What dog wouldn’t love being in the lap of luxury?

Thanks to K-9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel of Bethlehem, dogs can find out.

“We want them to have everything here that they do at home,” Deb Hrousis, who owns the hotel with her husband Costas, said Aug. 28 as she and the staff put the finishing touches on preparations for the Sept. 9 opening at 3986 Township Line Road.

K-9 offers such amenities as luxury cage-free overnight boarding with in-suite television tuned to Animal Planet or Dog TV, doggie day care, outdoor courtyard and DayBoarding with personalized care and extra attention.

“There’s nothing like this in the area,” Hrousis said. Though there are other day cares and boarding with different concepts, “there’s no other luxury doggie day care and boarding in this area.”

K-9 features a total of 10,000 square feet of indoor space. “We can have a total of over 100 boarding dogs, or 150 if there are families of dogs,” Hrousis said.

Luxury suites, executive rooms and traditional compartments are the overnight accommodations for dogs that are boarding with K-9. Dogs that come for day care don’t go to accommodations.

There are six luxury suites that will make any dog feel like a king or queen. The suites feature an 8x8 soundproof room with a leather couch and television tuned to Animal Planet or Dog TV. It’s the ideal choice for families with multiple pets.

“There is room for up to four dogs in the luxury suites – or one spoiled pooch,” Hrousis said, noting multiple dogs who share the cage-free space must be from the same family.

There are three executive rooms, which offer a total of 80 5x7 cage-free spaces and are the most popular choice of pet parents, Hrousis said. These are ideal for families with one or two dogs. The overnight package is all inclusive, with Kuranda luxury dog bedding, Blue Buffalo food and day care with group or private playtime.

“The traditional compartments are good for dogs who are used to crate training,” Hrousis said, noting there are 15 single and eight double roomy spaces.

All dogs must be people-friendly to be guests at K-9. There is a private play yard that is geared toward older dogs or those that are not friendly with other dogs. “They have four private playtimes a day with staff that are 20 minutes each,” Hrousis said. Engaging in playtime with such things as balls or Frisbees, “We match their activity with their energy level,” Hrousis said.

“The separate area ensures all dogs are safe,” she said.

A group play yard for large dogs can accommodate up to 50 canines. “The large outdoor dog play area is great for socialization and exercise,” Hrousis said.

“There are a lot of pandemic puppies who need socialization,” Hrousis said. “The dogs love it.”

Both outdoor play areas feature patented K-9 grass “that is easy on the paws.”

Hrousis said K-9 alternates indoor and outdoor play for group and private play throughout the day.

The bathing area can accommodate large and small dogs. “All dogs get a bath if they are here more than two nights with us,” Hrousis said, so the canine guests go home fresh and clean.

K-9 also has a kitchen area. Only Blue Buffalo food is used, as it provides top quality meals designed for sensitive stomachs. Doggie ice cream treats and Evian spring water are upgrade options.

Should dogs require veterinary care during their stay, they are taken to the closest veterinarian to provide them the best care in a safe and efficient manner. The pet parents will always be communicated with in all situations.

K-9 uses a PetAirapy UV air purification and ventilation system that provides 15 to 20 fresh air returns per hour and “are better than hospital grade,” Hrousis said. “We have a compartmentalized HVAC system to increase safety and sanitation in addition to cleaning protocols of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting throughout the day.”

Staff is on site 365 days a year to care for the dogs. Only the lobby is closed on specified holidays for pick up and drop off.

K-9 is a new venture for Hrousis, who holds a master’s degree in education. “I grew up in the restaurant business, and after college opened a restaurant with my brother. He stayed in the restaurant business and I went back to teaching.”

Hrousis was the director of St. Nicholas Academy on Union Boulevard. until two years ago.

“We got our dog, Apollo, right before the pandemic. He’s a black lab who loves people but is a little terrified of other dogs. He didn’t do well in day care – he’s friendly, but not comfortable in a group,” Hrousis said.

Then she found out about K-9 Resorts, an ideal place for Apollo, and as it turned out for Hrousis, who was looking for a different career.

A Bethlehem native, Hrousis met her husband Costas, originally from Washington, N.J., at Moravian College (now University), their alma mater. She’s very happy to be doing business in her hometown.

“I’m so excited to just open,” Hrousis said, noting she’s been going to events since March to introduce K-9 to the community.

“The community is thrilled for us to be open and we’re thrilled to offer them a home away from home.”

Hrousis has participated in such events as the Cinco de Mayo Block Party at The Wooden Match, Bethlehem Township Community Days, Paw Prints on the Canal in Northampton and Homes for Hounds to acquaint the public with K-9.

In addition to attending outdoor events where people bring their dogs, Hrousis also attended events like the Lehigh Valley Auto Show, where, “I met thousands of people and got a lot of interest” in K-9.

“This is a dog friendly community, the ideal market for this concept,” Hrousis said. She noted dog bowls are found outside shops on Bethlehem’s Main Street, and dogs are allowed to go into the shops. Certain stores at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Center Valley also welcome dogs to come inside.

Fun, love and some pampering too await area pooches who are guests at K-9, where they will find life is doggone good.

For information contact the hotel at 610-624-6562 or Bethlehem@K9Resorts.com or visit k9resorts.com/bethlehem/.