From advanced medical offerings to lavish spa treatments, our furry friends have never had it better than this…

The All-American family has long since been a point of fascination within modern society. When it comes to the median range of kin, most of us fall somewhere in line with the stereotypical assumption; two parents, two-and-half kids and a white picket fence, depending on style preferences. However, these basic analyses hardly encompass all of the rich and varied ways that individuals choose to define their family, and even more importantly, they fail to address another highly valued member of our close-knit clan: the family pet.

And while most owners are probably familiar with the standard boarding and kennel options, many are probably not accustomed to a 24-hour live video surveillance feed, a climate-controlled indoor/outdoor exercise arena, and a private pet apartment. Facilities such as Dog Day Afternoon, located in Downtown Orlando, offer all of these amenities along with expert, independent attention and care for every guest on property.

Even better–some of these facilities take things one step further with alternative medicine and therapeutic healing. Rocky’s Retreat in north Orlando specializes in Hydrotherapy and Reiki, an ancient Japanese restorative method that involves reducing stress through physical, emotional and spiritual channels. Co-owner Sherri Cappabianca credits an evening revelation for the idea to offer such an impressive range of services.

“I had a vivid dream to do canine massage while working as a software engineer,” says Cappabianca. “I acted on it, met my business partner who was doing the same thing part-time, and together we built this business.”

If someone finds themselves with a pet in need of healing, the cost is never a problem. “If a dog comes in for hydrotherapy, most clients will spend anything to get their dogs walking and healthy again,” she says.

With such expansive treatment options, it’s no question that our pets are benefitting from all of this extra loving care in a big way. Family dogs are now living almost twice as long, and their time spent as a senior citizen has increased as a result. If this extension of geriatric life results in the need for some specialized surgery and treatments, not to worry. Dr. Robert Porter of Conway Veterinary Hospital in east Orlando is devoted to developing the best methods in managements and techniques.

“We are seeing improved quality in many areas of treatment,” says Dr. Porter. “Here at [Conway Vet], examples of new methods of treatment include using a CO2 laser for less painful and less bloody surgery, as well as using digital DR radiology for both dental and traditional radiographs.”

These local veterinarian offices have expanded their options even further by developing private pharmacies, all in pursuit of better choices for every furry friend in need. If your canine baby has uncontrolled allergies, or needs a vitamin to improve joints or recover after surgery, it’s now all within reach at a one-stop shop.

If your loved one is content as-is and you aren’t in need of these services, spoil them with a spa package instead. Owners can now purchase specialized treatments and these luxuries come fully loaded; available selections include dry skin massages, sugar scrubs, berry-infused facials, aroma-therapy shampoos, acupressure, breed-specific haircuts and dye jobs, pedicures and cologne finishes–all adjusted to the specifications of every client, of course.

After the spa, end the five-star experience on a high note with a specialty sweet at one of the many artisan style, dog-only bakeshops. Find anything from “Puppacinos” and “Pupcakes,” to wafers, ice cream and meat-based biscuits at these kitschy kitchens. Or, if all of this extravagance has gone to the dogs, whip your pup into shape with a weeklong intensive boot-camp instead.

With owners treating their pets like true members of the family, the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure their well-being only heightens. Whether for medical needs or simply the desire to pamper them like a child, the myriad of options in Central Florida will keep Fido’s tail wagging.

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s October 2017 issue.