MADISON – A bad boarding experience for their pet Shih Tzu led Mike and Melissa Cox to open Petz Carlton, an alternative to traditional boarding.

“We integrate your pup(s) into our home and treat them like part of our family while you travel. We keep your pup’s normal routine and provide personalized care,” Mike said.

Petz Carlton hosts are trained “in canine body language and behavior” and certified in pet first aid and CPR by American Red Cross. Never isolated, pets constantly socialize with other pups under professional supervision.

“We also provide daily photo updates of your pup’s vacationing experience on Facebook/Petz Carlton,” Melissa said.

Currently, Petz Carlton has locations at Lanier Lake off Wall Triana and at English Village in south Huntsville. They plan to open more locations.

In addition to overnight boarding, Petz Carlton has daycare for big and small dogs. They match dogs based on temperament and energy.

“We do not keep aggressive dogs. Therefore, Petz Carlton has a mandatory meet-and-greet for all new clients,” Mike said. At the client’s selected location, a host will conduct a behavioral analysis.

“Love and understanding of dogs is in my blood,” Melissa said. A trainer and handler, her father won his first world championship in 1979. “I began providing overnight care to pets in high school when I was 17 years old in 2000.”

Among Petz Carlton’s amenities are nail trimming and painting, bathing, nose and pad care, along with specialty requests. “Petz Carlton hostess Tatiana Castellanos provides assistance to Hollywood Feeds’ on-staff groomer, Jessica Dudley, in Huntsville Plaza. They do amazing work for your beloved pup,” Melissa said.

The Cox family pets are Kya, two-year-old Irish Wolfhound; Lily, three-year-old Shih Tzu; and Izzy, eight-year-old American Eskimo.

They receive clients 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. by appointment only. “But care the Petz Pups receive is 24 hours a day,” Melissa said. “We provide services seven days a week, 365 days a year — even Thanksgiving or Christmas.”

To schedule meet-and-greet time, call 256-682-4078, email to petzcarlton@gmail.com or visit petzcarltonpack.com.