Highly recommended - the best boarding experience I've had in 25+ years as a pet owner! Ace and its staff exceeded our expectations at every stage, from reservations through boarding and pick-up. We boarded our two cats for five nights at its new Braden River facility on S.R. 64 about a mile east of I-75. Its original location operates on Clark Road in Sarasota.
THE RESERVATIONS PROCESS: Smooth and easy. I called Ace's Bradenton facility and spoke with Sierra. She was helpful and professional and easily answered all my questions; I booked two feline suites for the following week. Sierra then directed me to Ace's website, where I completed a registration form (contact information, feeding instructions, medical history, personality and play preferences, etc.) for each cat. As requested, we had our vet's office fax the cats' vaccine records in advance of their arrival.
THE BRADEN RIVER FACILITY: Sparkling clean and welcoming. We could see the cat boarding area through a large window behind the reception area. In addition to the feline suites, it offers an ample space filled with cat toys; we were assured all overnight cats get time each day to individually explore, stretch, and play there. This was included in the basic price of an overnight stay; additional daily cuddle and/or play sessions can be booked at a low daily cost.
Also visible from the lobby was a large glassed-in playroom for canine guests. We were pleased to see staff interacting with dogs during both our arrival and departure visits - and were comforted that the facility is structured so that feline guests don't have sight of canine guests as neither of our kitties is a fan of dogs.
THE STAFF: Wow. Just wow! Professional, courteous, and caring. Though we were nervous about boarding our cats for the first time, we were immediately put at ease upon arrival, where Sierra greeted us warmly, got our kitties checked in, and went over the details of their feeding and care. We left for vacation knowing they'd be in good hands.
When we picked up our cats, Sierra and Justine welcomed us back, and told us how much they loved our kitties and the time they spent with them. Through the window, we could see one of our cats in the playroom sitting on a tower where he could look out into the lobby. On that window was written "Cats of the Day" with the names of our two kitties.
I realize that any pet scheduled to be picked up on a given day will be recognized in this way. But I worked in 5-star hotel management for some time, and saw this simple gesture as more than a mere departure reminder for staff. By using our cats' names and adding an immediate and visible layer to their fond farewell, the staff at Ace - either knowingly or instinctively -fulfilled two of the three vital components of guest satisfaction (the first, providing a warm welcome, was also flawlessly executed). Sierra and Justine went back and returned with our kitties in their carriers, and gave us a "report card" detailing the cats' appetites, potty habits, and activities. The report concluded with a personalized note telling us what the cats enjoyed most during their stay - and even included printed photos of them doing just that!
Ace Pet Resort isn't just state of the art - it's state of the heart. If the need arises again, we will leave our cats in your care without hesitation, and will recommend you wholeheartedly. Thank you, Ace!! read more