EAST LONGMEADOW – While driving down N. Main St. heading toward Springfield, passersby may have noticed a large “coming soon” sign at 576 N. Main St., announcing the approaching arrival of Pampered Pets Doggy Daycare and Spa.  Following extensive remodeling, fence installation and making sure each detail is just right, Denise Degon is ready to open Pampered Pets to local pooches.

While Degon has been in the pet care business for over 20 years, she’s spent the last 10 searching for a location that would satisfy the demand for a place where dogs can play, socialize and be taken care of while their owners are away from home during the day.

“I’ve been going to other peoples houses and doing it [pet sitting], I’ve been at my house a little bit here and there. I’ve had a pet sitting business for a long time, and pet rescue,” Degon said.  “I’ve been having such a demand for it for such a long time now.  I’ve been at maximum capacity doing this by myself, I know the need.”

As an East Longmeadow resident, Degon is happy to keep her business in town and serve the surrounding communities.  

The space Pampered Pets occupies is a 5,000 square-foot building, with 4,300 square-feet dedicated to playrooms for the dogs.  Inside, there are two large playrooms, one in a large open room with half walls that has the option of adding an additional half-wall through the center to create an additional space, if needed.  Both playrooms have padded floors to offer support for dog’s joints.  The walls in one playroom are lined with colorfully painted portraits of different breeds.  Even the “time out” area for pups that may have had too much socialization and need a break is adorned with a half-wall that resembles the shape of a doghouse.

“I love them [dogs] to death, they’re so cute.  Especially when they come here for doggy daycare, they’ll be having a field day.  It’s so cute to watch them,” Degon exclaimed.

Additionally, the building has a separate room for services including grooming and self-service dog wash, which will be offered in the coming weeks.  There is also an area for retail, though Degon isn’t yet sure of her exact plans for the space.

The outdoor play area is expansive and fenced in, with additional below-the-ground fencing so dogs aren’t able to dig their way out.  Finally, Degon plans to have pick-up and drop-off services for those who may not be able to pick-up or drop-off their pets.

Degon plans to have three to four additional employees to help take care of and watch the dogs.  Each employee will be trained in pet CPR and pet care.  She also expressed her delight that the Pampered Pets facility is next to East Longmeadow Animal Hospital, which is ideal should an emergency situation arise.

All dogs that come to the facility need to be up-to-date on shots, and be spayed or neutered.  There will be a screening process to be sure that the dogs are able to interact with other animals and staff appropriately.

Degon is now starting to take her current clients dogs into the new facility, and will be open to new clients by the end of the month. Pampered Pets Doggy Daycare and Spa is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be closed on Sundays.  One day of doggy daycare will cost roughly $30, though that number is subject to change. To learn more about Pampered Pets Doggy Daycare and Spa, reserve your dogs spot at the daycare or to check out the facility, call 330-7387 or go to pamperedpetsdaycare.com.