If you’ve got a pooch, the Spring Branch District is the place to bring her or him to be pampered, groomed, socialized, trained or boarded.

From dog walking services and individualized training programs to premium grooming salons and kennels with lots of land for dogs to run and play on as their owners are away, the area has a business to fill every need of your canine companion.

Some of the businesses have been caring for Spring Branch area pets for years  while others are taking advantage of the increasing popularity of the District to place a foothold (or pawhold) in the growing business market.

Happy Snoutz Pet Resort, 7717 Long Point Rd., turned five in February.

Owners Leslie Gonzalez and Diego Fernandez offer pet boarding, daycare and high quality baths and grooming for dogs of all ages and sizes.

“We provide a safe and controlled environment where pets can gain confidence and play with other dogs while their parents are away,” said Gonzalez. “We have pools, bubble machines, doggy swings, tunnels and much more!“

The owners grew up in the Spring Branch District.

“We have seen our neighborhood rapidly change in a positive direction in such a short amount of time. To be honest, we wouldn’t want to start a business anywhere else,” Gonzalez said.

She was a volunteer with the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition based in the Spring Branch District and also worked as a veterinary nurse prior to Happy Snoutz.

“Together, Diego and I have rescued and rehabilitated a variety of animals along with plenty of pups. … We see animals as being a part of our lives forever and are honored that we get to love and care for our neighbors’ fur babies,” she said.

Peace Love Dogs, 9619 Yupondale Dr., is a “training-first facility,” according to its  website, and was voted Best Pet Kennel/Boarding by the local Swoon Magazine. In addition to boarding and grooming, Peace Love Dogs offers training and group classes for pet parents who are looking to work on the basics with their pup.

Houston’s Fido Fitness, 1723 Campbell Rd., has been open six months and offers doggie daycare and overnight boarding.

Owners Cori and Raquel Nuss wanted to share their dream business with the Spring Branch community.

“Raquel grew up and has spent her entire life here in Spring Branch, so when we decided to take the leap and open our business, there was no place better,” Cori said.

Houston’s Fido Fitness offers an intimate and unique experience in a home-based program that includes four play areas, two backyards with lots of space to run in the grass and two indoor play rooms with comfy beds and couches.

Lois Wingo had worked as a sales rep when she decided 25 years ago to open Spring Branch Pet Patrol Pet Sitting Services.

“I experienced burnout and decided to do something that I truly loved, working with animals, and the rest is history. 25+ years later, and Spring Branch Pet Patrol is going stronger than ever, making pets and their humans happy,” Wingo said. “It is a very fulfilling experience, and we plan to be around for many years to come.”

Wingo offers daily afternoon visits with pets for working professionals, long-term pet visits and dog walking for vacationers, overnight pet sitting and more.

Another area business with a clever name offers a 30-day immersion boarding and training program. Texas Dogfather is located at 9602 Dalecrest Dr.

Training includes several sessions with the owners to ensure the continuation of their learning.

“We proudly train all breeds, sizes and temperaments. We will take anything from puppy training and general obedience to anxiety, fear or aggression,” the owners said.

At Fritz Kennel, owner Patrick Clynes has been offering boarding, day-care and baths to Spring Branch doggies for the last nine years at 9513 Yupondale.

He said he chose the Spring Branch District for the location.

Man’s Best Friend, 2331 Bingle Rd., has been located in the Spring Branch District for more than 35 years. A few years back, it was sold to a company named Destination Pet.

The business offers training, grooming, daycare and boarding services for dogs and cats.

At Houston Dog Ranch, a wooded five-acre property in Spring Branch, dogs are treated like VIP guests at a luxury hotel. The ranch, located at 9602 Dalecrest Dr., also offers a daycare program and dog training classes.

And after five years in the Spring Branch District, Paw-radise Pet Spa recently moved — but not far. Their new location is about 100 feet away from the old one.

“We were blessed with an opportunity to take this adorable little house right on Long Point Rd.,” the owner posted on Facebook.  “In the coming year, I have a bunch of new services to offer and a beautiful space to accommodate!”

Paw-radise, located at 6615 Long Point Rd., offers dog grooming and also dog massage by Spring Branch resident Cheryn Pollard of Pawse Canine Wellness.

Where do you take your pet for pampering in the Spring Branch District? If you are reading this on social media, comment below and share your favorites with us.

A sampling of doggie businesses in the Spring Branch District:

Houston’s Fido Fitness: www.htxfidofitness.com
Happy Snoutz Pet Resort: www.happysnoutz.com
Man’s Best Friend: [email protected]
Spring Branch Pet Patrol:  sbpetpatrol.com
Texas Dogfather:  [email protected]
Fritz Kennel: http://www.fritzkennel.com/
Houston Dog Ranch: https://houstondogranch.com
Paw-radise Pet Spa: [email protected]
Peace Love Dogs: https://peacelovedogshouston.com
What’s Up Dog: https://www.whatsupdoghtx.com
Cloud 9 Canine Cabins: [email protected]

— by Dorothy Puch Lillig