Pampering pets a lucrative business in NASCAR world

Life on the NASCAR circuit isn't always conducive for pet ownership.

Unless you have a purse-size pooch or a pet rock, chances are your four-legged friend is left behind with a pet sitter or in a kennel on race weekends.

But if they get the "lucky dog" so to speak, Fido is living in the lap of luxury at K9 Cabins & Dog Trails, Inc.; the ultimate NASCAR-style accommodation for canines belonging to some of the sports biggest stars and industry players.

Reed Sorenson's dog Brutus.

Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr., Reed Sorenson, Greg Biffle all board their beloved hounds at K9 Cabins while they crisscross the country. The upcoming Champions Week in New York will be no exception.

Well prepared drivers have booked their K9 Cabins months ago. They know the demand is fierce and the wait list will leave you at tail end of the longest line if your reservation is not booked well in advance.

The demand is fierce because the treatment rivals that of a five-star hotel for humans.

Boxers belonging to Nicole and Greg Biffle enjoy the K9 Cabins as much as they enjoy their own home.

Martin Truex Jr. said his Labrador retriever, Lexus, looks forward to seeing her friend Larz, a grey Weimaraner who belongs to Dale Merwin, a crewman on the No. 99 car of Carl Edwards.

Driver Erin Crocker says K9 Cabins is a regular social club for the NASCAR dogs. When she is out of town or at the track, Crocker boards her Shih Tzu, Peebles, because she knows her dog is doted on and given the same care as if she were at home.

"They totally spoil her and she has a boyfriend named Flash," said Crocker referring to Peebles' male companion, a long-haired Dachshund from Charlotte, N.C.

When it comes to the lady's best friend, Crocker, and dozens of other clients at K9 Cabins spare no expense to ensure their pets are comfortable.

And it's evident by industry trends.

Figures released by The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) forecast pet industry spending to top $40 billion this year; $2.9 billion of which will be spent on grooming and boarding.

In 2007, Americans' spending on pets is projected to be higher than ever at $40.8 billion. Total pet spending in 2006 was $38.5 billion, a sharp increase from the $21 billion Americans spent more than a decade ago in 1996.

"People consider pets as part of the family and as health becomes a more pressing issue in our country, people are putting extra thought and care into their pets' health as well," said Bob Vetere, president of APPMA.

Pet services, similar to places like K9 Cabins, are increasingly growing with a boom in pet hotels, doggie day cares, high-end groomers, trainers, yard cleaners, walkers, dieticians and massage therapists. (Continued)