 p.m., are perfect for seniors who drop off their furry companions while running errands. Dogs less inclined to mingle can enjoy day-boarding, which offers them a comfortable space of their own.
The state-of-the-art 96-suite facility features options ranging from VIP accommodations to deluxe suites for quieter pets. Some suites include cameras, allowing owners to peek in on their dogs. Grooming services, another sought-after feature, leave pets looking and feeling their best.
Wags employs 18 staff members and plans to grow alongside the community. The facility also partners with local shelters, supporting many dogs who once called a shelter home. Hunt finds immense satisfaction in mentoring young employees, many of whom begin their careers at Wags and go on to become pet technicians or pursue other roles in the pet care industry.
“Some think they’re just going to play with dogs all day, but this is hard work,” Hunt said. “Fun work, but work. I love helping kids figure out their place in the pet industry.”
Above all, safety is the top priority, with Wags maintaining close ties to local veterinarians to ensure any health issues are promptly addressed. “We always err on the side of safety for dogs,” she said.
Hunt’s passion for teaching stems from her time as an elementary school teacher. She takes pride in helping others grow professionally. She’s particularly inspired by her assistant manager, who dreams of opening his own shelter.
“We enjoy the dogs and we’re here to support the community,” she said. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
For more information, call 928-923-6751.
Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: The work culture at Wags is designed to encourage professional development and continue to improve the client experience. Anita Rosario brainstorms new year’s resolutions.
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