Doggy day care

Doggy day care

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It’s not a dog’s life for the furry customers at Sao Paolo’s Dog Resort.

After a morning stint at the playground, they can jump into a bone-shaped swimming pool in the dog spa or retire to the relaxation area for a well-deserved nap – all the while being cared for by a team of professionals, from physiotherapists to personal trainers.

. SAO PAULO, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

The resort is one of the increasingly popular centres that busy Brazilian city dwellers are entrusting with the care of their animal friends during the working day.

For owner and dog lover Raquel Yukie Hama, operating in the world's second largest market for pet services, herein lay an opportunity. She describes her establishment as a children's crèche - but for dogs.

. SAO PAULO, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

While their owners are at work, the pets at Dog Resort enjoy 800 square meters of indoor and outdoor swimming pools, treadmills and recreational areas.

Fresh meat, vegetable meals and a daily wash and dry are also included in the day care fees, up to 730 Brazilian real ($228) per month.

. SAO PAULO, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

The centre sees some 70 dogs through its doors each day and is growing in popularity.

"The dogs have fun here, they interact with other dogs,” said system analyst Andre Ferreira, passing by the centre on his way to work.

And if they ever feel a little lonely during the day, the owners need not worry: they only need to tune in to live stream, transmitted from the centre via Internet, to see their fluffy friends at play.

. SAO PAULO, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce